Model year guide

2001 Mazda Protege

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2001 Mazda Protege is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 30 on record.

2001 Mazda Protege — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2001 Mazda Protege at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints52
Combined24–28 mpg
Typical price$1,363

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2001 Mazda Protege recalls 5

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 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.

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

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.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E064000 · 17/07/2006

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E038000 · 08/05/2006

CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Fix: ALFAOTTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALFAOTTO AT 626-656-2992 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALFAOTTO.COM.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #01V024000 · 01/02/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME LEFT SIDE REAR BRAKE HOSES WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE HOSE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-55…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2001 Mazda Protege common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

2001 Mazda Protege safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2001 Mazda Protege 4-DR.Frontal crash test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2001 Mazda Protege 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2001 Mazda Protege MPG & running costs

Combined24–28 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,650
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume93 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2001 Mazda Protege worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,363
High
$2,800

From 20 comparable 2001 Mazda Protege listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2001 Mazda Protege costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$700
Total$13,950
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,363) with the same model 3 model-years older ($945), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
174.0 in
Width
67.3 in
Height
55.5 in
Wheelbase
102.8 in
Curb weight
2,493–2,632 lb
Front track
57.9 in
Rear track
57.9 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2001 Mazda Protege — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 102

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 102.

A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensati…

Bulletin 07-004-25 · Apr 2025

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, S…

Bulletin 09-038-24 · Electrical System · Aug 2024

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services perform…

Bulletin SA-011-24b · Jul 2024

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services perform…

Bulletin SA-011-24a · Jun 2024

Speedometer replacement procedure

Bulletin 09-016-23 · Electrical System · Feb 2023

Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guideli…

Bulletin 02-004-22a · Suspension · Nov 2022

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.

Bulletin 09-024-22 · Electrical System · Jul 2022

This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, in…

Bulletin 01-006-22 · Electrical System · Jun 2022

Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guideli…

Bulletin 02-004-22 · Suspension · May 2022

Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.

Bulletin SA-014-22 · Equipment · Mar 2022

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PROTEGE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2001 Mazda Protege. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the left brake hoses may have been damaged during vehicle assembly. If the vehicles are operated in this condition, brake fluid may leak. This could result in degraded brake performance. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, left rear brake hoses will be replaced.

Transport Canada #2001046 · Feb 2001

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Mazda Protege

The Mazda Familia , also marketed prominently as the Mazda 323, Mazda Protegé and Mazda Allegro, is a small family car that was manufactured by Mazda between 1963 and 2003. The Familia line was replaced by the Mazda3/Axela for 2004.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2001 Mazda Protege trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · DX · ES
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 117 hp · 1.6L 4-cyl 105 hp

2001 Mazda Protege vehicles on record

2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225610488351 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ222910426934 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ222610403918 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225210429362 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225610480038 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ225210445822 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ222010418897 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225610406697 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225610469363 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225X10464392 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225710473101 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225710459246 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225810477173 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ222310453045 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225310462127 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225910427821 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ222110451231 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ222210416763 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225310425482 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225110477919 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225410473296 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225X10486151 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225110473269 2001 Mazda Protege 2001 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225910455781

Other Mazda Protege model years

2004 2003 2002 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992

2001 Mazda Protege — frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Mazda Protege have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2001 Mazda Protege. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mazda Protege?

Across all 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine and engine cooling, power train.

What is the 2001 Mazda Protege safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2001 Mazda Protege crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Mazda Protege get?

The 2001 Mazda Protege has U.S. EPA estimates of 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

How much is a 2001 Mazda Protege worth?

Comparable 2001 Mazda Protege listings run roughly $700–$2,800, typically around $1,363 (from 20 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.