2004 Mazda Protege Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2004 model year · 120+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 120+ owner reports, the 2004 Mazda Protege has 1 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Rear Sway Bar Link and Bushing Failure with 120 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $80 to $250. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 1 Known Issues
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 Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 120+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipPolyurethane sway bar bushings last 3-4x longer than rubber OEM bushings on Proteges
- UpgradePolyurethane bushing kit for longer life and tighter handling than OEM rubber (Energy Suspension Bushing Kit)
- UpgradeSway bar end links to eliminate clunking over bumps (Moog Sway Bar Link Kit)