Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data
2003 Mazda Protege recalls
Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2003 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.
Recall summary by component4
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Campaigns |
|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 4 |
Safety recalls4
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| May 11, 200909E025000 | Exterior lighting: headlightsDECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. DetailsHide details for campaign 09E025000
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| Apr 7, 200909E012000 | Exterior lightingDECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. DetailsHide details for campaign 09E012000
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| Jul 17, 200606E064000 | Exterior lightingLACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. DetailsHide details for campaign 06E064000
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| May 8, 200606E038000 | Exterior lightingWITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. DetailsHide details for campaign 06E038000
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Owner complaints by component121
NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Complaints | % |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 34 | 28 |
| Seat belts | 17 | 14 |
| Power train | 12 | 10 |
| Suspension | 11 | 9 |
| Air bags | 10 | 8 |
| Tires | 10 | 8 |
| Steering | 7 | 6 |
| Engine | 6 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 4 |
| Structure | 4 | 3 |
| Seats | 4 | 3 |
| Hydraulic | 4 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 3 | 2 |
| Gasoline | 3 | 2 |
10 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.
Latest reports
- Engine
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda protege. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed.”
- Engine
“Rough idle causing to stall while driving, check engine light on for cylinder misfire, found cylinder 4 with a bent spark plug with the gap closed.”
- Air bags
“2003 mazda protege would not pass 2019 virginia safety inspection due to defective passenger side airbag. Dealer cannot replace because mazda has discontinued that part.”
Other Mazda Protege model years
- 20030 recalls120 complaints
- 20020 recalls98 complaints
- 20011 recall50 complaints
- 20001 recall102 complaints
Other Mazda models
- 2003 Mazda66 recalls174 complaints
- 2003 Tribute6 recalls199 complaints
- 2003 MPV4 recalls113 complaints
- 2003 B-Series1 recall21 complaints
- 2003 MX-5 Miata1 recall14 complaints
- 2004 Mazda32 recalls145 complaints
- 2013 CX-51 recall194 complaints
- 2007 CX-95 recalls86 complaints
- 2007 CX-74 recalls528 complaints
- 2004 RX-810 recalls490 complaints
- 2024 CX-9011 recalls455 complaints
- 2006 Mazda52 recalls78 complaints
2003 Mazda Protege recall questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda Protege have?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns for the 2003 Mazda Protege. The most recent, 09E025000 (reported May 11, 2009), concerns exterior lighting. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.
What are the 2003 Mazda Protege recalls for?
The largest group is exterior lighting, with 4 campaigns. Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Mazda Protege?
Engine and engine cooling is the most-reported component, named in 34 complaints out of 121 filed with NHTSA (28%). Across all complaints, owners reported 16 crashs and 2 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How do I check if a recall is open on my 2003 Mazda Protege?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Mazda recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Mazda dealer.
Check a specific Mazda by VIN
Need the factory options too? See the Mazda build sheet & window sticker guide.