I have complained continuously to dealer and manufacturer since car had approx 4,000 miles. A "clunking" noise was coming from transaxle area. Both dealer and Mazda rep, told me to "wait and see" or "thats a normal sound, don't worry about it". yesterday while operating my 2000 Mazda Protege ES at approx 60mph on interstate 93 N transaxle failed. Car was fine one second, the next seconf I was free wheeling, no power, engine continued to run, but it was if I was in neutral. Most fortunatly it was daylight, dry conditions, and a highway exit was right there, I coasted off the highway down the exit ramp and called for help. Had I been in the passing lane, or if conditions were poor, this could have been a disaster.

- Melrose, MA, USA