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Mazda5 Suspension

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Comments

  • sofienycsofienyc Member Posts: 8
    I just got my 5 back from the shop...and the result in the quest of quieting the rear suspension was a fruitful one...finally someone got it right. The problem was bad read bushing on the stabilzer bar and a bad left rear shock. Now I have to wait for the cold weather to test it...but I think that it does feel better now and at least it does not sound like a squeeky old mattress.
  • kukareka1kukareka1 Member Posts: 4
    I agree with you regarding Honda cars. I've had 3 Hondas (brand new) before buying 2007 Mazda5 Touring. None of my Hondas ever ever had any problems (I stil own one with 80K). If Honda would have any similar car to Mazda5 (I know they do have them in Japan, [non-permissible content removed] are just too conservative with American market), I'd readily pay a couple grands more for Honda instead.
    Anyway, back to Mazda5,at 2.5K there was engine light on, so I had to waste my time to take it for check-up. Some sensor went bad, they replaced it. Then winter came and at freezing temps all these cracking noises came from rear suspension. After a few miles these noises would go away, but problem remained for all these cold days. Now, at 9.5K, I noticed really bad noise at the rear left. Went back to dealership, technician told me that it was very common problem. The rear left shock was replaced. This shock has oil, so I think it freezes during cold temps, and that's where the noise is coming from. I'll see what will happend next winter. I bet cracking noise will be there!! Do you want a bet?? This must be a bad design issue. So it doesn' t matter how many times this part will be replaced, the problem will remain!
    I'm just as frustrated and disappointed as any of you experiencing all these problems! How a brand new car can have so many issues in the first place, especially after a few years of production!
    I think the best way to have Mazda to issue a recall for all Mazda5 to replace faulty shocks is for each one of us placing these comments here on Edmunds, is to file a complaint at NHTSA website (it will take a few minutes to file, it is very simple). According to this organization, they don't wait for a number of complaints to pile up, they look into the problem right away, and if there is safety related issue (and it actually is!!!!) they will force car manufacturer to issue a recall and to replace the faulty part!
    Lastly, I'll wait another year, and if there will be one more problem with this Mazda5, I'll get rid of it and will never buy any other Mazda again!!! Stick with Honda!!!
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    Don't blame you, yet my last car was a Honda, which I traded in for a 2nd Mazda5. Honda is OK but I've been happier with the Mazdas so far (not that they are perfect, but my Honda experience was not very positive)...
  • drb05drb05 Member Posts: 24
    I bought my car 2 months ago. Because of moving didn't notice the rear suspension noise that came with driving over speed bumps etc. Now I very clearly notice that.

    TOok it to the dealer 2 days ago - he said the problem was rear stablizer bushing was dry and they replaced it. how could a brand new car go bad so quickly.

    I just drove today (car belongs to my wife), and see that the noise is still there. Nothing was rectified.

    Now after checking the forum, i see it is a big issue with mazda. I live in canada.

    Can somebody post any solutions or how to take this up?

    drb
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    Can you tell us what year this vehicle is - 2007 or 2008?
    The problem has been present for sometime now (years) and Mazda has (hopefully) worked out the kinks, and crunches, and the following Technical Service Bulletin (which is available to most all service centers including independent ones:
    TSB 02-005/07
    One can only assume that your dealer's service center greased the bushings. If you take a look at the service record, it should tell you what was done. Most people who had this servicing applied to their vehicle only had the problem solved for a day or two.
    I would suggest speaking to the service manager about the problem. If you can't get a satisfactory resolve then perhaps going to another dealership service center will help. Otherwise, contact Mazda Canada - I prefer the email route as it seems to generate a fairly reliable turnaround and call back (plus it is documented).
    For most people, the full servicing as described in the TSB using the most current replacement bushings has resolved the problem. I am 6 months into a crunch-free period and judging by the quietness of the forum, others are doing okay as well.
    As my independent service centre technician said to me after months of trying to get the dealer to fix the problem "why are you doing all the work to find out what the problem is?" This is a known problem with a solution.
    Let us know how you make out. It is odd that your vehicle is making noise in above -10 degree weather, but others have had a similar problem.
  • drb05drb05 Member Posts: 24
    Year is 2008. Current temperature is 11C.

    Noise is quite evident. It is like some sort of rod going through a hollow cylinder without any lubricant.

    After reading this forum's postings yesterday I contacted the service manager - he said he will replace the shocks in the rear. Will that fix the problem?

    I could not find the suspension issue's TSB http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/tsbs/tsbsearch.cfm Could you please help?

    I can ask service manager to see that TSB.

    Note: this is my first Mazda and don't want to get disappointed. :-(

    drb
  • dfz1dfz1 Member Posts: 6
    This is the worst car I have purchased in modern times. The rear end noise has been a constant annoyance. Yes bushings replaced etc etc etc. That is after they had it for a month to fix a water leak the month I took delivery. I have eight more months to go and will walk away from Mazda and Ford.

    When the road is wet their is virtually no traction in the front end. My family does not feel safe in it. My wife hates the car and my kids hate the car. Yes I have changed the tires but once is enough. I have 24,000 miles on this car and have never looked forward to getting rid of a car more than this one.

    The dealer is Scott Mazda Volvo in Allentown, PA. Scam artists extraordinaire. They tried to screw me on the deal and I had to go sit out in front of the owners office to get satisfaction. The service department staff is always changing and nothing ever gets fixed. I despise Mazda and Scott.
  • letzallwinletzallwin Member Posts: 3
    Most of you that posted about the crunching noises (front, mainly rear) don't mention tire wear. My problems started with inner tread wear, even though the alignment said that everything was "in spec". Do some people just not notice it, or some of you didn't experience it? My tires had just been rotated & balanced, the "full circle check" had no mention of uneven tread wear, but when I got home after that visit the front tires, which had been moved from the rear had easily recognizable inside tread wear. The rear lower control arms have been replaced-now I have the "crunching" noise that many on this post describe. Does that mean that they were replaced with a pre-2007 set with bad bushings?
    This is my first posting-could some of you "old-timers" direct me to the right path to get these issues repaired before my warranty on the 2007 goes out? I'm on my second set of tires at 25 K miles, the 1st were replaced at 11 K due to inner tread wear and cupping out. In turn I will share with you my success (or lack thereof) in getting the problems corrected. Thanks-Letz_all_win !
  • raceymomraceymom Member Posts: 18
    I have a 2006 Mazda 5 and had to have the tires replaced at 17K - it was covered under the warranty though and they put good tires on not those terrible Toyos.
  • jonat1xjonat1x Member Posts: 34
    I'm curious - what is wrong with the Toyos?
  • blanca58blanca58 Member Posts: 3
    Recommend that you not buy a Mazda. Bought a Mazda 3 2006. At around 17,000 miles I began to have problems with the tires. After complaining several times to the dealer, I was referred to the Toyo Dealers to address the warranty. I ran into major problems with them in honoring the warranty and ended up buying 4 new Firestone tires at 21,000 miles. Again at around 20,000 miles, I began having the same problems. I had the tires aligned, rotated and balanced every 3,000-6,000 miles and nothing improved the wear of the tires. Neither the Mazda dealership nor the main Mazda offices were willing to do anything to remedy the problem or find a solution. I finally traded the car in in 2008 and don’t plan to ever buy another Mazda in my life. I have read blogs on both the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 with the same problems.
    Unless you are rich and can afford tires every 17,000 miles, it is not worth the trouble you will incur. You will be zoom zooming every 17,000 miles to a tire store. :sick:
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    Interesting, a 2006 Mazda3 with OEM Toyos? I thought they were Goodyear Eagle RS-A?

    Yes, Toyo tires are crappy tires, but that is my experience with any OEM tire any new car comes with. After 10-15K miles they became noisy and more slippery, but they wear evenly so far :confuse:, so I'm not deterred due to that...

    Oh well, good luck with the new car...
  • letzallwinletzallwin Member Posts: 3
    What problem did you have with the Toyo tires-uneven wear, noise, bad ride, or something entirely different? Do you still have the car, and are you having any suspension/uneven wear problems?

    I have experience as an alignment tech, uneven tire wear usually indicates alignment or suspension problems, especially on a new car. It is beginning to sound like Mazda has many bad problems with suspension components on several models. It is time for recalls AND a possible Class Action Lawsuit. Recalls happen when enough consumers file complaints with the NHTSB. If cars are unsafe, they need to be recalled.
  • sofienycsofienyc Member Posts: 8
    So as the weather cools down here in the NE...the noise from the rear suspension is back. It was so embarrassing to have friends in the car with that noise constantly under them squeaking and creaking over the road. One point in our trip they asked if the car was going to make it to our destination. This is the worst piece of crap and I have owned one...a Yugo! That was more solidly built thant this Mazda5. I tried trading it in for a new VW Passat Wagon and they will only give me 8000 for it...it is a 2007 with less than 12k miles on it! I guess the word is out on how crappy this car is. I just drove 6 hours in it and the drivers seat is so uncomfortable that the lower half of my legs were numb when I got out, I almost fell to the floor! I am going back to the dealer to see if they can fix it. I will go with a Honda next time...Pilot...gas prices be damn!
  • vg33e powervg33e power Member Posts: 314
    About a month ago, I had posted saying that I was hearing an occasional "knock" or "pop" coming from the right front suspension area. Well...after much nagging to the dealer they performed the front sway bar bushing bulletin with the most updated part (#CC29-34-156C) and voila! two weeks later after fix and no more noise and even the steering feels a lot more precise. Freakin dealers, why does one have to go to the extent to nagging them so much to do something that it is under warranty and there's a bulletin for!!! OH! I know because techs want the gravy jobs rather then the lower paying warranty work. Gee good grief! Nonetheless my MZ5 is fixed and feels great.
  • petesmazda5petesmazda5 Member Posts: 12
    Funny, my creaking is back too (Ontario, Canada) now that it has become colder (-12C). Too bad I'm out of warranty on my 2008 and I'm sure I'll have to pay for a repair that should have been done properly in the first place! I think If Mazda cannot find an engineer within their company then grab one from any other car company...as far as I know, no other car creaks like this when it's cold out. And yes that drivers seat. I'm 6' and find that the seat does not go back far enough for me to stretch out. Therefore my right foot is bent at a weird angle when on the gas pedal. Raising the seat does nothing because it moves forward at the same time. My first and last Mazda too!
  • petesmazda5petesmazda5 Member Posts: 12
    I have the same noise from the same area. Had it since around 20,000KM but the Mazda dealer in Whitby could never fix it.....until now when they say it's the strut that needs to be replaced. I'm out of warranty so it's going to be AT MY COST (half and half anyway) and to me that's just plain fraud. Yes I will be glad to get rid of it this summer if I can.
  • petesmazda5petesmazda5 Member Posts: 12
    In my opinion the best way to solve the problem is sell the car!! Then run RUN as far away from Mazda as you can!! My Toyos were also lousy but better in the snow than the RS-A's the dealer said were "superior" tires. At $200+inst a pop I'm really feeling ripped off!
  • mikpetemikpete Member Posts: 4
    I've had the suspension "fixed" on my 2007 Mazda 5 TWICE. Once they replaced the front bushings and the second time the struts. I STILL have the crunching, creaking, knocking and banging sounds in cold weather, especially on rough roads. I am bringing it in to the dealer again next week and will put up a real fuss this time. Of all the posts on this and other websites, there seems to be no satisfactory resolution to this problem. SOOO FRUSTRATED!!! :mad:
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    petesmazda5 - have you had any dealings with the APA in Ontario? I did have the opportunity to speak to the head fellow awhile ago and he had not heard of this problem with the Mazda5 - it wouldn't be broadcast by Mazda that's for sure. It would be very interesting to hear what the Automobile Protection Association had to say about this ongoing problem.
    USA have Lemon Laws to fall back on - not so in Canada thrown out by one province and all others followed suit. This was raised most recently with the influx of unroad worthy cars being imported into Canada, but there was no mention ever of extending this to include poorly manufactured new vehicles.
    Now that the economy is in a state and press is being applied to automobile manufacturers to prove their worth in order to receive a bailout, now is the time to increase the pressure from car owners.
    I posted some of this information back in Jan 2008 after escalating my frustrations with the ominous crunch and creaking suspension to Mazda Canada. TBS s are available and most mechanics receive these (including Madza sealer/service centers). Whether they chose to apply the "fix' or not is an issue that must be raised with Mazda Canada or Mazda USA. As for the safety of the vehicle it astounds me that Transport Canada has chosen to ignore any complaints that don't fall into their "rules".
  • athenasiusathenasius Member Posts: 118
    the main reason that Mazda Canada does not do the fix it 2 fold a the mechanics get paid a flat rate for the fix and so it is 'less worthy ' of their time.

    Second mazda canada is owned and controlled by mazda usa and so just a profit making deal for them.

    Transport canada is useless. look at the number of recalls in the us and how they are only well maybe do it if they really create

    also i have spoken to the APA about this and they had told me they had recorded the comment over 2 years ago so not sure why they say they had not heard of it. funnily they said the same thing to me so maybe it is scripted.
  • mikpetemikpete Member Posts: 4
    What year is your Mz5? I will take the TSB re: that part to my dealer, but my Mz5 is a 2007 and the TSB seems to apply to '05 models.
  • raceymomraceymom Member Posts: 18
    my Mazda5 is a 2006. I have had the front tie rods and bearings and suspension replaced. Just this last visit I had to have the motor mount replaced because it ruptured and was leaking yucky black oil all over the ground. If it's not one thing it is another with this car. Oh yeah, my key remote stopped working so they replaced that for free too and told me to bring in my extra key as well - some kind of problem with that too!
  • petesmazda5petesmazda5 Member Posts: 12
    Thanks for posting the part number vg33e power. I pestered my dealer and he changed the two bushings for free even though my warranty is up. I won't hold my breath but two days of -10C to -13C and not a creak to be heard.

    Now I have another problem: I had the right front strut replaced and I get shimmy at highway speeds and the car feels 'darty" (follows road grooves/tracks). The dealer claims the the alignment shouldn't be affected by the strut change however the car was vibration-free all the way to 150KM/hr prior to the change. Does anyone know if an alignment is necessary after changing a strut? Seems like it is to me.
    Thanks in advance.........
  • 5_more5_more Member Posts: 43
    On this one, I think I may side with the dealer -- about the alignment.

    There's an early copy of the service manual floating around on the web. From the illustrations, it looks like would be relatively difficult to mess-up the alignment when changing a strut. The style of strut used mounts in a cylindrical clamp on the wheel-hub/steering-knuckle. Other cars use a different mounting arrangement which is more prone to alignment issues. There appear to be only a few ways to cause a problem [on the 5] -- installing the wrong part, not completely seating the strut's stop against the knuckle, or intentionally adjusting the tie-rod ends.

    Here's the short version description text from the service manual.

    FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER AND COIL SPRING REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
    Caution • Performing the following procedures without first removing the ABS wheel-speed sensor may possibly cause an open circuit in the wiring harness if it is pulled by mistake. Before performing the following procedures, disconnect the ABS wheel-speed sensor wiring harness connector (axle side) and fix the wiring harness to an appropriate place where it will not be pulled by mistake while
    servicing the vehicle.

    1. Remove in the order indicated in the table.
    2. Install in the reverse order of removal.
    3. Inspect the total toe-in and adjust it if necessary.
  • vg33e powervg33e power Member Posts: 314
    Align your MZ5 petesmazda5, replacing the struts will definately need an aligment job afterwards. I am highly surprised that the dealer did not sell you one when they replaced the strut. A vehicle out of aligment will definately track and create a shimmy (especially fronts) because all three wheels are going straight while one of them is out of aligment and trying to go either inward or outward making it sort of skip and waste your tire a lot quicker.

    Get it aligned.
  • riproyriproy Member Posts: 57
    Yes, our noise is back too. Our 2006 has been repaired 5 times, front and rear, for this including twice since the TSB:
    Nov 2006 - bushings
    March 2007 - bushings and control arms
    Dec 2007 - bushings and control arms
    Sept 2008 - bushings and control arms
    Jan 2009 - bushings and control arms
    Currently it is only happening over severe bumps (e.g. speed bumps) but i am sure it will get worse over the next few weeks, as it has in the past.
    My question: does a problem that was reported (repeatedly) and never dealt with successfully under warranty, continue to be a warranty repair after the 3 year warranty expires, or are we on the hook for it ourselves?
    Thanks
  • mikpetemikpete Member Posts: 4
    I have the five year extended warranty on my '07 and the service manager informed me that new parts are warranted for the duration of the warranty (3.5 years remaining on mine.) I was told that otherwise, new parts are warranted for one year even if the car is no longer under warranty.

    Re: the creaking and banging, I found out that there is another TSB 02-001/08 that supersedes TSB 02-005/07. Applicable models and '06 and '07 models. It involves a new part number: BP4K-28-012A, the spring seat rubber. I know nothing about cars so I don't know what this does.

    I am taking my MZ5 to the dealer tomorrow and will see what they have to say. It is still really cold here in Ontario so I am hoping that if the noise is going to return, I won't have to wait 6 months to find out. Hope this information helps! Could this be the answer we are all looking for???
  • bman9bman9 Member Posts: 5
    This is my first post...but it is clear that many Mazda5 owners are having the same problem. My 2007 Mazda5 Sport has the same loud creaking/squeaking in cold weather. At my most recent service appointment, I mentioned it and the Service Advisor (who I went to high school with) gave me a embarrassed "not sure we can truly eliminate the problem" response. It was clear that I'm not the only customer at this dealership with the problem.

    They replaced the rear stabilizer bushings (Part #: C243-28-156D) under warranty, and that addressed the issue temporarily. The squeaking returned within a couple of weeks of cold Ontario winter driving, and has persisted even in the milder weather. The other noise I'm hearing is a low frequency rumbling from the rear suspension. It sounds like something's fluttering as I drive and when I go over a bump. Very annoying. I'm very interested to know if anyone in Canada has had a lasting resolution to this issue.

    A final suspension note: When I'm driving at a speed of 50-60 km/h (30-40 mph) or greater and hit a bump - even a small one, the car will pitch suddenly and requires a quick steering input to correct its track. It's as if it gets totally thrown off by the bump and loses its step. It feels unsafe to me, and I'm curious if anyone else has experienced this.
  • vg33e powervg33e power Member Posts: 314
    On your final note....perhaps you have a bad front strut or rear shock, have them looked at or check yourself for leakage on the body of the strut/shock. I had mine replaced under warranty rear ones at 40K miles and front ones at 47K.
  • tejasm5tejasm5 Member Posts: 1
    Our 2006 Mazda5 has developed the same problem. First, it was a metallic crunching noise from the right front. Dealer replaced the bushings and control arm, and everything seemed perfect. Later, some noise returned, and it's been back to the dealer several times. They swear everything is normal, but we're experiencing the same handling problems you describe. Every little bump, or roads with high crowns to them, causes the car to over-react, which makes it feel very unstable and unsafe.

    We have figured out one small issue with noise. We have an aftermarked Mazda "bra" on the front of the car. When the car hits a bump (even at 15mph), the right front tire hits the fender and undoes one snap on the bra. This makes a loud metallic crunching noise, like a can being crushed. I wonder if the shocks/struts have gone bad, causing the front to dip more than it should, causing the tire to rub the body.
  • bman9bman9 Member Posts: 5
    Like tejams5, I've read comments from a lot of folks who mention a crunching noise from the front right of the car. In the first 6 months of owning my 2007 Mazda5 Sport, I had a noise I would describe as a "squeaking" that increased in frequency with speed. It was most noticeable at low speeds, but it didn't seem to be prompted by steering input, braking. It was a mystery. It ultimately went away - and I never had it looked at by the Dealer. I'm now wondering if I should get the same "bushing and control arm" repair you had.

    I'm interested in what repairs other people have had for this same front right noise issue.

    With respect to the unstable twitching of the car when going over a bump at speed, I've been paying more attention when it happens. It feels like it's the rear suspension causing the problem. It rebounds too quickly or bounces up and down immediately after the bump, which prompts the need to quickly correct the steering. In my mind, this is the most serious issue - as there appears to be a safety risk.
  • bman9bman9 Member Posts: 5
    I will be reviewing this issue with my Dealer - and will inquire about front struts and rear shocks. Thank you.
  • vg33e powervg33e power Member Posts: 314
    bman9,
    Just to piggy back a little. I have gotten all four shocks/struts replaced by Mazda. Replacing the front struts made a huge difference in ride, handling and overall feel. The rear however, although still fairly new and not leaking feel very weak. When going over a dip at a speed of about 35-40mph the rear seems to bounce a bit to much for my liking. I was wondering if anyone here knows if Mazda3 rear shocks fit our MZ5s? If so, I am going to be looking for an aftermarket GAS shock replacement rather then the OEM soft HYDRAULIC shock. Gas shocks tend to be a bit stiffer and provide a better sporty, handling feel IMO, and since no one I know makes one specific to MZ5s, then I want to see if a MZ3 will be a direct fit.
  • yuryyury Member Posts: 146
    Quick question in regards to suspension - are those issues still present in 09?
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    Regretfully I am now amongst the many who have to yet again take my Mazda5 in for creaking, very audible noise from the rear suspension - perhaps even new shock ( ;) but I'm sure its the same old thing).
    TSB below (13 pages)
    http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda5/bulletin/02-001-08-1918.pdf

    I was pretty sure I had read somewhere that a Class Action Suit was in the thinking stages. After reading other forums, it seems that the time is right for such as stand. Mazda (aka Ford) don't think they need any bailout, right now :shades: but I suspect that consumers are a lot less tolerant of inferior workmanship and of being lead around the block by idiotic statements like " oh that's normal noise" or "we can't duplicate the issue" or any other lame excuse. It is the consumer who loses in the end with time wasted in dealing with problems that have not been resolved for a long, long time and presented itself in other Mazda vehicles (Protege) before the Mazda5 came on the scene in late 2005. It just can't be that hard to fix.
    For myself, this is the last Mazda I will every own, not that I won't ever be caught with a lemon from another manufacturer, but I know there will be fewer to chose from later on.
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
  • drgnldy9drgnldy9 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2006. I bought it with about 18000 miles. I have had it in to the dealer for a/c failure, door lock problems and the clunking suspension noise which has gotten progressively worse! They have replaced springs, bushings, arms etc. and nothing really helped. The last time they said a bolt was missing. I'm not a mechanic but the missing bolt was probably a symptom, not a cause. I took it to a local independent mechanic who said it looked to him like a manufacturing defect I live in AZ, so it's sure not related to cold! Now it's out of warranty, so I would sure go for a class action.
    I'm definitely not happy with this vehicle.
  • librarian56librarian56 Member Posts: 1
    Forget the cold weather! I have a 2008 Mazda5 that sounds like an old squeaky sofa. I can't find a TSB that applies to this model. Anyone know of one?
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    This is all I could find for now. I subscribe (for free) to MyCarStats and receive notificiations regularly for my Mazda5.

    http://www.allworldauto.com/tsbs/NHTSA__MAZDA_MAZDA5_technical_service_bulletin_- 234359.html
    NHTSA Item Number: 10023313
    Service Bulletin #: 0102206
    Replacement #:
    Vehicle/Equipment Make: MAZDA
    Vehicle/Eqipment Model: MAZDA5
    Model Year: 2008
    Mfg Component Code: 021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT
    Date of Bulletin: 2007-09-07
    Date Added: 2007-11-14
    Summary: FRONT CRANKSHAFT BOLT SERVICE WARNING. *NJ
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    Could it be possible to post the detailed TSB instructions? The component code and the summary above do not seem to make sense, especially for suspension noise.

    Here is the latest TSB I know of, but does not apply to 08+:

    http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda5/bulletin/02-001-08-1918.pdf

    Thanks
  • bman9bman9 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks, Trishr1 for posting the link to this Mazda5 bulletin. Very, very helpful for those of us with noisy 2007 Mazda5s.

    Much appreciated.
  • drb05drb05 Member Posts: 24
    I had rea suspension noise - sort of grinding whenever I went over a hole or speed breaker. It was quite pronounced in cold weather (canada).

    Dealer tried changed few thingsbut it still persisted.

    I have moved back to US to a hotter west. I haven't noticed that noise any more (or atleast it is very very less pronounced).

    I have 08 car. This wasmy first mazda car. I should say - bit disappointed. as I already had 2 major issues. Signing up for totalcare from mazda as I foresee lot of issues with this car in the future.

    drb
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    Thank you for the kind words. I only wish that there were no TSBs but no vehicle is perfect.
    I find it quite astounding that Mazda can't or won't provide customers with a permanent fix.
    One pst mentioned that "new parts" are warranted for a year, but interestingly, my dealership service department differed with that and said 30 days is the maximum. Could it be that various dealerships offer different warranties? Wouldn't make too much sense to me.
  • vicenacvicenac Member Posts: 229
    Hi all!
    I'm looking at buying Mazda5. I saw a consumer review on edmunds that slammed the vehicle for "wobbling" in the back at high speed on highway. The reviewer claimed the problem exists on Mazda3 and 6 but it is less apparent.
    The reviewer claimed to have tested 3 cars and drove a loaner for a week. Rear occupants experienced car sickness due to the wobbling.

    Anyone experienced this?

    I like this vehicle so much I'm willing to modify it, installing better shocks, stiffer sway bars and so on. I wonder if those will fix it.
  • empoweredempowered Member Posts: 3
    YES! Mazda continues in '09 to have service bulletins for the same issues from '05-'08. Why? Because it is cheaper for them. Most people do not want to invest the time and energy into pursuing getting what they paid a premium price for in the first place because of the run around and half truths they are met with when they try to honestly resolve their car issues. Why did Mazda go from a 4 year/50K mile to a 3/36K bumper to bumper warranty? Was it because no one was using the 4th year and the other 14K miles for warranty issues? I dont' think so. Was it because they sacrificed quality manufacturing for short term gain? Maybe. Mazda used to have a great reputation for being the car manufacturer that offered affordable luxury extras as standard in quality cars that were a fun driving experience. I would like to see them rebuild that reputation with honor, integrity and high quality standards. Why do manufacturers and dealerships continue to operate from a "lack consciousness?"

    The web of dealership/manufacturer excuses and put-offs, even with their most sincere tones are very frustrating to deal with over and over and over again. Not many people have the time available to continue to take their car to the dealership over and over again to hear these putt-offs, half-truths and best excuses. However, empower yourself. Post car issues on these forums, post them on the Mazda forums, contact the Attorney General's office and Better Business Bureau in your State and simply let them know of your frustrations - even if you don't have a long history of problems. Understand you will be met with form letter responses and directions to an even longer arbitration process but your letter will be on file and when enough letters are on file, people take notice. Visit the following sites:http://www.free-lemon-law-guide.com/magnuson-moss-warranty-act.php
    and http://www.lemonlaw.com. read all of the information all over the sites.

    On the first site, read about the complaint process and learn why manufacturers and dealerships respond with, "we can't duplicate the noise or problem" or "we test drove your car and everything was fine" and many of the other lines we hear. Read about why you can go beyond manufacturer's that insist on arbitration and why it may be more profitable for you to do so - the second site, lemon law.com is offered by a group of lawyers in a small grouping of States and if they take on your case, you don't pay a dime. According to the first site, manufacturers are well aware of many recurrent problems from year to year and do nothing about it. In the long run, if someone chooses to obtain a lawyer and file a case, it is cheaper for them to settle the case before it goes to court. It is even cheaper for them to wait it out knowing that most people grow tired of 800# customer disservice help, being transferred from one service person to the next only to be lost in the miscommunication of the many "helpful" people and repeated visits to dealerships. They know that most people will not choose to find a lawyer and will usually give up and either keep their car and shoulder the burden of problems or sell their "lemon" and buy a new vehicle.

    Is this not what put the auto industry in the precarious position it is now finding itself? People spoke loud and clear with the cars for clunkers - Oops!, I mean clunkers for cars program (mistake intended). Was the message not obvious from the public to the manufacturers? Sell cars at reasonable prices and the public will buy them. The next loud message needs to be about selling quality cars to begin with so that these frustrating, time consuming and expensive car problems can give way to higher quality maintenance. I know I would spend more money on preventive maintenance to keep my car running in tip top shape if I didn't have to be concerned with being nickled and dimed ($50's and $100's) by manufacturer defect problems that ultimately cost me in many ways.

    Yes, please keep posting car issues. It is so helpful to many of us that use these forums to empower ourselves. I am finding issues with my '09 sport manual - car pulls to the right (even after many attempts by the dealership to correct), there are strange noises from the right front passenger's side engine area that have been diagnosed as: water from a/c condenser splashing on exhaust, condenser switch, condenser thermomister, water not draining properly from condenser. Nothing has been done to correct the problem as each time, with each new diagnosis I am told everything is normal and fine. I only hear the noise while the condenser is engaged and the car is moving (best heard between 15-40mph. The noise is not heard in idle. If it were a switch or thermomister, should it not happen all of the time while in idle or at high speeds? I also experienced a high vibration at highway speeds in my '09 sport manual. The left rear side and passenger's seat shook violently. Even though I was told it was "normal" vibration, the dealership did replace two tires. There still is an abnormal vibration at highway speeds although the vibration is less than before the tires were replaced. Even though the dealership insists everthing is within manufacturers specifications and everything is fine, no one will guarantee the alignment and vibration issues will not cause excessive and abnormal tire wear such as has been huge problems with the 2006 models that ended up in Canada and the UK.

    After one alignment done by the dealership (to correct the pulling to the right problem), when I started my car, the car violently rocked side to side and I heard a high pitch whine like a weed whacker noise or a forced air noise. The side to side rocking was during ignition and the high pitched noise lasted for about a minute or two. The car did this two more times that same day (only drove it a total of about 20 miles that day). Dealership told me I must have tried to start the car while it was already running - 3 times?! :lemon:
  • vicenacvicenac Member Posts: 229
    I had Ford Freestayle that the dealers turned into a lemon (I've got my money back).
    I know how that feels. It seems to me that less and less atention is given to the expertise of the service departments.
    I think there is a general feeling that cars need ess and less maintenance. A few scripts are good enough to guide anybody through fixing problems. Obviously wrong.
    In the last years I've visited 3 Ford and 3 Mazda dealerships and found the same lack of smart mechanics.
    I have a friend who had Toyota religion all his life. He is stunned to see the same going down hill with his new Sequoia.
    I intend to to buy a new 2010 MZ5 because it is simple enough for me to maintain and fix myself. I have a MZ CX-7 now (lease) that has 20k miles on it. I am disapointed to hear and feel all kinds of vibration and steering noises. ALL apeared after service visits. It's a shame!
  • letzallwinletzallwin Member Posts: 3
    I have been absent for several months due to serious illness of a family member. To my friends who shared info with me (Petesmazda5, Raceymom, Sofienyc, & Trishr1) I promised an update on success (or lack thereof) in getting my 2007 Mazda 5 repaired. So, pull up a chair, pop in a Joe Nichols CD ("My Old Friend The Blues"), speakers turned up, and read on...
    Inner tire treadwear: my problems started with this issue. At 5K miles, after the tires were rotated, I noticed inner tread wear on all 4 tires. After the rotation, could hear tire noise because they were cupped out. At 8K miles, one of the service writers finally responded to my insistence to get this checked. She made a call, at 11K , my Toyos tires were replaced with Kumhos' (warranty).
    Next, enter the crunch/pop noise in the front suspension. It was cold weather as some of you mentioned when it happened on your vehicles. After several "not duplicated this visit" comments, a Master Tech observed loose play in the tie rod ends. They replaced the rack unit and the strut bushings. Problem solved for now.
    Also experienced popping noise in the rear suspension. A beefed up Ford(?) part was ordered and installed with new bushings. On the way home, every little bump and dip in the road produced a loud clanging in the rear.Returned car to dealer (you'll love this) the tech had installed the parts incorrectly. Parts reinstalled, noise now gone.
    The tire wear issue is still evident. 2 more tires were put on (warranty), refused to put on 4, even though all were worn inner tread. By the way, between 8K and 11K, the car alignment was checked, slightly high on camber (positive). For whatever reason, the alignment was outsourced to an independent garage. I spoke with the tech who explained to me that the Mazda 3's , 5's & 6's had no camber adustment, and that they ran a positive camber that made them very responsive in steering, but produced INNER tread wear. He said that adjusting the toe-in could "tweak it" a little. (Just passing on what an independent said, I'm sure a Mazda tech will argue that one). So, at this point, how many of you have had your Mazda 5 issues satisfactorily resolved?

    Maybe I will see some of you if there is another "Cash for Clunkers" promotion. Until then, report every issue-call your state attorney general's office if nothing is resolved, and please keep me posted.
    Thanks ...
    Letzallwin
  • mazda_5_ughmazda_5_ugh Member Posts: 9
    My wife and I own a Mazda 5 that has been serviced several times for suspension issues. The dealership has tried to repair the problem, but it comes back every Winter and sometimes in the Summer. We've been so unhappy with the vehicle that we were trying to trade-in for an 09, but after reading entries here- I'm not so sure. We tried sending a letter to Mazda USA corporate offices, but got some young guy in Customer Service that took his orders from the regional technician. The guy even went so far as to say we either accept one of two solutions or Mazda would drop our review- which we took as a threat. So now we're sending a registered letter to his boss, the head of Customer Service & Quality Assurance (Mr. Yasuo Kunita). You can google for the corporate address. We like the vehicle, but I'll be damned if I'll accept that Mazda won't do anything to address the problem and fix it right (if they can). I'm doubtful that we'll ever buy another Mazda, but frankly, Toyota is having quality issues too (now that their number 1). Left to either buy a Ford Fusion or a Honda I guess. We've spoken to a lawyer friend, but he takes 33% of any settlement, which is only a little less than our present costs with our trade-in. Speaking of trade-in, I've never been given a lower trade-in value before. Mazda will only offer the least amount on the trade-in, even though the value of the vehicle has certainly been affected by this defect in design. Go figure!
  • vicenacvicenac Member Posts: 229
    Hey I'm just curious. Is this problem the squealing people complain about?
    I saw that TSB with detailed instructions on how to fix it. I'm waiting to buy a new MZ5, so I thought I may have the same problem.
    If I will, I will probably not go to the dealer the second time, since they applied the Mazda fix and did not work. I would find an independent mechanic and fix it for good with 3rd party parts. I may end up having a better vehicle. Better shocks the least.
    Mazda fix may be good, but execution often lacks at these dealerships, especially for warranty repairs. They get paid no matter what.
    The rubber bushings can be adapted from another vehicle and thus you can experiment. I will assume the problem is with the lithium grease and the way it is applied and also if it is retained or pushed out over time. Some kind of wrapping may help (not pretty).
    And this is all speculation. I'm wondering if any of the mechanics identified what is actually making the noise. I suspect that they just apply the prescribed fix without diagnosing much.
    Sorry for your troubles.
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