One problem related to wiring has 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.
Purchased a new 2002 Mazda Protege on 2/20/02 from ramsey Mazda, ramsey, NJ. Other than regular oil changes, only service to vehicle done by Mazda dealer on 5/8/02 when car stalled and dealer installed new computer. On 8/24/03, while driving car stalled and I saw smoke coming from under the hood. Opened hood and saw engine compartment engulfed in flames. Fire department called and put out fire but not before extensive damage done to front of car. Insurance company has deemed car totalled. Mazda claims they have no investigative team to determine cause of fire and that my insurance company should hire an independent investigator. Insurance company refuses to hire investigator.