Three problems related to body have been reported for the 2003 Mazda Protege. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mazda Protege based on all problems reported for the 2003 Protege.
Severe rusting of left and right rear quarter panels leading into rear of rocker panels due to poor rust protection from factory.
Passenger side strut tower has rusted to the point that failure of the suspension is imminent. The rust inhibitor that was applied from Mazda motor corp. During manufacturing, on the passenger front wheel well has failed and is allowing water, road salt etc¦ to enter the engine bay and cause severe rusting on the top and side portion of the strut tower where the side motor mount and strut tower brace attach to the strut tower. The failure of the rust inhibitor has now caused the failure of the steel strut tower which in-turn could cause the engine and/or front passenger side suspension to become dislodged and cause a severe accident. Pictures can be provided upon request.
Structure: small rust spots located on all exterior surfaces.
| Body problems | |
| Underbody Shield problems |