MotorDeets

2000 Mazda Protege: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2000 Mazda Protege: 1 recall, 102 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
102owner complaints
25mention a crash
27best combined mpg
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Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #01V024000 · 2001 · 13,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Some left side rear brake hoses were damaged during assembly. Brake fluid leakage could occur.

Why it matters: Brake performance would be degraded, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the brake hose and, if necessary, replace the hose. Owner notification began February 20, 2001.

2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.

The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.

Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles

What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.

Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 21 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain29
Airbags25
Seat belts8
Brakes (hydraulic)8
Tires7
Engine & cooling7
Electrical6
Seats5

What owners describe

The 2000 Mazda Protege has 102 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 14 Protege model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 77). Complaints peaked in 2001 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 45,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1999 (88 complaints, 1 recalls), 2001 (50 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive253127Regular
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive233026Regular
1.8 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive222825Regular
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive212723Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2000 Mazda Protege.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2000 Mazda Protege manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2000 Mazda Protege manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2000 Mazda Protege manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2000 Mazda Protege manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2000 Mazda Protege have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2000 Mazda Protege, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2000 Mazda Protege problems?

Owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (29), airbags (25), seat belts (8).

What gas mileage does the 2000 Mazda Protege get?

EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2000 Mazda Protege repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Protege years

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