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Engine & cooling

1998 Mazda Protege Engine problems

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1998 Mazda Protege's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 22% of all its complaints, most recently on February 11, 2005. They describe 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

Vehicle failed emissions inspection due to a crack in the front exhaust pipe and mid-pipe. Dealer replaced both at my expense. *Jb

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10110380
Engine & cooling

Numerous problems with 1999 mazda protege lx.*Mr days after the vehicle was purchased the check engine light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where she was told that they were not very knowledgeable about mazda because they were primarily a honda dealer. The vehicle was taken to a service station where they suggested the problem had something to do with the gas. The technician reset the computer and told the consumer if the problem recurred to take the vehicle to a mazda...

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dealer. The check engine light continued to illuminate, but every time the consumer attempted to take the vehicle to be serviced the light would go off. Over the coarse of a few months the dealer replaced several components that they thought would alleviate the problem, but they didn't. It was later determined that the drain plug was not put back properly and fell out while driving. *Nm

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10083377
Engine & cooling

The vehicle's exhaust manifold developed a cracked which greatly reduced the engines performance and power. *Nlm

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10017774
Engine & cooling

Exhaust manifold crack in 1998 mazada protege. Recently there has been a burning smell in the cabin. My mechanic found that it is due to the exhaust manifold crack and told me that it is a common problem for 95-98 protege. He thought it might be in the bulletin. I took his suggestion and called the dealer, but the answer was negative. I am very concerned because the monoxide from the exhaust could potentially kill a person in silence. I have been driving the car with the window open most time, just to be safe. I hope that mazda will place a recall on it

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10008470
Engine & cooling

The catalytic converter was replaced back in 09/01. I was told it would be replaced for free! I left paying $66.11 To replace catalytic converter. I have also had to replace a portion of the ac unit on 05/23/02. One month later approximately 6/25/02 I then heard a loud exhust noise. I had the vehicle looked at by a friend who found that the manifold had a siginificantly large crack. Moreover, the smell within the passenger campartment of the vehicle is extreme to the point when we get out of the car we have...

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the smell of exhust fumes in our hair and clothes. The smell in the car is very overwhelming, that we must ride with the windows open for fresh air and lets just say we only get relief for just a short while with the windows open because we live in florida and it is usually too hot & humid to have the windows open during the daytime. On longer drives it tends to make me sleepy also my 5 year old rides in this vehicle and has a history of asthma. This to me is a great hadzard to all of our health especially to his. I wonder if this is all related to each other. Or is it something that everyone has had a problem with? Sincerely, [[redacted]]. *Ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 764373
Engine & cooling

Called mazda dealer in regards to cracked exhaust manifold basically told me that since it wasn't under warranty anymore there was nothing they could do. I have called 25 different salvage yards in georgia and this seems to be a hot item right now because I can't get one. To buy one from the dealer will cost me over $300.00 . I know there should be a recall on this.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 753984
Engine & coolingVisibility & wipers

Re:manifold. A crack begins from the engine side.Dealer stated the first it happened a stone must have come up & hit it. This is an imposibility. Now after replacing it it has occurred again.Crack is in the same place.Beginning from the engine side. Every time this occurs, exhaust fumes enter the passenger compartment.Re: windshield.Wipers do not clean the driver side & have never done so since I purchased the car.Wipers have been replaced & does not help.In a driving rain I have to slow down to 50 mph to wipe clean.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · VisibilityNHTSA 742468
Engine & cooling

Part warranty 80,000, I live 75 miles from nearest dealer. Dealer quoted 900.00 To replace part and refused to honor warranty since it was 1,000 miles over by time vehicle was taken to shop. Contacted manufacturer, mazda america and they entertained idea of fixing under warranty then changed mind because dealer told them I had not had routine maintenance like oilo changes, tire replacements etc. Done at dealership. I think this is. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 738255
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

I have returned my car for repairs a total of six times since new purchase in july 1998. The converter was replaced, but the car still has an egg smell. It also hesitates when shifting at low speeds. I filed a lemon law complaint in may 1999. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power trainNHTSA 706813
Engine & coolingAcceleration & cruise controlCrash

While pulling into parking space with foot on brakes vehicle suddenly accelerated. The vehicle jumped the parking bump & hit a brick wall. No physical injuries. Prior to acceleration, had venicle at dealer & the timing belt was adjusted. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 836139

Mazda Protege engine complaints by year

Protege engine problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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