Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The current issues ( which we believe are Mazda corporate issues) and inherent to this vehicle which has low, low, low miles have caused the engine to overheat and have resulted in an engine fire, twice, on the freeway: 1)faulty electrical parts: this vehicle has had the same electrical problems since the first day we brought it and has had multiple replacements of the electrical module, batteries, alarm system, and other items, which have proven faulty by Mazda. 2)shutter valve recall: ours was inspected, but not replaced even though things were out of sorts. It was later deemed a problem. 3)faulty belts, due to engine overheating, which technicians have told us was from an overheating issue and potentially created by the inherent problems with the electrical system. …
2003 Mazda Protege. Consumer states electrical problems with vehicle and several other concerns the consumer stated the lights stayed on and the alarm would sound intermittently. The dealer replaced the electrical module. The consumer also stated the engine overheated due to a water pump leak and leaking radiator, the battery was replaced several times, the vehicle was out of alignment, and the consumer had to purchase three sets of tires.
Purchased a new 2002 Mazda Protege on 2/20/02 from ramsey Mazda, ramsey, nj. Other than regular oil changes, only service to vehicle done by Mazda dealer on 5/8/02 when car stalled and dealer installed new computer. On 8/24/03, while driving car stalled and I saw smoke coming from under the hood. Opened hood and saw engine compartment engulfed in flames. Fire department called and put out fire but not before extensive damage done to front of car. Insurance company has deemed car totalled. Mazda claims they have no investigative team to determine cause of fire and that my insurance company should hire an independent investigator. Insurance company refuses to hire investigator.
The car began to shutter and dropped from 50 to 25 in seconds. The check engine light (cil) starting flashing and the car began to stutter like it was going to die, I pulled to the side of the road and the car died. Started car again the cil continued to flash, it only would accelerate to 25 miles an hours even with my foot all the way down on the gas. I took it to the a mechanic and the codes were p0421, 171, 300. The mechanic did everything from engine flush, spark plugs, oil, air filters and installed a new catalytic converter but the problem persists. Its now a year later and the car is doing the exact same thing.
I was at a local restaurant when they announced a Mazda Protege was on fire in the parking lot. Fire department and police were called. Fire was put out and fire department looked to find source of fire. I was told it was electrical. It started in the wiring at the left rear door. The fireman asked what was in the trunk (meaning highpowered amps). I told him everything in the car was original. No added equipment. He said that the only time he had seen a fire in the electrical system like mine was as a result of overload from added speaker/ amps. My Mazda 2001 Protege is being totaled by farmers insurance but they will not have it investigated as to the failure. Mazda has been informed and opened a case but will not do anything without the insurance company's investigation. I am now out a car that should have lasted me ten years or more. …
Vehicle: 2001 Mazda Protege lx 2.0 liter engine failure: key is inserted in ignition and turned, starter will turn over but engine will not start. Occurrence: intermittently, 3 times in 2 months. Service: had it towed each time to a certified Mazda dealership. First time - they replaced the ignition coils with another vehicles coils and it started right up. They put the original coils back in and it started up fine. Second time - they replaced the PCM third time - had it towed to a different Mazda dealership. After towing, the vehicle started right up. I have had the vehicle serviced at regular intervals as recommended by Mazda since I purchased it new 6 years ago. I have been in contact with Mazda corporation to check for recalls or known issues and was told there are none for my vehicle. After explaining my problem to them, I was given no suggestions for recourse. …
Bought car in October 2000 brand new and to date have had 6 problems. 1) March 2001 motor for driver side window had to be replaced. 2) December 2001 cd player stopped working temporarily. 3) 4/8/02 check engine lite came on, dealer found no problem. 4) 4/30/02 check engine lite came on, this time dealer had to replace ignition coil. 5) 10/24/02 check engine lite came on, dealer found no problem. 6) 12/27/02 check engine lite came on, dealer has to replace catalytic converter ts
When driving transmission jumped out of drive and went into neutral, causing vehicle to decelerate and lose power. Prior to incident, overdrive light was illuminating on the dash. Possibility, that the problem was linked to computer which has malfunctioned. The vehicle was in drive position through, but when the driver stepped on acceletrator, engine raced up in RPM but wheels acted as in neutral.
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Protege years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (15), 2002 (9), 1997 (6), 1999 (6) and 2000 (6) model years. Electrical complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mazda Protege electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 15V-674 (switch, Oct 19, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda Protege electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (7 mentions), followed by the wiring › interior/under dash (6).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.