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Mazda5 Owners: Problems & Solutions
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The salesman couldn't really give us an estimate of when the problem would be fixed but he didn't seem to think it would take very long.
I hope you all get your cars back soon.
All MPV's come with the same engine. 3.0L V6.
The service department at this dealer was polite and apologetic. The service guy also explained the problem and that the fix would not be quick and why it would take some time. The dealer also provided a phone from which I called my insurance company and lender (I've suspended my insurance on the 5). They quickly got me a no cost rental through Hertz. An MPV was not available, so with my OK they substituted a 2005 Mazda6 (it has less than 5k miles). The service guy said he would call when an MPV is available through Hertz. This works fine for me, so I did not demand an MPV. I'm kind of enjoying having 3 new cars within a month (Mz5, Mz6, and next an MPV).
The recall is a bummer, but for the next month or so I will not be putting miles on my new car. I look at it as a month or more of free miles. The American Automobile Association estimates the typical cost of operating a car is 56 cents a mile. At $3/gallon and 20 mpg, 15 cents of this 56 cents is gasoline. This leaves 41 cents per mile for maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. If I drive 2,000 miles in the rentals, that's $820 worth of driving.
Might as well make the best of it and enjoy the rental or loner.
I say go for it, if this vehicle suits your needs and your style. My M5 experience has been: it's a fun car to drive, it turns heads everywhere I go, I've had good experiences with the dealer.
Most new automobiles are so complicated to build to meet all the different regulations, it's a miracle more aren't recalled for one reason or another. What I appreciated was how quickly Mazda mobilized resources to attend to the problem.
I'm currently driving a Ford Taurus rental around. It's a beast. and I can't imagine Ford being as helpful or as willing to work with customers to set things right.
In my case, I'm going for the lemon law. In Florida, an automobile need only go 15 days of uninterrupted use during repairs to file a lemon law claim. At that point, a form has to be sent to Mazda USA and the Florida atty general registered mail w/return receipt. If the vehicle is not back up and running again within 10 days of recieving the form, they have to begin arbitration to either replace the vehicle or refund the money paid.
Many people on this board have said the dealers have told them it would be at least 30 days to get the parts and complete the repairs. My dealer has not been so forthcoming. It was nice of them to give me the loaner minivan, but I didnt buy the 5 so I could end up bombing around in a mommy-wagon.
I think Mazda is doing the right thing, but Im too worried about how this recall is going to affect sales/popularity of the 5, and subsequently, its resale value down the road. Im going to try to get out of mine. I suggest checking the lemon laws for your own state if you feel the same. In florida at least, it doesnt matter that the recall was issued voluntarily, or that a loaner vehicle was provided. If the car sits unrepaired for 15 days, you can start the lemon law process.
Im not suggesting that you shouldnt keep your car if you like it. Im just clarifying my point. I know lots of cars get recalled, but most of them are just that, cars. The 5 is not really a car, not really a VAN, not really an SUV.
Anyway, thats just my 2 cents.
I'm not worried about resale. The heat shielding around the exhaust isn't a mechanical part, once it's fixed I expect my Mazda5 to be good as new.
I understand your point, but the fact that the 5 is in its own category is exactly why I bought it. I keep cars a long time and am not greatly concerned about resale. If I were, I would have bought an almost new, used Honda or Toyota. With or without a recall the 5 is a resale risk. Any new concept is a risk. It's a risk for the car manufacturer and for anyone concerned about resale. Granted, a recall increases the risk. But I'm wondering why did you buy the 5 in the first place? I wish you luck in getting out of it. For me, I'm still excited about my "micro van." In time I may eat my words. But not due to this recall.
If they get it fixed before then, I'll probably just take posession again and keep it. I mainly just want to be driving a car that I actually intended to buy instead of a long-term loaner.
I've probably given the impression that I never liked the M5 at all, which isn't the case. I think its a really cool vehicle. Its just that after I took delivery I started finding out about the A/C problems and mysterious buzzes/noises, etc. Those niggles and then the recall made me kind of see this as an opportunity to maybe cut my losses and get out of it.
No one really knows whats going to happen though, you know? To quote my dealer, "It could be 2 weeks, it could be 2 months". That kind of statement makes me want out, if its possible.
If they had it fixed tomorrow, I'd take delivery, have the windows tinted, buy that auxmod thing, and just drive it, resale value be damned, I suppose.
who enforces the lemon law for Georgia
Request a packet from a counselor from the Georgia Office of Consumer
affairs
Need to wait 30 days and at end of 30 days need to send
a final notice of repair letter certified mail return-reciept
requested as this time is equivalent to the 4 attempts to
repair
Get documentation on why the car is shop indicating it is
a recall and the reason for the recall
If the car company/dealership does not comply contact a
counselor for the Georgia Governor's Office for consumer
following the procedures on the packet for enforcement
Hope this helps
that was not combustible, but was not environmentally
friendly I think it was refered to as R-134a. I was reading
that Hydrocarbons are flammable and are not really the
best solution for AC units in cars but are siginifactly less
expensive.
AC in R-134a's appear to be a safer solution, but also
require a special expansion valve to prevent leakage,
requires small a condenser, different refrigerant oil
other than R-12 as R-134a does not break down in
mineral oil:
http://www.geocities.com/bmw535i86/text/FAQ/FAQ.15.html
It's been a somewhat bothersome inconvenience for
other issues and being a diehard Toyota owner, it is
a bit of a transition to try a new vehicle, for reasons of
mileage, number of people than can be stuffed into a
car, that it sits lower to the ground than an SUV it
seems like it's a good car.
Wish that this would have been handled a little better
though and that Mazda would give us complete details
of what the repairs will entail.
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?page=proframe&prod_id=1171401
When I said mechanical I meant engine, transmission, moving parts, etc... (important and expensive stuff), the heat shield around the exhaust is important but not vital and can easily be replaced if need be (alas, once it is re-designed
no letter for me yet...
but again, it is just a little part, not part of the engine or anything.
The best solution, and the one that takes advantage of the excellent audio quality of the iPod, is an auxiliary jack that goes directly into the head unit. Thats what Im going to have to hold out for, unfortunately.
I knew the the recall wasn't something major with the motor, otherwise they would have recalled all the Mazda3's with 2.3L out there to begin with. This car was built in Japan, almost 95% of it. If you had a chance to see your car before it was "dealer tagged" you can see what the port of discharge/destination was and how you got it. The Mazda5 is not a Ford. Am I the only one that feels the difference in that "new car smell" from one's made in Japan and one's made in the USA? lol
Well anyway, the Mazda5 (called Premacy) in Japan, are selling very very well. And no recalls have been made on them. The part numbers on the exhaust parts are different on the vehicles marketed for the USA. I'm assuming, USA emissions related, catalytic converters, etc. So at the moment, I'm hopefully thinking that this is a simple fix. Why 30 days? Mazda was smart enough to start the recall early, get the 5's off the roads so that nobody would get hurt, and yes they may have not had a fix yet, but it's gotta be on the way. Plus they wouldn't have to be cursed with all the Ford recalls happening these days.
Man, I just want my car back.
The Enterprise rental sucks.
There's a risk, recall or no recall.
But I do have to say, that these are hot sell in Europe and Japan.
And Mazda hasn't over-marketed this car, and I've read that they were not expecting to sell alot of them here in the states. In actuality there are selling more than they expected.
I just read an article in Automotive News that says, there is definitely a trend of four cylinder engines, front wheel drive, good fuel economy and a sticker below 19k. The fact that a five passenger 2007 Dodge Caliber, 2007 Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, and Nissan new development for later this decade for a small mini-van are on the way is proof that this trend may be here to stay.
We all may have made a good choice.^^
Would you please cite your reference for knowing this is the "heat shield" and the source of that diagnosis as the problem that the Madza 5 is being recalled for. I am just curious if this is speculation, as Mazda has not stated publicly (that I have seen) that this is the reason.
Is a heat shield a part or a coating on the car? I am clueless on what a heat shield is, so any info would be nice.
Thanks,
Shari
I don't know anything for sure, the only thing I know is that the recall has to do with "Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM"
the other stuff I just picked up off this message board, but it is absolutely not highly complicated or mechanical, just time consuming.
Bypasskid
Mazda 5's over in the UK where it is sold as the Mazda Premacy
Recall Ref: R2001/124
Exact Model: (BJ) and Premacy (CP)
Description: FUEL TANK HEATSHIELD MAY BECOME INSECURE
VIN: JMZ BJ*** ***100001 TO JMZ BJ*** **298749 (323), JMZ CP*** **100001 TO JMZ CP**** **147747 (PREMACY)
Build Date: 30th June 2000
Numbers: 19779
Defect: The rivets securing the fuel tank heatshield may corrode and break, causing the heatshield to rattle excessively.
Action: Recall affected vehicles and replace rivets with nuts and bolts
Launch Date: 13 November 2001
I will be glad when Mazda speaks in the terms as understandable as that recall, on our recall. At least that is clear!!!!!!!
Shari
Manufacturer : MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 05V412000 Mfg's Report Date : SEP 16, 2005
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 5500
Please notice that only 5500 were estimated as affected. yet I believe
Mazda has sold 12,000. This taken to its logical conclusion, it might
be a problem with only one of the two trims (Touring or Sporting) or
similarly it may be an (manual versus automatic transmission).
Mazda should attach documents to the NHTSA Posting that specify
the problem (catalytic converter, coolant, or otherwise) because it
seems until now it is all speculation.
Still no information as to how or when the repairs will occur. Is there
an official Mazda newsgroup where updates are posted?
BTW, where did you get the sales number of 12,000? I think I read somewhere here that less than 3000 had been delivered to customers. If that is the case, then 5500 could represent sold and on lot number. When I took my 5 in, I saw my salesman and he stated they were not even allowed to test drive them with customers at all. That makes me think that 5500 represents all that have left factory. Interesting, let us know if you find out more.
Thanks,
Shari
BTW, I love the car/van/space van/city van/whatever you want to call it. It drives like a car, has space like a van, and is getting better gas mileage than the sticker stated. I am getting about 26-27mpg in town...over 30 on the highway.
I can't wait to get it back...I am in a Jeep Liberty right now...noisy, gas gulping, and I feel too far away from the road.
I saw this and remembered that someone had asked. Look at the fine print on the bottom of the page!
This must be the old Mazda Premacy they had in Japan and Europe.
This is not for the "new" Mazda 5!!
In the meantime, since my dealer didn't have a loaner, they arranged for me to get a rental car from Enterprise. I made a point in saying that the whole reason I bought a 5 was because I needed room for my family of four, wanted to be comfortable and needed lots of storage room, so I wouldn't be happy with a regular car. I insisted I needed another minivan, an SUV, or at least a cool yet roomy wagon or hatch. But, they told me they didn't have anything available on the lot - just a bunch of crappy and/or boring sedans (nothing against sedans, just the ones they had were horrible) - or so they thought.
Way off in the corner of their lot was a VERY nice looking, blue, 2005 VW Toureg. I asked: "What about THAT car over THERE?!? THAT looks perfect!" The rep told me that they weren't able to give me that car because it was "damaged" and because it would surpass the allowance Mazda was paying anyway. I again insisted, very nicely and passively, of course, that I COULD NOT have a sedan and needed something that held five people comfortably and had lots of cargo room. So, I asked them: "What's the damage?" They simply said that one of the headlights was out. And I was like: "That's it?!"
So, I managed to get the manager out and he told me that he would be able to give me the Toureg under the condition: that I, myself, had to take it in to a garage to fix the headlight and then later be reimbursed by Enterprise. I definitely agreed to it. They also agreed to lower their corporate rate for the rental in order to fit the $50 a day allowance!!! They were great!
So...now I am driving around in a beautiful, blue Toureg with nice leather seats and an awesome interior and feeling like the king of the road. I took it in yesterday to a neighboring VW dealer to fix the "damage" and it turns out the headlight was covered under warranty, so I didn't need to pay a dime for it. Isn't all this cool? The Toureg, though, gets ATROCIOUS gas mileage - even with the V6 (you actually SEE the needle move!)
Well, I am excited about this and just wanted to share with other Mazda5 owners - we're a special breed. All the enterprise members said I wouldb't want my car back after driving the Toureg, but, call me crazy, I STILL much prefer driving my Max and miss "him" terribly. He's still MUCH more fun to drive, more comfortable, more fuel efficient, has a better ride and is cuter; and my wife, kids and I really do like him better than Tory (that's the Toureg's nickname now ;-) ). She's nice and all, but can't wait that LOOONG month to get my Max back!
Don't be concerned about the recall in the UK. I read an article, on a site that can't be mentioned, and it said that the production halt was global but the recall does not apply to Japan and Europe because those vehicles have different engine configurations and control management units than NA.
though and that Mazda would give us complete details
of what the repairs will entail.
How could it be handled better? Mazda began notifying customers well before NHTSA got involved, they're offering loaner vehicles, albeit not always new vehicles, and they at least giving a potential timeframe for the fix. Think of how they could be leaving everyone out high and dry.
As for giving complete details of the fix, do you realize how far removed the dealers are from the engineering community? Just take solace in the fact that they are working on it. There's alot that needs to be done in a recall, regardless of how minor or major the flaw. Parts need to be redesigned, prototyped, tested (and not some quick evaluation, who wants a recall of a recall), produced for mass production, shipped to the parts distribution locales, then shipped to the dealers. Just be patient.
I sometimes wonder if everyone is reacting so negatively because their cars are so new, or just because of the general inconvenience. Would the same reaction be so prevalent if it was 2007 and the cars were 2 years old?
I know from experience that even the new batteries can loose charge, tires can deflate and degrade, or the car simply may not start if not driven for prolonged periods of time. Any thoughts? :confuse:
I posted this on both the Mazda 3 & 5 forums. Can anyone verify (or not) that the Mazda 5 roof rack/rail will fit on the Mazda 3 (especially the hatch)? If it does, I can imagine the reason why Mazda OE would want to keep this a secret.
5 owners? Do u keep your car insurance since the 5 was recalled? Or u have already suspended the car insurance for ur 5?
Also most dealers do not insure cutomer cars unless the damage is the fault of the dealership. So if a meteorite comes out of the sky and hits your MZ5...the dealer isnt going to insure it....also, in many cases, the loaner car your driving is under your insurance.
" I would NOT cancel your insurance. Each state has different rules...Additionally, if you financed the car it must be insured by the owner of record. Otherwise they may have the right to slap on their own insurance at your expense"
That is exactly what my insurance agent said. We must have the same policy in the same state!
Here's today's press release:
"Mazda has determined that the cause of these fires is excessive exhaust heat caused by inadvertent operation of the vehicle in the manual mode of the automatic transmission at highway speeds in second gear. It is possible that extended high-RPM operation may cause this exhaust overheat, and a subsequent fire.
Mazda will resolve this situation with the installation of a warning label instructing customers on the proper operation of the vehicle in the “M” mode of the automatic transmission. In addition, a heat-shield will be added to all vehicles as well as a recalibration of the automatic transmission electronic control unit.
Mazda expects all vehicles to be repaired and returned to their owners as soon as possible. New vehicle deliveries will resume as soon as vehicles in inventory are repaired. In the interim, Mazda will provide all customers with replacement transportation at no cost."