One problem related to engine exhaust system has 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.
I recently purchased a '03 Mazda Protege5. While driving down the road yesterday at 65 mph, I heard a loud bang and heard something hit the bottom of the car. The car exhaust suddenly became much louder. I immediately pulled off the road. I looked under the car, and the exhaust had come apart. The piece of the exhaust after the cat was hanging about 1 inch from the ground. This piece is after the catalytic converter, near one of the hanging points of the exhaust system. Two bolts, which hold this piece together, and the exhaust gasket were missing. Luckily, there was no damage whatsoever. This problem could have ended tragically.