Three problems related to transmission failure have 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.
While driving 50 mph check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced. Also, while applying the brake pedal vehicle failed to stop. However, consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the brakes needed to be replaced, and replaced them three times. However, the problem recurred. . . . . . The transmission cost $1,800. 00 to be replaced. The contact stated that a vehicle with not much mileage should not have a major transmission failure. The car jerked and was shifting gears while driving. It was clearly a defective transmission.
Vehicle recently repaired for transmission failure, which necessitated repairs in excess of $2,500. 00. (nar).
On several non-successive occurrences, while driving between 35 - 40 mph, I encountered a severe sudden deceleration which felt as if the vehicle undercarriage scraped an invisible bump. The deceleration is sudden, harsh and very unsettling. Also, while driving up east coast mountains, such as in MD. Va. And PA. , the transmission seems to have a very bad smell as if heating up too much. Eventually the transmission failed. It was replaced by dealer at no cost. Now the replacement transmission is doing the same things again! it looks like the transmission is due to fail again!!.