Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some left side rear brake hoses were damaged during assembly. Brake fluid leakage could occur.
Risk: Brake performance would be degraded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Sell your 2001 Mazda Protege for cash
The 2001 Mazda Protege is a compact car that came with a choice of 1.6L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl engines. At 25 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 2001 Protege in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
MazdaPROTEGE2001
2001 Mazda Protege at a glance
| Body style | Compact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 22–25 city / 28–31 highway / 24–28 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,400–$2,800 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 317–370 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 4 configurations |
| Age | 25 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 25 years old, most of a 2001 Protege's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a compact car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Protege. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the air bags, typically around 37,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
2001 Mazda Protege recalls
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2001 Mazda Protege. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Common 2001 Protege problems
Owners have filed 50 complaints about the 2001 Mazda Protege with NHTSA. 12 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 13 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Air Bags37,000 mi
- Air Bags50,000 mi
- Power Train154,000 mi
2001 Mazda Protege service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 98 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2001 Mazda Protege. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibit
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance t
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance t
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Other Mazda Protege years
‹ Sell a 2000 Protege · Sell a 2002 Protege › · All Mazda Protege years
Other 2001 Mazda models
Selling a 2001 Protege: questions
How much is a 2001 Mazda Protege worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 2001 Protege that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 2001 Proteges that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 2001 Protege with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Mazda Protege; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 2001 Protege?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 2001 Protege today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.