Model year guide

2002 Mazda Protege

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Mazda Protege is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 34 on record.

2002 Mazda Protege — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Mazda Protege at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints100
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$1,503

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

2002 Mazda Protege recalls 4

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.

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.

2002 Mazda Protege common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2002 Mazda Protege safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2002 Mazda Protege 4-DR.Frontal crash test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2002 Mazda Protege 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2002 Mazda Protege MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,800
EPA size classCompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume93 cu ft
Cargo volume20 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2002 Mazda Protege worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$1,503
High
$4,495

From 18 comparable 2002 Mazda Protege listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Mazda Protege costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$700
Total$14,700
Per mile$0.20

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 ($1,503) with the same model 4 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 2002 Mazda Protege — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 101

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 101.

Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.

Bulletin SA-055-26 · Aug 2026

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio…

Bulletin 09-022-26 · Electrical System, Visibility/wiper · Jul 2026

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems.…

Bulletin SA-029-26 · Power Train, Service Brakes, Engine · Apr 2026

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 07-004-25a · Dec 2025

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

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

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.

2002 Mazda Protege trims & engines on record

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

2002 Mazda Protege vehicles on record

2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225020558301 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225921571364 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225620522287 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225421593854 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225520536522 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225121575733 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225221581606 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225X20627737 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ226320535586 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ226521573332 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225920498759 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225820495917 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ225520557435 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225820637358 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225220525803 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ226220634951 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225121573609 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ225320512428 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225X21583300 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda ProtegeJM1BJ226X21557644 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda ProtegeJM1BJ225620631087 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda ProtegeJM1BJ225121594685 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda ProtegeJM1BJ245321602332 2002 Mazda Protege 2002 Mazda ProtegeJM1BJ225120536906

Other Mazda Protege model years

2004 2003 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992

2002 Mazda Protege — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mazda Protege have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2002 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 2002 Mazda Protege?

Across all 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seat belts, power train, service brakes.

What is the 2002 Mazda Protege safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2002 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 2002 Mazda Protege get?

The 2002 Mazda Protege has a U.S. EPA estimate of 24 mpg combined (22 city / 28 highway).

How much is a 2002 Mazda Protege worth?

Comparable 2002 Mazda Protege listings run roughly $500–$4,495, typically around $1,503 (from 18 vehicles).

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