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Mazda · Known Issues

2004 Mazda Protege Problems: 1 Known Issue

2004 model year · 120+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 120+ owner reports, the 2004 Mazda Protege has 1 documented issue. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. The most commonly reported issue is Rear Sway Bar Link and Bushing Failure with 120 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $80 to $250. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Protege Suspension1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Suspension1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

Filter:
ALL YEARS200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990
Community reported
120 owners

On the 1999-2004 Mazda Protege, rear sway bar end links and bushings wear prematurely causing clunking noises over bumps. Lightweight design means shorter lifespan than larger vehicles.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunking from rear over bumps
  • Rattling on rough roads
  • Loose feeling in rear end
  • Visible worn bushings
  • Noise worse when cornering

How to Fix

Replace rear sway bar end links and bushings. Consider polyurethane bushings for longer life.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Beck Arnley 101-5068 rear stabilizer-bar link
    OEMBeck Arnley 101-5068

    Rear end-link replacement for 1999-2000 Protege Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page identifies Beck Arnley 101-5068/PartsGeek 17593-07258052 for the rear of 1999-2000 Protege, describes an eight-inch stud-to-stud link, and sh…

    PartsGeek
  • MOOG K80869 rear stabilizer-bar link
    OEMMOOG K80869

    Rear end-link replacement for the 2001-2003 standard-suspension Protege branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page lists MOOG K80869 for 2001-2003 Protege rear except MPS option and 2002-2003 Protege5 without sport suspension…

    PartCatalog

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipPolyurethane sway bar bushings last 3-4x longer than rubber OEM bushings on Proteges
Typical repair cost:$80 - $250

Research This Issue

Based on 120 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low Confidence120 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

Campaign #09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Campaign #09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mazda Protege problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 120+ owner reports, the 2004 Mazda Protege has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: Rear Sway Bar Link and Bushing Failure. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Mazda Protege reliable?

The 2004 Mazda Protege has 1 known issue documented across 120+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mazda Protege problems?

Repair costs for known Mazda Protege issues range from $80 to $250, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1999-2004 Mazda Protege Rear Sway Bar Link and Bushing Failure?

Rear sway bar end links and bushings wear prematurely causing clunking noises over bumps. Lightweight design means shorter lifespan than larger vehicles. Repairs typically run $80-$250. Severity: low.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 120+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #06E03800008/05/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Campaign #06E06400017/07/2006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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

Campaign #01V02400001/02/2001

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.