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Mazda5 Suspension

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Comments

  • riproyriproy Member Posts: 57
    The TSB did not address it, or it didn't address the whole problem. Or it worked for a day, a week, and then it was back. We have had ours repaired 2x since the TSB and 5 times in total, only for suspension issues. Nothing has worked to date. Ours is an 06.
  • mazda_5_ughmazda_5_ugh Member Posts: 9
    We have had bushing, sway bars and stabilizer links replaced. This week its the rear struts that have failed. The bushings have been replaced at least twice on both the fronts and rears. We were told that they use a Teflon grease on the bushings, but the parts I've seen on the internet that are designed to address the problem actually have Teflon incorporated into the bushing its self. The vehicle also chews up tires. The first set lasted 23,000 miles. We put Yokohamas (rated for 60,000 miles) on it and they only lasted 23,000 miles. Is this the cost of "zoom zoom?" My wife drives the vehicle daily and her driving is very conservative- no fast starts or stops and she does corners very slowly. I'm starting to wonder if they just took the Mazda 3 under pinnings and added a bigger top to it- thus all the suspension issues and tires (though the tire issue seems to be showing up in CX 7's too).
  • mazda_5_ughmazda_5_ugh Member Posts: 9
    We have started writing letters (certified) detailing our experiences to:
    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.
  • vicenacvicenac Member Posts: 229
    Hmmmm.... I have a CX-7 and no problems with the tires, although at 20k (miles) I'm getting close to having to replace them, but I have to admit that I drive from hell.
    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....
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    I believe that is a good point, not all the owners have problems with their cars, and obviously the ones who don't have are less likely to post in a forum (or you are an enthusiast of course). I own 2 Mazda5s (an 06 and an 08) and possibly I would not have posted here if I would have only owned the 08, is it has had no problems to-date. And yes, with the 06 I've had some recalls and TSBs (1st model, 1st year, not the brightest idea) yet nothing deal breaker. I guess a good testament of that is buying a 2nd one as soon as the facelift (with all the improvements) came out.

    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.
  • mazda_5_ughmazda_5_ugh Member Posts: 9
    I realize some people who have experienced these problems live in southern climates and say this is not just a cold weather issue, but I'm curious about what region of the country you're from? We live in a midwest state that has temps that drop to below freezing. The problem doesn't show during the Summer, but give us a cold snap and the noise comes back. It is nice to hear that the 08 is working for you. We'd really like to move to a newer model. Unfortunatly, Mazda has dragged their feet and the discounts offered when our odessey started are no longer in place. We're hopeing that Mazda will honor them, but that has yet to be seen. Over all, the dealer has been good, but the repeated quality issues have not been so pleasant.
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    Mid-Atlantic, it's not as radical as the Midwest (I used to live there) but still get our share of each season. Yes, for the 06 they applied the bushings TSB. Similar case on my side, dealer has been very good. For the 06 issues things have been fixed during the dealer's service (and note that is not the same dealer I bought the 06 from), so that attention has also helped supporting the cause to get the 08.
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    Letter writing is a really good idea and if enough people do it they may (MAY) do something. In your letter did you ask them for some type of compensation for your time and aggravation?
    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. :blush:

    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?
  • vicenacvicenac Member Posts: 229
    I live in CA (lifornia). Here it takes only 4 times to fix an issue (or just 2 times for a life-threatening issue) to render the vehicle a lemon. No arbitration. Or just more than 30 days in service, non - consecutive.
    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.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Hey coolmazda5...off topic here, but I'm looking at maybe buying a used Mazda 5. Are there any big driving differences between the '06 and '08 (ie ride, handling, MPG, cabin noise, etc). I know of all the cosmetic changes..rear AC vents, armrests, etc, but I'm interested if the driving dynamics are really any different, or real-world MPG...thanks.
  • vicenacvicenac Member Posts: 229
    The question is not directed at me, but what the heck!
    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).
  • mazda_5_ughmazda_5_ugh Member Posts: 9
    I know the 08 has resonance chambers to reduce road noise and I think the suspension issues have been corrected (so they say). Not sure if the engine is any stronger- 2.3 liter in the 06. We have a Sport addition which has a manual, which resolves the under power issue nicely. Depends if you want all the bells and whistles as far as electronics go (and leather seating). I do like the changes in the rear tail lights and the front grill is a bit more sharper looking. We're trying to move to an 09 to resolve the problems we've had with the suspension in our 06, but not sure if Mazda will come through there. The tire wear issue may still be a problem, but not sure. We get an average of 23,000 miles per set of tires, though I'm hoping our new Michelins will last longer. They have lightened the interior materials colors, so its not all black on black. That's all I can tell you.
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    Not really apart from what you have highlighted already, BUT the ride feels more smoother/refined, plus it seems that they corrected some of the little things that were overseen in the 06 as it has been also highlighted earlier.

    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 :D)

    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 :D
  • agb1agb1 Member Posts: 1
    I am having the flexing/thumping noises from my 2007 Mazda 5 now that it's cold. I found the 208 technical bullentin that applies to 2006-2007. Here is the link. I already called my dealer; our Mazda 5 is still under warranty and I'm going to bring this with me to make the process easier.

    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.....
  • riproyriproy Member Posts: 57
    This TSB has been mentioned here a few times. I hope it works for yours - it didn't work for ours. Twice.
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    My three year warranty has expired, however, prior to it expiring I called Mazda Canada and asked if the extended warranty covered the "existing" bushing issue and I was told NO. So if you are thinking of buying it to cover the costs of replacing the defective bushings you are out of luck. :surprise:
  • kilderkilder Member Posts: 2
    Hi,i also have the clunking noise coming from the rear of the car.I decided the other day to ride in the back seat while my wife drove.It is really loud back there and i also thought it may be the shocks but when i checked them i nthen saw the reason for the noise.The front bushing on the rear trailing link is completely destroyed and when you go over a bump the metal part of the arm hits the underside of the car causing a loud clunk.So,i thought that i could simply replace the bushing to solve the problem.Called up the local dealer and they sent me a parts picture of the link and the bushing was shown as a seperate part.So i was really happy that i didn't have to buy the link with the bushing which is a couple of hundred dollars.I called the dealer back and they told me that yes the part is seperate and it has a part number and would be only around 30 dollars.But it will not be avaliable to purchace for a couple of months.Then i found out that the ford escort has the same suspension parts.i will have to check with ford to see if the bushing can be purchased.In the mean time does anyone know if there is an aftermarket bushing avaliable?
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    Hi,
    Can you tell us what year your Mazda5 is.
    Thanks
  • mazda_5_ughmazda_5_ugh Member Posts: 9
    Yes-
    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.
  • kilderkilder Member Posts: 2
    Hi,my car is a 2006.
  • mazda_5_ughmazda_5_ugh Member Posts: 9
    The noise is now back (cold temps this week). I'm taking the vehicle in next week to have the bushing lubricated with silicone grease instead this time. I've read that silicone grease works better, I've also read that there are after market bushing made for the Mazda 5 that are teflon lined and may solve the problem-- not sure though. We had ordered an 2010 Mazda 5 to replace, but it doesn't look like we'll go through with the purchase since we haven't been able to sell our present vehicle and doubt a trade-in would be high enough to make it feasible. Good luck. Let's just hope everyone learns from our misfortune.
  • 123jim321123jim321 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone had a response from Mazda re: suspension? I think most peoples initial response to the suspension issue is that the tires are bad. So it take 40,000 miles until consumers start to realize that it is actually the car that is causing the tire wear problem. Mazda acted oblivious to the problem when I spoke with them.
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    Mazda has never admitted that the tires may wear irregularly or wear out prematurely. There is a separate section for tire issues. Having said that, as soon as I had signed on the dotted line when I purchased my '06, my salesperson told me to drive on these tires for a year and dump them. The service manager disagrees with that statement - no matter, I only use these times 1/2 of the year, but I will change them to Michelin's or other performance tires when the time comes.
    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:
  • islandreamerislandreamer Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for the TSB agb1. I decided to replace the front stabilizer bushings first since they were only 10 bucks and change per bushing at the dealer since Bap-Geon did not carry the bushings. I already was anticipating the lower control arm replacement at 68 dollars and change at Bap-Geon (dealer price was almost 200 each). Got all the tools ready including the recommended "white grease" which I use Penzoil 705 Multi-Purpose White Grease.
    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!
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    Thanks for the information - Can you tell me what the part number is for the 4th generation bushings?
    Thanks
  • islandreamerislandreamer Member Posts: 5
    Part # CC29-34-156C
    Description 020G6BUSH,STABI
    List Price $10.95/each at dealership
  • xman2006mz5xman2006mz5 Member Posts: 16
    WHAT ABOUT THE REAR BUSHINGS
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    "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 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...
  • islandreamerislandreamer Member Posts: 5
    Rear bushings have not been annoying so let's hope it stays that way. It should be easier to swap just from the look of the sway bar location.
  • castg1castg1 Member Posts: 34
    It's my 2nd winter since the bushing was replaced.front and rear,.under the TSB. We have had a series of cold temperatures (-30 celcius).. so far no suspension crunch noise. I'm still not decided if I will grease it before next winter or wait it out to find out when it will 'squeak/crunch' again.
  • kuruma808kuruma808 Member Posts: 2
    Same problem has gradually appeared over the last several months on our 2008 model. We live in Hawaii, so I know low temps aren't the cause.
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    Sigh... In colder temperatures it probably shows up acutely and faster but nevertheless it continues on. How many times have you had your bushings replaced?
    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.
  • mazda_5_ughmazda_5_ugh Member Posts: 9
    The last fix has worked- so far. We'll have to see next Winter. There was a TSB for the bushings and Mazda has "redesigned" them once again. The design is different from the last ones. I had the dealership's service department show me the new bushings before they installed. Have to take them at their word. :) In the future, we're having them done by a local shop since the warranty has expired.
  • mazda_5_ughmazda_5_ugh Member Posts: 9
    Our 2006 Mazda 5 has a squeaky driver's seat. Has anyone experienced similar, and have you found a solution? I'm trying to avoid taking it to an auto interior shop and would like to fix it myself. I've heard there is a spray lubricant on the market that dries once applied. If anyone has tried this, I'd love to hear (no pun intended) if it has worked. Afraid some lubricants would damage the foam in the seat (petrol based, which has solvents).
    Thanks
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    Thanks for the update. Can you supply the bushing parts numbers?
    Thanks
  • petesmazda5petesmazda5 Member Posts: 12
    Funny you should mention the squeaky seat. Mine (07) has it also. It started during this winter (along with the usual suspension squeak) and I can't track down exactly where it's coming from. I have checked the seat bolts and lubed all the tracks with white lithium grease and slid the seat back and forth for 5 minutes to make sure it got spread around but yet the squeak is still there, and only on the drivers seat.

    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?
  • slurpslurp Member Posts: 8
    Good morning from Winnipeg . I had our 2007 Mazda 5's front and rear bushing replaced for the third time two days ago. The service manager assured me that this time they have the problem licked. He explained that an engineer from Mazda Canada visited the dealership and showed them a new "Mazda engineered process""for fixing the bushing issue. Apparently the bushings are channeled before installation to allow for more lubricant to be retained and prevent them form drying out.
    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.
  • sean_mazda5sean_mazda5 Member Posts: 1
    Hello from Calgary.
    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.
  • trishr1trishr1 Member Posts: 75
    I would encourage you to contact Mazda Canada and I would suggest that you use the contact form as a record of your communication for future reference, if needed. Provided that your dealership made the repairs to your vehicle, I am not sure that Mazda Canada will do anything else for you.
    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. ;)
  • magnumbrownmagnumbrown Member Posts: 1
    Been looking for a good forum to share all the issues this car (2006) has and finally found one.

    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.
  • kukarekakukareka Member Posts: 20
    I've experienced the same crunching noises at rear suspension on my Mazda5, 07 each cold season as many described at this blog. Rear shocks were replaced twice already. First time because of crunching noise and second time because rear of the car was doing fishtail motion. Pretty scary feeling behind the wheel, I'll tell you!
    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!
  • kukarekakukareka Member Posts: 20
    My suggestion is exactly the same as you said at last.
    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!
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    edited June 2010
    Alignment goes off at least twice a year? How are you driving it? Where are you driving it?

    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
  • kukarekakukareka Member Posts: 20
    Driving is normal. 10-15 mi a day, no passengers or load. I don't abuse this car or any I owned. Maintenance is up to date too.
    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!
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    I own 2 Mazda5s, an 06 and an 08. Yes, the 06 has gotten the relevant recalls and TSBs. The 08 so far OK, nothing to change under warranty. Yes, the 06 has squeaked on cold winters. I actually traded-in a Honda Civic for the 1st Mazda5. The Civic gave me a couple of severe issues that left me stranded on the road (exhaust, start relay) and so far the Mazdas, nada. Also, my dealer has been very decent (the 2nd one, the 1st one not at all) so that helps...

    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...
  • kukarekakukareka Member Posts: 20
    I feel better to know that your 06 had similar problems, and I'm surprised to know that 08 hasn''t. Would you possibly know what's the prime diffrerence between the 2 in terms of suspension, please? Are the shocks different, bushings, etc?
    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.
  • kuruma808kuruma808 Member Posts: 2
    I mentioned our '08 Mazda5's rear-suspension crunching noises to our dealer's service dept. when I brought it in recently for routine service -- even referred them to the prior years' service bulletin. They said they took the rear suspension apart, couldn't find any signs of wear, abrasion or other problems, and moreover couldn't even hear the noise (which had been obvious to all passengers for several months.) They didn't charge me anything beyond the other service work, and offered to take another look if I could bring it in again to demonstrate the noise.
    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.
  • coolmazda5coolmazda5 Member Posts: 525
    edited June 2010
    I don't feel any critical differences, but as I've been reading it seems that there was a very bad lot of shocks in the warehouse for the first models. Bushings seem to be of different (read "better") materials now. Also, I'm sure Mazda did some adjustments to the suspension (i.e. camber) after the years have passed. For example, I can tell that while the Proxes are horrible, on the 08 they seem on better shape than the ones on the 06 at the i.e. 20k mile mark.

    I've serviced both in the same place
  • 09mazda509mazda5 Member Posts: 2
    I have an 09 Mazda5 and haven't had issues with suspension noise, but have now had both rear shocks go out (one at 18K and now the other at 22K). The Yokohama Avid tires that came with the vehicle also have flat spots on the inside edge of two tires (currently both on axel where shocks failed) even though the tires have been rotated every 4K since purchasing the car new. Mazda swears the shocks aren't causing the unusual tire wear pattern. Alignment was checked at 18K. The service manager said there was an issue with the shocks but that supposedly something was changed to address the shock issue and that he hasn't had any come back (yet) since the "new" design shocks have come out. Parts manager at another local Mazda dealership says the shocks go out "all the time" and that's "just what they do." No on else has a shock that will fit the 09 Mazda5 yet (have checked several shock manufacturers-apparently there was a shock change from 08 to 09 model?), so I'm stuck with what Mazda makes for now.
  • kukarekakukareka Member Posts: 20
    Thanks for the posting!
    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.
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