I am now having to put the 3rd transmission in my 99 Mazda Protege, the first two were at Mazda expense and I feel the 3rd should be as well since this is a known problem with this vehicle and this model.

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

Problems with vehicle transmission. The vehicle's transmission had to be replaced a 32600 miles. The vehicle's warranty had expired and the consumer had to pay for the replacement. The consumer request reimbursement.

- Vernon, CT, USA

I owned a 1999 Mazda Protege that had the original transmission replaced at 49500 miles. Approximately 24 months later at 85000 miles, the replacement transmission went out as well. In both instances the problems was the axle breaking the restraining clip causing the transmission to move out of position. The transmission would then leak causing slipping and lurching. The replacement transmission installed by the dealer was a rebuilt transmission that only had a 12/12000 warranty.

- Alton, IL, USA

1999 Mazda Protege with 40K miles automatic transmission. Car purchased new and cared for, at recent service vehicle was tested and found to have slippage in 2nd and 3rd gear and trans will not "lock up". rebuild starts at $1700 and goes up. Mazda seems to have problems relating to transmissions and not standing behind their products. Transmission shop indicates Mazda's transmissions are extremely expensive to repair (as much as Lexus).

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

The car hesitates before taking off after stopping. When it does switch into the right gear and move forward, it is as if you have been hit in the rear because it jerks forward hard. The car then does not accelerate very well.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

While driving at 55mph, suddenly intermittently the overdrive light was on, engine slowed down to 40mph. Dealer has inspected vehicle three times and could not duplicate or correct the problem.

- Henderson, NC, USA

While driving 30 mph the transmission failed and caused the vehicle not to accelerate. The dealer was notified.

- Aloha, OR, USA

1999 Mazda Protege received O/D off light, speedometer dropped out and slippage in gears, (O/D), brought to schwartz Mazda, shrewsbury, NJ, they sold me a new transmission, (76000 miles on odometer), car still had same trouble. Advised Mazda that I felt this is a misdiagnosis, per nhtsb tech service bulletin of speed sensor on transmission which presents same symptoms, they would not credit the $2073 cost of the new transmission, the dealer did not see this trouble which is what I originally brought in for service, after 3 more return visits to service dept, they finally replace speed sensor, now problem is gone, but now I have a new transmission that I did not need. They never produced any diagnostic back up to the transmission failing, I took them at their word that this is what the car needed, when all along the speed sensor fixed the trouble. They were very uncooperative throughout the entire experience except when it came to taking our money, and at one point when I asked to please let me test drive with the tech, the service manager advised me, they had spent enough time on this and to take the car and leave. Not until I researched other drivers complaints on the transmission on this car going at around 70000 miles.

- Lincroft, NJ, USA

I bought a new Mazda Protege in 1999. I have taken every precaution to make sure my car was taken care of. I did all the maintenance that was suppose to be done when they were due. After all the care I took, my car's transmission went out on Dec. 31, 2002 with only 66,000 miles on the car. They said it would be $2200 to replace a transmission. I feel the car should have lasted longer than 66,000 miles. Should there be a recall on these cars? I also feel the manufacture should be liable.

- Columbia, SC, USA

Original transmission replaced by Mazda 7/26/00 due to tech. Bulletin. Since then several incidents of transmission suddenly jerking into a lower gear, at both high and low speeds. Mazda dealer unable to replicate or identify problem after 3 attempts.

- Davis, CA, USA

While traveling about 20-50 mph on highway and without prior warning, vehicle jerked into reverse and became uncontrollable. Dealership was aware of problem. Gear shift remains in drive occurring everh 2-3 months. Dealership could not find problem, but states 4-5 other owners have the same issue.

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

While driving, without warning, while accelerating gears will change/ extremely rough. Consumer will contact dealer and manufacturer.

- Bloomington, IN, USA

While traveling on highway and without prior warning transmission will jerk or get stuck into other gears. Dealership was aware of problem.

- Nashville, TN, USA

Whenever car comes to a stop and takes off there's a violent jolt like getting hit in rear. Consumer states when traveling at 40 mph there will be a violent jolt as if someone hit you from behind, it almost feels like the vehicle jolts foward consumer states the first time it happened he thought he had been rear-ended.

- Ocoee, FL, USA

The automatic transmission upshifts with noticeable harsh jerks which is annoying and is very much intense and harsh in cold conditions.

- Bensalem, PA, USA

I've read that late model years with the at have experienced random hard shifts while going at moderate speeds. I was accelerating gently from 35 to 40 mpg on a very gentle slope when I felt as if the car hit a large bump or ridge. Curious and worried, I turned back and retraced my path to see if it would repeat. It didn't, but I am concerned that this will develop into a major problem later. I've read from other owners of late model Proteges with the at that they may abruptly seize while in operation. Blame is pinned on the Ford-designed at. Please look into this matter as it could easily result in accidents and casualties should this transmission fail suddenly in traffic.

- West Chester, OH, USA