1998 Mazda Protege: problems, recalls and reliability

“While driving, an object appeared on the highway, the consumer ran over the object which caused damage to the bumber and under the vehicle. *la *sc *jb”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2003

“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2003

“While driving at 60 mph , vehicle started overheating. Consumer had vehicle serviced by a mechanic who indicated that the heating core had rusted. Please provide more details.”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2002

“Coverings on driver and passenger side key locks that prevent moisture from entering the lock were made from plastic. This plastic becomes brittle after several years of exposure and use and can break. When the part breaks, pieces from the broken cover can easily be lodged in the lock rendering the lock unusable (as happened to me).”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jun 2002

“Vehicle failed emissions inspection due to a crack in the front exhaust pipe and mid-pipe. Dealer replaced both at my expense. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2002

“Consumer noticed that the transmission was not shifting right, it would rev high and not shift back down when she stepped on the gas, consumer had to take her foot off the gas to get it to come back down. Took it back to the dealer, dealer said a new transmission was needed and that the warranty had expired. Vehicle wasthen taken to a nationally known service shop for a second opinion and was told the hydraulic clutch had come apart, consumer letting them do the repairs because she was not satisfied with initial service from dealer. *yd”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2002

“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2001