Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The 2003-2003.5 mazdaspeed Protege poorly designed limited-slip differential has seen a failure rate of over 125 documented cases online. When this part fails, the vehicle does not respond to acceleration causing a safety issue at highway speeds and residential speeds. When this part fails, it could cause the vehicle and passengers to be at risk for roadside rear end crashes due to loss of power especially if the driver is changing lanes at highway speed. This issue has been a widespread problem for this particular model and Mazda USA has denied any responsibility for issuing a recall. 2003-2003.5 mazdaspeed Protege owners have had the limited slip differential replaced only to find the issue re-appear and fail again. Here is a link to the documented list of owners who have had this fail. (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64821&page=29). …
Clutch apparently failed to engage transmission after being driven 15 miles to work with no apparent symptoms that it was going to fail. Vehicle has previously had a motor mount break that was covered under the terms of the warranty. I believe the motor mount failure caused a misalignment of the drive train which resulted in the premature failure of the clutch. Mazda has refused to cover the clutch as a warranty repair even though they did the motor mount repair. At the time the motor mount failed the motor or transmission was making an awful racket. The clutch sounded like it was under an awful strain!
We purchased a Mazda protege5 in January of 2002. Within a very short time, (~1000 miles, maybe less), we noticed a high pitched whining noise. This noise occurs between 50 and 75 miles per hour on average. We brought the vehicle in to Mazda, and a mechanic immediately tied the problem to the transmission. So, in very short order, they replaced our transmission, (which worried me a little). Unfortunately, this did not correct the problem, so we complained once more, and within a week or two Mazda apparently released a bulletin which releases them of all responsibility. This bulletin apparently states that the whining noise associated with certain Mazda protege5 vehicles is merely a vibration in the engine and will not affect the integrity of the vehicle or its resale value. …
We purchased a new 2002 Mazda Protege lx in 08/2002. Within days we were having problems with the transmission. Sometimes just hesitation in acceleration and shifting. Frequent failure to shift at all or failure to shift for prolonged intervals (sometimes miles). Occasional slamming into gear and car lurching forward. We have had 3 incidents that almost lead to accidents. We have had car in for repairs on 5 separate occasions, but dealer said they could not find anything wrong. Letter of notification of defect to manufacturer sent to Mazda corporate on 3/22/03. Car was taken into dealer for final chance to repair. Dealer still says they can find nothing wrong. We purchased a 2nd Mazda Protege lx at the same time, and we have had no problems with its transmission and it shifts smoothly and properly. …
While driving my Mazda Protege to work when automatic transmission would not shift down into first gear. After shift to neutral and back to drive, trans shifted to first gear. Drove normally for next 15 miles to work. When leaving for lunch, transmission failed completely after 15 seconds in drive. Car is 3 yrs 3 months old, was bought new and had 53,000 miles at time of failure. Car had been carefully maintained according to manufacturer's schedule. Dealer's service rep said car was out of warranty, and would not consider any assistance due to fact that the car had not been maintained there. I contacted area manufacturer's rep and was told same thing. …
I purchased my 2001 Mazda Protege brand-new. At about 60,000 miles the overdrive light started blinking. Going from second gear into third, the transmission would buck. I took it to the dealership and was told that it needed a new transmission, so I had a new transmission installed. Now at 154,000 miles, it is happening again. I have read numerous complaints similar to mine. Mazda refuses to accept any responsibility for manufacturing faulty transmissions.
2000 Protege lx accelerator pedal was stuck in the depressed position. As a result of the accelerator pedal sticking the consumer was involved in an accident. On feb 21, 2000 the vehicle was taken to the dealer because the consumer heard a high pitched ping noise coming from the vehicle. The dealer was unable to duplicate the noise. The left rear door lock assembly was defective. The vehicle would accelerated and jerk while accelerating.
I feel that my 2000 Mazda Protege dx with 56,000 miles on it is a very unsafe vehicle. This vehicle has such low miles on it to be giving me any trouble. When I am driving, the vehicle feels as if it is going into overdrive by itself and then returns back to normal. My overdrive light flashes on and off when this happens. This is a very unsafe because when it does this, it lunges your vehicle forward. I have not been going very fast when this has happened. I am very afraid to drive my vehicle in fear that at a higher speed, this could cause an accident. I have read many complaints that are similar as mine. Something needs to be done about this. I have no warranty on my vehicle and really don't have the money to fix it, but it has to be done. From what I have read on the internet, Mazda has produced a very poor transmission. I feel that this is only the start. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Protege years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (29), 1999 (22), 1995 (19), 2002 (17) and 1998 (15) model years. Transmission complaints make up 28% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Mazda Protege transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Mazda Protege model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda Protege transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (91 mentions), followed by the driveline › constant velocity joint (8).
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.