Six problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 2002 Mazda Protege. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Mazda Protege based on all problems reported for the 2002 Protege.
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Protege. While performing an emissions inspection, the dealer noticed a leak caused by a faulty transmission seal and stated that it was a defect. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 77,000.
My 2002 Mazda Protege has 61,000. The transmission has completely gone out on it. When I called the dealer to inquire if this was 'normal' because I had only once before had to replace a transmission at 120,000 she said, "OH yeah we get them all the time. Then wanted to charge me $4,500 to fix it. " I went into the Mazda dealer to try and replace the said car and I told him about my situation and he also said, "yeah, 61,000 miles, just after the warranty expires, they timed that right. " I can not believe the transmission has gone out so soon.
While driving automatic transmission didn't shift properly, none of the gears worked. Dealer inspected vehicle several times, and could not duplicate or correct the problem.
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. Even though this is a dangerous and potentially life threatening issue and this car is clearly a lemon, Mazda has done nothing to replace this car.
Transmission locked up while trying to shift to 5th gear, vehicle stalled while going through an intersection near a quarry, had to pull the emergency brake to stop vehicle, almost went into a ditch.
When driving at any speed especailly high, vehicle lets off a very high pitch noise. Noise is very destracting while driving and consumer has gotten headaches as a result.