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Comments
Mazda USA, Inc.
7755 Irvine Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
We've directed the letters to two people:
Mr. Yasuo Kunita, Vice President, Customer Service Operations & Quality Assurance, Mazda USA
and
Jim O'Sullivan, President, Mazda USA
Our thinking is to skip the low level employees who are hired to drag out the process and discourage people, and go for the people who have the power and authority to address the issue. If enough people send letters, they'll get tired of dealing with the issue and may be do something about it. They probably have thick skins, but a single drop of water applied hundreds if not thousands of times might work. Even if they don't act, they'll know that their decision not to act is affecting a lot of decent people. Word of mouth advertising works both ways, and Mazda will never reach the level of Honda and Toyota if they don't get serious about quality. Too bad, considering they have everything else right. Nice design, good handling etc. We like the vehicle concept, but the quality issues are out weighing everything else. Mazda's trade-in on the vehicle is really low, so even the company is bailing.
It did have an alignment the same with somebody that complained here. After a few days we saw the car was pulling left and it was hard to keep straight at high speeds.
All the adjustments were on the spot. The dealer asked Mazda and was told to play with the strut tower adjustments. The car did not drive straight for long long time. It's a 2 year lease so, I didn't care much, but after about a year or so, the problem went away by itself. Go figure.
I'm thinking they actually have a problem putting the frames together properly consistently. That leads to all kinds of alignment issues.
I'm starting to get shy of getting a 5 (after waiting for so long). I can put up with issues, but my wife will get really frustrated....
As per Toyota and Honda, just take a look of their latest recalls, good quality? I have my doubts. I actually traded a Honda for my 08, much better experience so far. But anyway, I understand many people's frustrations, no doubt.
I will digress for a moment and relate an experience that I had with Sears - big ticket item (mattress). I had looked at them for over a year - thought long and hard (a good night's sleep is worth it) - found it on sale - told the salesperson that I expected the mattress to be the same as what I had tried - stressed the importance of this etc. Delivered the mattress - they sent the FIRM mattress - totally not was I wanted - slept on it one night - numbness in arms etc. Immediately when back told the salesperson this was the wrong mattress - said they would send the "bed doctor" out. I said No I wanted them to refund my money and get it out. They said No I HAD to sleep on it for 30 days. I said they wouldn't want me in their store after spending 30 days on this bed. I also said (and this is what did it) that I worked in an institution of over 5,000 people who LOVE to hear stories of bad products, be it a mattress or a CAR. 5,000 people tell 10,000 people and I was immediately refunded my money and the bed was gone the next day.
I thought about putting a sign on my car "yes the noise is from my Mazda5 and they won't fix it" , I thought about wearing a lab coat at work with a message on the back of it how about "Mazda5?, think again!" or "Mazda5 Doom, Doom". I'm sure others can come up with better ones.
I had my rear bushings "fixed" recently, warranty expiring soon, then had the front done (metal on metal noise) - I was told " that should do it"? I seemed to have heard that before. Ever the optimist, I will wait and see.
I agree that the vehicle is right for me but if another manufacturer comes up with something similar, my Mazda5 is history, but after the second year of the new vehicle. I had to purchase a vehcile when I bought my Mazda5 so I couldn't wait. I now tell everyone who mentions that they are buying a new car to go to the Forums first. Never mind Phil Edmonston who hasn't written anything negative about this car as far as I can see, nor anyone else in the "car evaluation business" for some odd reason.
Just came across this advertising:
Stevensons LLP has brought proceedings against Hyundai Motor Corporation for defects in the sub-frame assembly of 1994 through 2004 model year Sonata automobiles. For more information please click here. I didn't copy the Hyundai but found another one against Ford.
Below is a settlement against Ford (hmmm Ford-Mazda)
http://www.classproceedings.ca/previous%20cases%20ford.htm
A class proceeding is a civil law suit where one or more plaintiffs act on behalf of a larger group of persons who have a common interest.
Further details about class actions are provided in our Frequently Asked Questions section.
It is often important to act quickly to protect and preserve your rights.
If you believe you have a potential class action please contact us immediately to review the issues. We can be reached at:
Stevensons LLP
Attention: Colin Stevenson
144 Front Street West, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2L7
Phone: 416-599-7900
- or -
7501 Keele Street, Suite 200
Vaughan, Ontario
L4K 1Y2
Phone: 905-760-2794
E-mail: cstevenson@stevensonlaw.net
www.stevensonlaw.net
All it takes is one person.
A media event or investigation is more likely to help if you can get them interested. Consumer Affairs or like organization perhaps. A letter writing campaign - same day mailings?
Ford had to give me my money back for one of their vehicles that was damaged by dealer's negligence.
When I had trouble with my Mazda CX-7 not driving straight after the first attempt to fix it, I called Mazda CS. The guy on the phone had a somewhat smug attitude. I told him I am on his side and that I was not confident a second attempt at the problem by this dealer would bring good results. That would bring us very close to a lemon status. His tone changed to "very helpful" on the spot.
I think everybody should try BBB. They helped me promptly, when Ford refused to talk to me (socialist company with employees that don't care).
I think Mazda is in a tight spot. Read their history to see that they barely made it here. Also, I think they made a mistake by bringing this vehicle here. They don't sell it in enough numbers to make it economicaly feazable to deal with an unexpected high number of problems. They don't advertize it at all (MZ5). It looks like the company wishes the product did not exist.
What I do not get, is how come these problems did not surface earlier? This vehicle is new (in 06) for this market, but existed for many years in other markets.
I test drove the 06 and I decided not to buy it. It felt that the engine struggled all the time. Accelerating on a freeway ramp took long. It stayed in the 3rd gear a long time and the engine screamed.
I test drove the 09 and I can't wait to buy one. It was quieter and it seemed to be at ease. Accelerating on the same ramp was quiet and swift (I was very surprised).
One silly example is: my 08 6-CD player has now a pause option, very useful. Another one: the sliding doors now have an extra pillar/door support/stopper on the top corner. Silly, but I'm sure that reduces wear and vibration in the long run...
MPG is a little bit better but not drastic change, I guess it was some fine-tuning done. The 08 gets an extra MPG in average (yes, one, but better than nothing )
Driving dynamics, well they are Mazda and 5MT, enough said. But feel very equal though.
Now, note that if you really need TC and DSC as many people have complained, 2010 is the one for you:
http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/2010-mazda5
Alright allright, off-topic, they are gonna come and get us
This Tch Bullentin is Called:
Subject:
NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR SUSPENSION WHEN PASSING OVER A BUMP
OR DRIVING ON UNEVEN ROAD
Link: http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda5/bulletin/02-001-08-1918.pdf
13 pages of tech bulletin. Hope this helps my fellow Mazda 5 owners. I like this car, so I hope the noisy suspension can be addressed.
Good Driving.....
Can you tell us what year your Mazda5 is.
Thanks
It's a 2006. They lubricated the bushings with white lithium grease and since then it's been quiet. Winter is coming up though and that's usually when we hear it.
Mazda has never denied that they have a suspension (crunch, squeal, etc) issue with the bushings, to me at least. Some dealerships will tell you the noise is "normal", not sure what they are driving, or from what planet they're from, but it is not normal, and the issue with my car is not from my tires because the noise is present when I change out to the winter tires. Just my humble opinion. :shades:
Disassembly was pretty straightforward. Using 14mm socket, once the transverse member is removed, this will be the working area. It may be tight but it is doable. Just be patient. The only mod to the procedure is that you will have to loosen the lower connecting rod of the stabilizer bar. This is due to the rubber opening of the new rubber bushing which is on the side vice the bottom.
Applied the 705 grease to the inside, slid it in the bar by pushing the bar lightly upward while pushing in the bottom section of the bushing. Don't worry about the torque settings since it is almost impossible to get a torque wrench in there. I'm assuming the torque specs were in place during actual assembly (engine, trans, steering assembly were still out)
Follow the rest of the procedures and you won't here that grunt for a long time. I noticed a bead of shiny rubber in a few spots inside the old bushings. I'll try to attach pics. The new bushings had some sort of wooven ply on the inside. I've read in another forum that these are 4th generation bushings for MZ5. Good Luck!
Thanks
Description 020G6BUSH,STABI
List Price $10.95/each at dealership
I must have been away when this post was made, but the problem with the bushings has been in existence with Mazda for many years. Just read through some of the postings on the Protege forum. I can't locate the exact forum I was on (was on many though) and the problem went on and on and on...
I hate to jinx myself (I never talk about my car or washing machine because something will go wrong soon after) but I haven't experienced any further noise since the last "fix"of the front and rear bushings so maybe they got it right.
Thanks
Thanks
I'm not going to worry about it too much because we're hoping to get rid of this car during the summer anyway. This was our first and will be our last Mazda.
Suggestions anybody?
The service rep told me they are also performing this new procedure on Mazda 3's and MazdaSpeed 3's that have similar issues. I hope that this does cure the problem because I do not want to be stuck spending $400.00 every spring once the car's warranty expires.
Today took our Mazda5 2008 for routine oil change and brought printed TSB for the squeaking bushings issue. There was no resistance. They asked for the TSB, took it to technician, and told me that parts will be ordered and replaced under warranty. I asked why TSB was not issued again for models that came after 2006, since it's a reoccurring issue. On that I was told to contact Mazda Canada head office. I think this is what people should do. As consumers we have voice and it looks like it's only heard when it's loud.
If your dealership did not fix your vehicle according to the TSB or refused to fix it, then you will be assigned to an investigator and your complaint is recorded.
One can only hope that with enough people complaining they might pay attention, however, as with another car manufacturer, it took a very long time to get anyone's attention, including the safety watchdogs.
I've had the rear bushings issue for the last two winters...was told it was normal in extreme low temps...since when is 32F extreme!? They offered to lube.
I'm on my second pair of tires, the first set lasted about 17K miles, now the new set seems to be holding up better.
Just replaced the rear shocks on the car, car now has over 36K miles (out of warranty). The car was undriveable as the shocks went...makes me wonder if the tires, bushings and all are related to cheap rear shocks.
Otherwise the car is good. :lemon: Now that I'm out of warranty can't wait to see what goes next..."value engineering" is dangerous.
Both times Mazda techs claimed that shocks leaked. Also, alignment goes off at least twice a year. I think that Mazda made HUGE mistake when they changed suspension for USA to make it "sporty". I'm sure European 5's don't have this problem since their suspension is stiffer. So it is either design flaw or parts or both! I wonder how 09 model suspension different from previous years? According to "Consumer Reports" 09 doesn't have suspension problems.
Lastly, Mazda plays "blind" to this issue with suspension, until it will get sued like Toyota. We, consumers should send our complains to NHTSA. They would investigate once number of complaints rises. If it wouldn't be suspension, it would be a great quality car. Personally, I put " X " on this car and will get Honda or even Toyota instead.
Mazda5 sucks!
Dump this car ASAP!
Suspension is crap and will be always crap!
It doesn't matter how many times parts get replaced or lubricated!!!
At only one dealership tech admitted to me "of record" that "these cars are known for this problem", the rest of them (mazda techs and their managers) either play stupid or keep their mouths shut.
Buying Mazda5 was a mistake for me too! Crunching noises at winter, rear shocks replaced twice, alignment goes off at least twice a year (even though maintenance and tire rotation schedules are followed), tires get chewed up.
I'm looking forward to Odyssey 2011!
Mazda5 goes kaput!
Just be aware that the 2011 Honda Odyssey is the first model of the next gen, and is when all the bugs show-up. Usually all first models of the next gen cars have flaws
Since if you call yourself coolmazda5, I wonder what year is your 5 and how many miles you have on it? Have you tested your car in freezing temps? Did Mazda send you questionnaire on the second week of ownership too? It tells you something, doesn't it?
Hey, you wanna swap?
Just kidding.
But seriously, ANYBODY wants swap mazda5 07 for odyssey or sienna???? We'll call it an even exchange!
Perhaps, 06-07 models are the only ones with suspension issues... I really want to know if owners of 2008-10 models do or don't have these issues
I've owned 2 Civics and Accord (all bought new). One is still running with 98K. With Hondas I've never experienced any problems. I just think that I made a mistake to buy 5 and switch to Mazda.
I agree with your point about 2011. This could be the same fate as 2006 for mazda5.
Regardless, mazda5 is kaput!
I asked about the alignment because I've not experienced eating tires nor alignment issues. Only problem is that the OEM Toyo Proxes tires are horrible, I replaced them on the 06 as soon as the opportunity presented. Looking forward to do it on the 08 before Winter starts...
My 07 has over 30K, tires are OK. I did all rotations as scheduled. My toyos are OK for now, but do get chewed up quicker than of Accord's for example.
I still believe I should sell my 5 and buy something else. But before I'll make such a decision, I'd wait for other owners who have 2008-10 year models to confirm your statement regarding 08 model. In that case I'd sell my 07 and get a brand new one.
I gave up, drove the car back home -- and noticed that the noise really was gone!! I deliberately took routes that set off the crunching before, and the car was silent! I figured something in the disassembly/reassembly process must have done the trick.
This situation lasted for about a week, when the noise reappeared while driving over a normal speed bump. It's become more and more pronounced since then -- still not as loud or consistent as before, but definitely trending upward.
Don't know what this says about the cause of the problem, other than it appears that rather fine tolerances are involved. Cold temps are not a factor here, as the car has been in Hawaii since purchase.
I've serviced both in the same place
Your message exactly reflects my concerns on suspension issues of Mazda5 I've described in my previous postings, and it agrees with so many other postings at this thread
. The rear shocks were replaced twice on my 07 Touring, fortunately both times under warranty. I've checked reviews here at Edmunds for 07-09 mazda5s. For 07 and 08 there were couple concerns regarding suspension, and none for 09. It only means that owners of 09 didn't accumulate enough mileage to experience the issues yet. The fact is that tires get chewed up too soon because these tires probably too skinny to soften the shocks and vibrations from the road surface that leads the suspension to fail prematurely. Yeah, mazda could have replaced shocks for the better ones for 09-10 year models, but that doesn't mean that tires would last longer nor suspension wouldn't fail.
I liked this vehicle for a number of reasons until I had to go to dealerships to fix numerous suspension related issues. Features of this car are great, but safety is my most concern.