Car is just 3 years old and has 50K. Front struts broke about a year ago, it was replaced brand new by the dealer and after a year I had it check b/c of a thugging noise and they said it was weak again.

Also, I had a second opion at a known car center (I'll bring it over this week) and I asked if there are any struts available for a 99 Protege. They said none is available because the car is still fairly new and that struts doesn't normally break within that time range. Also that they give lifetime on struts.

How likely is it for stock struts to be weak in normal driving conditions and is it weird for the same strut to be broken in a span of 1 year?

It's roughly $350 for 1 strut and installation. I know dealers are rip offs but it'll always be my first choice of opinion.

 

What?
You'll be better off getting the 5way adjustable MazdaSpeed struts from Cork Sport

 

Personally, I'd contact Mazda and raise hell.
Even if the warranty IS expired, the strut was a pre-existing problem. It was under warranty the first time it broke, right?
If it was, then it'll be in their database, and you'll have some ammo. It also sound to me like the strut is the symptom, not the problem, if it keeps breaking like that.
Like the guy at your shop said, under normal driving conditions, it's too early in the car's life for this to happen, especially twice.

 

I'm agree with Eggynatey too. I have a 2000LX and I haven't had any problems. If you just recently put those struts on, they should be under warranty.

 

I agree, as well. I'm sportin' a 2000 with the stock struts and springs in place. 75K miles, and it's still riding pretty good. Something more serious is wrong and is causing that strut to go out.