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Comments
Dealership wants $5000 to fix but felt bad that it died so early that they gave us a deal for $3500. Can anyone suggest a reliable transmission shop in the San Jose,Ca area?
Another option, if you're trying to repair it as inexpensively as possible, is to find a used transmission on eBay. Just search "Mazda3 transmission" and you'll find quite a few. I know mechanics who would install one for $200 or less....you could end up spending less than $1000 if you're lucky!
Best of luck!
An automatic transmission should last longer than 45K miles; at least double that distance. 2004 was the first year for the new 2.3 L Mazda3 engine, so you may want to do some research on whether others have had similar problems with their automatics (Consumer Reports may be one place to look). Have you raised the issue with the dealer and with the manufacturer, Mazda?
Driving it in manual mode should be okay. I wonder if the way it was driven in manual is the real source of the problem. Does her boyfriend have a history of burning out engines?
Did you buy the car in 2005 or 2004? I thought the expiry date for major components was 5 years.
How and when was the problem originally identified?
Were there any warning signs of the transmission problem identified in previous service visits?
Do you have an automatic or manual transmission?
Do you have a long relationship with the dealership?
Was most of the work done on your car done by the dealership?
Interesting, I wonder if it's different in the US and Canada. My 2002 Mazda Protege5 had a 5 year limited powertrain warranty (in Canada). Also, googling of "mazda warranty" shows a PDF from penneymazda (in Canada) of the same 5 year Mazda warranty for 2005 vehicles.
http://www.automotive.com/2005/12/mazda/mazda3/warranty/index.html
I checked the reference for my car, 2002 Mazda Protege5, and the site lists 3 years/50,000 miles for both the Basic Warranty and the Drivetrain Warranty. That is not the warranty I received when I purchased my car (I had 5 years on my Powertrain Warranty). The warranties must be specific to each area.
Here is an excerpt of what Mazda Canada has on its website under Powertrain Warranty:
"All Mazda vehicles except B-Series and 2001 to 2006 Tribute.
Warranty Period: The warranty period starts upon expiration of the New Vehicle 36 month/80,000 km Limited Warranty and ends at 60 months from the earlier date of either retail delivery or first use of the Mazda Vehicle, or at the time the Mazda Vehicle has been driven 100,000 km, whichever comes first."
He took the car in to have it looked at and have the body damage fixed. The dealership just called to say that he needs a new clutch for $1500.
Is it possible that the clutch was somehow damaged in the accident? Is it possible he's worn out the clutch at 17,000 miles and it's just a coincidence that it happened the same time as the accident? Will they be able to tell the difference between a worn and an accident damaged clutch?
After I hit 31,000 I started to experience problems from 1st to 2nd gear. The dealership ignored my problem and could not witness the same thing. The problem continued and I went back to the dealership but their only suggestion was to get a fluid flush and said the fluid was a bit low. The next day I went to a transmission specific shop recommended to me and they told me that I had a leak and that Mazda would probably cover something like this so early on. So I went back to the dealership to point out my leak that went undetected a few days earlier. Now at 35,000 Mazda covered a new front axle and the dealership told me that it would probably not be long before the transmission would go so I should consider buying an extended warranty. After driving 700 miles on it back home I could not even reverse without my transmission acting up. I had no choice but to leave my car at the dealership for a few weeks before finally getting Mazda's assistance on the vehicle. I was rejected by them twice for assistance but gained sympathy from the GM at the dealership in my hometown.
To be honest, I feel very used by this corporation being that I just got out of school and had to put over $2,000 into a fairly new car, including service that did not cure my transmission issues. I filed with Better Businesses and nothing came of it. However, I'd be willing to file a complaint with you if you would like because this is just ridiculous. A transmission and engine should be warranted for 50k.
Let us know how you make out.
Best regards,
Shipo
That's a shame. It might be tough going getting a second transmission to be paid for by Mazda. To start you'll need to prove you have followed the service schedule (with your service records as proof). Bty the way is this a manual or automatic transmiission?
Me too!!!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Update: I had to deal with the stealership this morning. Like I said, I bought the car used from them with a 13month/13,000 miles warranty, whichever comes first (I am within these two). The guy actually LIED to me and told me that the warranty only is covered if I brought my car there to get serviced. I became quite harsh with him and said "well, that's crazy" and gave him the example of people traveling on vacations. I go to school in a different state and I'm 7 hours away from the dealership and he better pay for me to get my car towed there. I was being ridiculous, but I was very concerned at this point. When I asked him to fax my warranty to the dealership in the NC (where I go to school), he then proceeded to tell me "I don't know what you mean by a 'warranty.' We only have warranty disclosures and I can't access that without a VIN." I mean, REALLY? I told him that is "completely ridiculous and someone sent me a paper copy two days ago without a VIN." After 20 mins, I finally get transferred to the General Manager who then had the sales rep (who sold me the car 6 months ago) call me and tell me they were going to pay the $4000, not a problem. He also told me the guy I talked to in Service was "talking out of his butt."
Just wanted to share my experience and I'm sure it's not anywhere close to being done.
Do I have any recourse on what appears to be a "lemon"? If so, where should I start?
Has anyone taken any action? Sent pictures to the dealership, etc? I'm going to throw a true fit here, but I'm wondering if anyone has paved a path before me.
Kind Regards, T
I'm the original owner and have been driving manuals for 20 years. I'm fighting with the dealer to fix it now.
Never mind the fact that I just replaced the tires...the stock tires on this car last less than 1/2 what they have on other new cars, and I actually drive less aggressive than years ago.
I think these cars are actually made in China and resold through Japan as Japanese made This is my first and last Mazda, back to the other [non-permissible content removed] brands for me next time.
Everything is sealed up again and I'm promised it will never be an issue.
When I had the tires replaced at 17k, I did an alignment. There was a lot out of whack with the alignment and I'm hoping that helps explain the poor tire life somewhat. However, 17k miles is still terrible for stock tires, no matter how you look at it.
Had a Mazda mechanic inspect the car today and he says that my clutch probably broke and that my engine mount is broken as well. Quote was $1100 for replacing clutch and $200 for engine mount USD.
Unfortunately, my 50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty just expired. Really disappointed as I expected the transmission to be much stronger than this and I've been driving the car pretty conservatively because I want it to last.
I'm going to call Mazda customer support on Monday to see if I can get any deal worked out with them.I'm hoping for the best and I'll be sure give you guys updates.
Things to consider:
- Have you followed all the maintenance work recommended in the driver's manual?
- Was the maintenance done by a Mazda dealership?
- Do you have documentation for the above?
- When exactly did your warranty expire?
- Are you a first time buyer of Mazda or are you a repeat customer?
Your reasoning could be along the lines that:
- your car was driven responsibly and serviced by a reputable garage and that its parts should therefore be sound after only 55K and (4?) years of driving.
- A transmission failing at 55K is unacceptable.
- If a full repair can not be warrantied, you would consider a compromise of 90% (or whatever you feel is correct).
- If you are unsatisfied with the compromise, declare that you will never consider another vehicle in this brand and that you will warn family and friends of your case.
What maintenance is called for on the manual transmission? :confuse: I checked the Owner's Manual of my 2009 Mazda3 and there is absolutely zero maintenance called for vis-a-vis the manual transmission in my car.
Anyway, it appears that the failure is actually the clutch. Can probably replace that for somewhat less than the $1100 dealer price, by having it done elsewhere.
I will look at the "lemon law". Class action will do it for me. I'm having major problems with my transmission. Worst of all, I'm current unemployed.
FWIW, this particular was the first vehicle my wife and I had ever bought with an automatic transmission (most minivans don't come with the option of a stick), and as if I didn't need another reason to get my Mazda3 with a manual transmission, the failed automatic added to that list. Personally I think it is the rare automatic that can go 250,000 miles and not fail, however, modern manual transmissions rarely even need a clutch by that point.
thanks :mad:
Sounds like good advice to me.
134K miles for a transmission is not bad. And, as others have remarked, $3K for a new transmission to go another 100K miles seems like good value. A rebuilt should be less. On the other hand, a new car may be what you really want! Keep us posted.