Model year guide

2003 Mazda Protege

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Mazda Protege is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 31 on record.

2003 Mazda Protege — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Mazda Protege at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints121
Combined23–24 mpg
Typical price$1,603

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

2003 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.

2003 Mazda Protege common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
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.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
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.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

2003 Mazda Protege safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2003 Mazda Protege 4-DR.Frontal crash test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Mazda Protege 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2003 Mazda Protege MPG & running costs

Combined23–24 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,988
EPA size classCompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume93 cu ft
Cargo volume20 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,938 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 2003 Mazda Protege worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,603
High
$2,600

From 17 comparable 2003 Mazda Protege listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Mazda Protege costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,940
Depreciation (5 yrs)$650
Total$15,590
Per mile$0.21

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 ($1,603) with the same model 5 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 2003 Mazda Protege — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 98

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 98.

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.

2003 Mazda Protege trims & engines on record

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

2003 Mazda Protege vehicles on record

2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225230121367 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225130173573 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225431148886 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ226231206096 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225130102003 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ226630103673 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ226131213086 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ226331140349 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225531159542 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ225531134477 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225130213134 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225131134833 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225930156648 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ225131148540 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ225431182942 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225230144759 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege ESJM1BJ226431129859 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege LXJM1BJ225330154720 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda Protege DXJM1BJ225130206202 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda ProtegeJM1BJ225230101720 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda ProtegeJM1BJ225830185591 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda ProtegeJM1BJ225730187252 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda ProtegeJM1BJ225430154323 2003 Mazda Protege 2003 Mazda ProtegeJM1BJ225930108213

Other Mazda Protege model years

2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992

2003 Mazda Protege — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mazda Protege have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2003 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 2003 Mazda Protege?

Across all 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, seat belts, power train.

What is the 2003 Mazda Protege safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 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 2003 Mazda Protege get?

The 2003 Mazda Protege has U.S. EPA estimates of 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

How much is a 2003 Mazda Protege worth?

Comparable 2003 Mazda Protege listings run roughly $700–$2,600, typically around $1,603 (from 17 vehicles).

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