Two problems related to seats 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.
When engaging seat belt into locking mechanism, the mechanism broke into about seven pieces. It will no longer hold the seat belt.
I am 6'0" with a tempermental back and a 30" pant inseam. In practical terms, I must have the seat cushion at its lowest position (for headroom); the seat back vertical (to prevent backache); and the seat moved relatively forward (to reach the pedals). My 2003 Mazda Protege 5 is one of the few cars I can drive comfortably. That's high praise for such a modest car. >>>>> my problem with the Protege is the lever for the fore/aft movement of the driver's seat. The lever is below the front edge of the seat cushion (instead of along the left side); it is shaped roughly like a capital letter "l" laid horizontally; the inside angle is about 120 degrees (so that the long side points forward toward the accelerator); and the lever tip is "pointy". >>>>> if I wear "long" pants with bottom cuffs, the cuffs are prone to catch on the seat lever as I get out of the car. Believe me, it's not easy to stop 235 pounds when I've been thrown off balance. I've repeatedly gotten bruised and/or scraped hands during ungraceful landings. >>>>> the front passenger seat is similar. These levers are a safety hazard. I believe that the 2003 Protege (and any other recent vehicle using this design) should be recalled for replacement of the seat levers. >>>>> a replacement lever should be shaped so that its tip tucks far enough under the seat cushion (a couple of inches) to prevent it from catching a pant cuff or purse strap. For an example of the job done right, please see the 2004 Mazda 626. >>>>> this is an ongoing problem. Your stupid web site design insists on a specific month/day/year for the incident date. I have entered my date of purchase instead.