One problem related to automatic transmission column shift has been reported for the 2000 Mazda Protege. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Mazda Protege based on all problems reported for the 2000 Protege.
I have complained continuously to dealer and manufacturer since car had approx 4,000 miles. A "clunking" noise was coming from transaxle area. Both dealer and Mazda rep, told me to "wait and see" or "thats a normal sound, don't worry about it". Yesterday while operating my 2000 Mazda Protege ES at approx 60mph on interstate 93 n transaxle failed. Car was fine one second, the next seconf I was free wheeling, no power, engine continued to run, but it was if I was in neutral. Most fortunatly it was daylight, dry conditions, and a highway exit was right there, I coasted off the highway down the exit ramp and called for help. Had I been in the passing lane, or if conditions were poor, this could have been a disaster.