We have classified the 2 complaints from 2003 Mazda Protege about SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC into the following categories.
Premature rear brake wear, both sides. both rear rotors (and their pads, of course) had to be replaced at 20,240 miles. i was charged $378.45 for repair. internet discussion groups report this problem due to caliper slides sticking. some dealers perform this repair free; mine refused.*ak
While driving a flat tire. changed the flat, and proceeded to drive. upon coming to a stop sign and depressing the brakes vehicle continued through the stop sign. this happened on two occasions. the abs kicked in, making a bumming noise. however, the vehicle lost power. took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that it may be the abs. *ak
Vehicle went backwards even after consumer put the gear into park.*mr when the consumer got back in the car after leaving it running she noticed the engine oil pressure light was on, but thought nothing of it. the consumer was unable to stop the vehicle until it came to rest on its own after rolling in a ditch. the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *jb
I believe that the 2003 mazda protoge5 brake design is flawed and dangerous (5-speed manual). i have addressed this issue with my dealer (capital mazda, cary, nc) and they refuse to help.*ak there is excessive brake pedal travel, so much so that i can nearly push the pedal to the floor. the dealer says this is normal operation. i have experienced several occasions that when braking, have actually pressed the accelerator pedal as well, causing the engine to race. on at least one occasion, the car lurched forward upon releasing the brake, due to the accelerator pedal being pressed as well as the brake pedal. this is a fundamental design flaw it seems and one that needs immediate action from mazda. this is a condition that will likely lead to traffic accidents.