NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 102 owner complaints for the 2000 Mazda Protege. Most complaints involve power train (29) and air bags (25). The EPA rates it 23–27 mpg combined.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME LEFT SIDE REAR BRAKE HOSES WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MAZDA PROTEGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ENGINE TOOK A LONG TIME TO START UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MAZDA PROTEGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
“THE LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE. MY SPOUSE SPENT FIFTEEN MINUTES TRYING TO GET IT UNBUCKLED AND POPPED A BLOOD VESSEL IN HER THUMB TRYING TO RELEASE IT. GOING TO REPLACE IT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. WILL CONTACT DEALER TO SEE IF IT CAN BE WARRANTIED. THEY SHOULD, IT IS A SAFETY ITEM! *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protege Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 31 | 27 | $2,400 | 329 |
| Protege Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Protege Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Protege Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 102 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (29), air bags (25), seat belts (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2000 Mazda Protege at 23–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).