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Look out! The Mazda 626 and Protege are becoming notorious for disastrous transmission problems which the company steadfastly refuses to address. It appears the transmissions are made by Ford, a master at turning a blind eye to its defects.
Many Mazda owners with faulty transmission have asked about filing a class action suit against the company. Unfortunately, such suits are almost never successful. The auto manufacturer will spare no expense defending itself in court and it is seldom possible for consumers or their lawyers to match the company's resources. Best solution: consumers should sue the company in Small Claims Court. Their chances of winning are much higher and the cost of litigation is tiny.
Here are a few of the more recent complaints:
Debbie of Mesa AZ (07/01/08)
We bought a new 2007 Mazda 3 from the dealership in November of 2006. There was 5 miles on the car when we purchased it and it still had the plastic on from shipping. We have had the oil changed and tires rotated on the car every 5,000 miles as warranty recommends since we bought the car. We took our car again this weekend to have the oil changed, at 29,000 miles and were told my the service technician that the two rear tires needed to be replaced due to inside wear on the tires. Since our car has an automatic low tire inflation button, and we check it regularly, there shouldn't be a problem since we have had them rotated regularly. We were told by the technician that since the way the suspension is on the car that the tires wear out on the inside and we were lucky to get 29,000 miles out of the tires as others have had to replace them before 20,000 miles. I have never heard of needing to replace tires on a car at 29,000 miles in my life. Tires used to be good for a minimum of 60,000 miles and on some 100,000 miles. As this car isn't even 2 years old and hasn't exhausted the manufacturers warranty I am completely confused as to why the tires need to be replaced. I have sent a email to Mazda headquarters concerning this incident but have not received a response. If the tires are wearing irregularly due to the suspension problem, it sounds like a car mechanical problem, not an ownership negligence problem.
Jan of Yemassee SC (06/30/08)
We purchased a new Mazda Tribute 2005. This is now 2008 and we have 112,000 miles on the SUV. And the transmission went out in it. So the transmissions in the Mazda Tribute are not any good.
Sarah of Smithland KY (06/28/08)
we bought this mazda 626 for out daughter it is 2000 model. the transmission has already gone out of it, we have talked to servel people that mess with transmissions and they say this is common in this type of car. we would like to know why mazda has not done anything for the people that have this problem, we can have it fixed for about $900.00 , but there is not guarntee that is wont happen again,
Russell of Skowhegan ME (06/22/08)
We have a 2001 Mazda Tribute with 100k miles still in very good condition. Problems began in fall of 2007. Transmission started to slip, we had is serviced and week later lost reverse short time later vehicle will not move. Our mechanic contacted Mazda dealer in Maine and he was told Mazda built a transmission in 1999 to 2002 that was hermetic (sealed) no way to open and change a filter or repair. Since 2003 I'm told they corrected but will not work on any transmission unless under warranty and they simply swap it out. I have quotes of $2000.00 for used with no garentee I will not be in same situation again or $5000.00 for new installed.
Jessica of Richmond VA (06/12/08)
I have a 2000 Mazda Protege with about 137,000 miles. I recently took it to have an oil change, state inspection, & transmission flush. The trans. flush was recommended to me by another shop--they told me that the fluid smelled burnt, but at the time, I didn't have the money for the flush. My car has been driving fine, but I figured it was about time to get a tune up. Immediately after leaving the shop, my car bucked violently when I wasn't accelerating. Acceleration was otherwise sluggish and the car was making a louder humming noise than it did before. The next morning, the car stalled immediately after turning on the ignition without shifting into gear. It continued to buck and stall when I had to stop at lights on my way back to the shop. None of these problems happened before. The guys at the shop said it was probably my BATTERY, which didn't make sense to me, but said they'd take a look. About 8 hours later, they said that the air intake hose was cracked, so they repaired that. We drove around the block before paying to make sure it was driving better--it was better, but still not as good as before the work was done. Later that day, I stalled out twice while stopped at lights in busy traffic. The problem was not the air intake hose! I did a little reading and found some info. that a transmission flush on high-mileage cars can end up doing more harm than good if the fluid is already burnt. I asked the shop about it after the work was done and they said that they heard that rumor, but still felt it was best to flush it. Now I'm wondering if my tranmission is completely gone. And if high-mileage flushes are detrimental, I feel that someone should have talked about that with me when I asked for the service. In the meantime, I was looking at previous work history on my car and came across something I'd forgotten all about. Approximately ONE WEEK after I purchased my car BRAND NEW, it needed a new transmission! Luckily it was under warranty, but it wasn't classified as a lemon. After reading about other Mazda transmission complaints, I thought that was worth sharing. My first transmission didn't last more than a hundred miles or so. Now I think the second one has finally given up.
Joseph of Chesterfield VA (06/10/08)
I purchased a 2004 Mazda RX8 in June 2005 with 16,000 miles on it. The visor on the drivers side of the car broke about a year after I bought the car. My main concern was that the visor fell down in front of my face and almost caused me to have a serious accident. The dealership replaced the visor under the warranty. This happened again today 6-9-08 and again I could have been in a very serious accident due to the hard plastic visor hitting me in the face while driving. It appears that other owners have experienced this same problem with their RX8. Is there a recall on this part?
Nazim of Bronx NY (04/29/08)
I bought a brand new 2004 Mazda 6 in 2004 with only 32 miles on it. After 81,000 miles The transmission needs to be replaced. I've met people with older cars with way more miles than my car that never had a transmission problem. The people at Mazda have no answers. I would never imagine a brand new car's transmission would go so soon.
Richard of Ada OK (04/27/08)
Brought new a 2004 RX 8. The car continually would not start. We had it towed to the dealerships on 6 or 7 occasions. Finally they agreed to replace the engine. The engine was replaced and it still did not start. Each time they said it flooded and said flooding was our fault, even though we started it exactly how they told us to. We finally tratded it in at a hugh loss becuase it was such an unreliable car. It is by far, the worse car we ever had. Anyone who buys a 2004 RX8 is asking for trouble. I was told the latter versions also are problems.
Sarah of West Chester PA (04/23/08)
I have a 1999 Mazda 626. The transmission just failed at 52,000 miles. My mechanic informed me told that usually one can purchase refurbished replacement transmissions with a 100,000 mile, 3 year warranty on them, however no one would take my transmission because they said that the Mazda transmissions are faulty and can't be repaired.
Nick of Indianapolis IN (04/09/08)
I understand the my 1998 Mazda 626 was equipewith a Ford built automatic transmission. I had to have it replaced by Tom Wood Mazda of Indianapolis. Luckily, my extended waranty paid the entire amount. My milage was 98,000 at that time. I now have 160,000 miles on my car and the trans seems to be slipping. The car is the best one I have ever owned except for the transmission, of course. I have had my car serviced per manufacturer's reccomendations. I have put a lot of preventative maintenence into my car - all done by the dealer - even all of my oil changes were done by the dealer. It is disappointing that such a good car should have a chronically defective Ford transmission. I will NEVER buy any Ford products, nor will I buy any other cars with Ford components.
Janetta of Connellsville PA (04/09/08)
The transmission failed in my Mazda 626 2001 and I had another transmission put in and it failed too. I am witing to find another one. The OD light flashed and the transmission went out both times. There was a TSB bulletin released on 5/21/2002 #05-005/02 re this problem with Mazda transmissions but never a recall. I saw numerous complaint and websites Re; this same problem. If I would have known I would have never bought the car.
Richard of Township Of Washington NJ (03/31/08)
Bought a used 2000 Mazda Millena / Great car - Transmission started to leak/ Mazda would not honor a 3000 mile warranty at 3100 miles- Transaxle seals were leaking/ Mazda wanted $3500 for a new transmission. I had the seals replaced and it lasted for a while. Now its slipping and leaking. I saw other letters on defective transmissions. Is Mazda doing anything about or am I stuck like everyone else?
Tawna of Shinnston WV (03/14/08)
2000 Mazda 626 4cyl OD lightblinks and its a shaker just like the restof those POS cars. Just how bad do they have to screw all of us before we get some justice.
single mom with no car thank you mazda 626
Juan of Redondo Beach CA (03/10/08)
I took my car to the mazda dealer because I had 3 ligths on at the panel.They were going to charge me $209 to check the ligths and give me the diagnostic of what was wrong and that those $209 were going to wave them if I fix the car with them.so after one day they told me what was wrong and to fix it it was going to cost me 1,662.00 I agreed.After four days he called me and told me that to fix the car he need 1,500 more.I say no and that I want my car back, so I went to pick up my car thinking that I have to pay the $209 for the diagnostic but my surprise was that the bill was for $1,980.00.I refuse to pay because my car is not fix, none of the things that were wrong with the car has been fix,but they still want me to pay because they said that they spend time and parts in my car and if I dont pay they are not going to release my car.I see this very unfair, not only they not honor they word in a price that we agree but they also want me to pay more than we agree for something that has not been fix.So now they have my car,they won't release it unless I pay. Please help me to solve this problem I need my car.
Bonnie of Mississauga, Canada (02/12/08)
I purchased brand new Mazda 3 October 26, 2007. At first I did have problems getting the car. It was delivered to some other dealership, then my dealership could not find where the car was, it took an extra two weeks on top of the four or five weeks to get the colour I wanted. Three months after driving this car it bursts into flames in my own driveway while we are sleeping.My 20 year old son plays hockey every Sunday, his game was 9:00 PM, he returned at 10:30 PM pulled in the driveway just like usual took hockey things out of the car and locked it, know one else went out or moved the car the rest of the night. We were watching the highlights of the superbowl on TV went to bed at 12:15AM February 4th (happens to be my birthday) At 12:30 AM only fifteen minutes later but two hours after the car had been parked for the night it burst into flames. The only reason we knew this was one of my neighbours had their car get stuck in the snow and were in front of my house at the time, The called the fire department and rang our door violently. forunately we had a fire extinguisher close by and put the fire out before it spread. The fire department came and said this was not vandalism, it started in the passenger rear reversing light, shorted out and blew out the drivers reversing light which caught fire. The car is still at Mazda where they are desiding who is at fault. I told My insurance adjuster if they even try to blame this on this on me I will plaster them across the 6:00 news before I sew them. Do you know of anyone else with Mazda 3 problems as I think they are going to try and make me keep the car since the damage did not total the car. I also feel for the family who lost their home and animals because if circumstances were a bit different I could also be homeless or loss of life.
Keith of Duluth MN (02/06/08)
My 2003 Mazda Tribute with 75,000 miles lost the use of third and fourth gears on the automatic transmission while driving at 30 mph on a flat road. After talking with the Dealer who sold me the car and the transmission shop working on it, both felt that a transmission should not fail with so few miles. Both also indicated that rebuilt transmissions for these cars are hard to come by because of the high demand for replacement Mazda transmissions. The dealer was also surprized that rebuilt Mazda transmissions only have a 12 month/12,000 mile warrenty when the standard in the industry is a 36 month/50,000 mile warrenty. Reading the posting on this page and through my own expereice, it is clear that Mazda has a quality problem and is unwilling to remedy the situation on their own. Hopefully Mazda will own up to their poor quality transmissions, or they enough people will find out about their poor quality and get them to change or go out of business. As for me, I will not ever buy another Mazda vehicle.
Thomas of Seneca SC (01/29/08)
I bought a new 2004 Maxda RX8 for $31,450 and have had nothing but problems from the start.There have been all kinds of mechanical issues and recall issues, and TSBs that have not stopped to this day. I'm tired of dealing with this and as of this complaint my car is in the shop again with more problems, water in the oil which they tell me is not covered with new engine warranty.I expected to get more reliable service with a car that I'm paying$31,000 for. Mazda replaced the engine but everything that is wrong with the engine components are not covered on the engine extended warranty. $500 last month, now another $700 this week not to mention that they even charged me for the oil they put in the replacement engine.
Chris of Succasunna NJ (01/10/08)
I purchased my 2004 Mazda 3 October 29th 2004 as a leftover. It had 43 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I had no problems what-so-ever until about 47k when my transmission failed!! This is an automatic that is driven with care and not abused. Luckily it was covered under Warranty. One month later- Transmission Failure- replaced again under warranty!! I am now at about 69,500 and my ENGINE SIEZED!!!!! This is NOT covered under Warranty and of course Mazda wont touch it. I now have to pay to replace an engine 100% out of pocket... Okay, I understand the Warranty thing, but a car should by no means have its transmission replaced twice and an engine replacement within 150k let alone under 70k.
I
Janet of Beaverdam VA (12/27/07)
We had a 2002 Mazda Tribute that caught on fire in our garage on 12/18/07. We woke up at 1 am b/c of the smell and found the SUV (that had been parked since 4 pm) was on fire. The house was completely destroyed. I writing this from a hotel room.
We lost our home and most of the contents - the firemen got a few things out - but we're not sure how much can be salvaged. We had 3 cats, 1 escaped but is burned and still at the vets, the other 2 perished in the fire. We lost the Mazda and our 2 car suffered paint damage and smells of smoke. My daughter had some minor problems with her eyelids due to the smoke. We lost so many things of sentimental value - it would be impossible to place a value on them.
Gary of Santa Clara CA (11/19/07)
Transmission for my Mazda 626 failed the 3rd time in 18 months! First time I Paid my Garage $1900 to fix it.. Second time, it was covered by the repair warranty.. In Just few months it failed again! Who should pay for the service this time again.. I had just found out on the Internet that I am not the only victim with this same issue, I hope all victim should file a class action law suit against Mazda to fix it for us under a new warranty.
Cheri of Jupiter FL (10/30/07)
This sports car has been a disappointment from day 1!!! I even wrote to Mazda expressing concerns for safety. Loss of power on accelerating can be dangerous when pulling out into traffic. This car has been back & forth to the dealer for manufacture recalls OVER THE LAST 3+ YRS. Recently (40,000 miles) there's been even more loss of power & roughness. Brought it in to the dealer... IT NEEDS A NEW MOTOR!!! I was shocked!!! TWO weeks later I drive out of the dealership, step on the gas... THE CAR IS BUCKING & THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON!!! THE CAR GOES BACK IN... IT NEEDS ANOTHER RE-BUILT MOTOR!!! I'M PAYING FOR A SPORTS CAR THAT'LL BE SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR A MONTH BEFORE THIS IS HOPEFULLY OVER!!! I WANT OUT OF THIS CAR... NOW!!!!
Dori of Lakeside CA (10/30/07)
I have owned a Mazda 3 since May of 2005. I have the Mazda 3s, sometime ago my airbag light started coming on. It would be on for a few days and then go off again. I called and asked the dealer about it and they said that they could only diagnose it if the light was on, but assured me that it was nothing. Anyhow, 3 days ago I was involved in a roll over accident and not one of my airbags deployed. 90% of the reason that I purchased this car was because of the saftey features of the vehicle (i.e. Front and side impact air bags as well as curtain air bags).
Donaciano of Wappingers Falls NY (10/20/07)
Bought a new 1993 mazda protege. Around the 60 some thousand miles. It started skipping/jerking in the first and second gear. I have had a few cars in the past and have driven them more than 100 thousand miles..none have presented this problem
Charles of Puyallup WA (10/01/07)
I purchased my new 2003 Mazda MPV on Feb 28, 2004 . I was pleased initially that I had just purchased a fine car. Soon after I had it some strange smells were coming from the car that smelled foul and at times like burning clutch. That was about at 2,000 miles the first time. Almost everytime I have brought it in for service since then I've mentioned that the automatic transmission smells and the sudden jerks that it makes when changing gears (normally from 2nd to 3rd)is getting old. The jerking motion when it changes gears is quite violent at times and can startle someone if not aware of the problem. They claim to have checked it and reflashed the transmission and that it's ok now, or, we can't find nothing wrong. Well it might be ok for a couple of days before it starts up again. I've had the vehicle for going on 3 and 1/2 years and no change. I'm sick of it and I want some action taken. I just turned 40,000 miles on it and it still has these problems. It's time for Mazda to own up to this problem. I didn't even know this problem was so prevelant on the MPV models until recently when I searched the info on the computer and found this to be common place. Please help me and give me some advice on what I need to do.
Chris of Clover SC (09/11/07)
Upon meeting my gf in college in 2006 we started talking about crappy cars. She told me her car was the biggest pile of crap that had ever put rubber to the road. Since I am a big Chevy guy I new for a fact that it had to be a car made by Ford. Since most of the Mazda parts are Ford parts I figured that it would be a piece of crap. Upon paying for the 1998 Mazda 626 in 2005 she told me she was so exicted. She paid around $6,000 in total and relayed that she was so exicted about her first car purchase. The car had around 80,000 miles on it. Well right before she came to college all hell broke loose. Water pump, fuel pump, electrical problems, and finally the transmission went not even 4,000 miles later. This almost caused her not to be able to attend our college. At first I was a little suspicious when she told me all of this but then in 2006 it was my turn to deal with this grisly, poor-excuse for a vehicle. With a new transmission in place her car began to snap back a forth. Finally her car overheated and they had to replace some electrical problem AGAIN to get the snapping to stop. There were times when the car would shake back and forth in the middle of intersections and not even move. Get this, the car now only had about 92,000 miles on it. After the electrical problem was fixed the car ran pretty good until about 96,000 (about a month ago) when the overdrive light started to blink and the car would start to buck. Now in college you usually don't drive a car very much. When she replaced the tranny it had 84,000 miles on it and the second time it had 96,000 miles on it. I really do not think a transmission is suppose to break first of all at 84,000 mile but then 12,000 miles later go again. Needless to say we are just gonna use the car until it totally breaks down and won't move. After that we will sell the car for parts but proably won't do any good because I don't see why anyone would ever want a mazda.
Brandon of Hereford PA (09/05/07)
I purchassed my 2001 mazda protege in november of 2005 with 65,000 miles. I loved the car gas efficent 1.6l with a 5 speed trans about 7 months later the trans/ differental broke. I went to a friend who is a mazda tech and had him order a trans mission for me. to save money i had a different shop install it with new seals and clutch. This cost me about $1,500.00. the dealership wanted $2,400.00 and that was with out a new clutch. In this proccess I learned from my friend (the mazda tech.) that mazda did design the transaxle poorly. the trans axle is unballenced and the diff. slips power from side to side when accererating, generating wheel hop until it can't take it. the second trans went about 18,000 miles later. the car has been sitting for 6 months needing another trans.
Trithala of West Orange NJ (09/04/07)
Transmission for my Mazda 626 needed to be replaced twice one just after the warranty and the second time around 70000 miles. Mazda is in denial and they refused to give atleast any discount. I will never buy another Mazda in my life time. Each time I had to pay more than $3000. There is fundamentally something wrong with Mazdas that were built in 1995 and 1996. There must be a recall on 1996 Mazda 626.
Dagoberto of Rancho Santa Margarita CA (09/04/07)
3 year ago, I purchased a used 1998 Mazda 626LX, transmission has gone bad and 3rd gear will not provide any power and it revs up.
I have already spent $1500 in replacing head gaskets and transmission repairs would be another $1500 to $2000. After reviewing the case against factory known defects, repairs are no longer guarantee of the problem going away.
John of Port Chester NY (09/01/07)
I bought a new 04 Mazda 6 and 2 months later my brakes started making noises. Since then, I have had a recall on a engine part,headlight bulbs keep burning out,break lights burning out,driver seat foam cracks inside and now the metal retainer inside the seat is outside the seat,engine was reported to dealership of stalling after being warm also reported smoke and power loss. Mazda found code errors and did nothing to figure out the issuses and just removed the code. Now the engine is shot!
Susan of Nashville TN (08/31/07)
I have a 2000 Mazda 626 with 62,500 miles and now it is in the shop for a $2000 transmission rebuild. I was told this is a Ford transmission by a friend so I am not surprised one bit. I have complain to Mazda but got the standard sorry letter that I am sure they are sending to everyone. I had my transmission fluid changed out at 34,000 miles just as it recommeded. This is my one and only Mazda and in the next year will dump this car as I was told that the year warranty will probably be about when the tranmission will go out again. There should be a recall on these Mazdas.
Na of Fullerton CA (08/22/07)
I took my 2005 Mazda 3 to get an oil change and routine 'check up,' and the Mazda service associate called to notify me that my rear brakes were due for a change. I agreed to the service and a few hours later picked up my car. My car was not washed, which surprised me since all of the Mazda car dealers I have visited have always washed my car. I didn't mind, I thought that this was probably the way the did things around there.
I drive off and then a few days later notice that my brakes are making thumping sound. The thumping sound turns into a grinding sound. I take my car back to the dealer exactly one week later. They take about 2 to 3 hours to investigate and find that nothing is wrong. The service associate stated that new brakes make sounds in the beginning and they eventually go away. I drive off thinking this will eventually fade. Two weeks later, the grinding, thumping sound becomes louder. I drive back to the dealer for the 3rd time on a Saturday morning and the associate notes that this dealer only has apprentices that work the weekend and they are half-staffed. He suggested I come on Mon.-Fri. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
I ask my husband to take the day off of work to bring my car in since I can't take time off at the time. The car is brought to the dealers at 8 a.m. on a Thursday morning. Almost 4 hours later, the servicing associate states that the brake pads were cracked, thus causing a groove in the brake discs. The technician replaced the brake pads and had to 'sand out' the groove on the disc. After waiting another hour for the paper work that never arrives, the car is ready to drive off in. However, the sound recurs. About one week later, the grinding, thumping sound is back. I am in the process of trying to ask for a full refund if they cannot fix it. The associates were not attentive at all. I have had to visit this dealer about 4 times already and my problem, which wasn't there to begin with, is still not fixed. DO NOT take your car to get serviced at Mazda of Orange.
Their service takes too long, is expensive, and the staff is unprofessional. In addition, they offer life time warranties on the brakes but cannot even replace them properly and do not care about the consumer.
Deborah of High Point NC (07/30/07)
2002 Mazada Protege Hatchback Special edition, Transmission died at 52,000 miles. Transmission is in process of rebuild. My reputable mechanic said he had never seen such a terrible transmission put into a car. Good Grief! When will Mazda own up to their terribly made cars. I really enjoyed driving my ZOOM ZOOM but if a car won't be reliable beyond 52K miles, that is terrible
Jon of San Jose CA (07/04/07)
We bought a Mazda Tribute-ES 4WD 2001 for my Wife. At just over 39K miles while driving around town to get our daughter a tricycle the Overdrive light flashed and the transmission started to act different then just died. Following forums I followed recommendations to get a scanner and read the failure code of the PCM it was P1744 related to the torque converter, I cleared the code and transmission still didn't work, so I bought Mercon fluid and the tools to change the fluid and it was black, yet after changing the fluid it still doesn't work, it just makes a low decibel high pitch and clunks occasionally. After more research it became very disappointing to learn this is not unique, LOTS of CD4E transmission have been flailing for years and it never showed up as a warning or red flag in any consumer report. FORD AND MAZDA should be ashamed of putting a bad product into production, but should be HELD ACCOUNTABLE for continuing to put a bad product into production when they know it is bad. After further research I concluded every transmission failure I read about always occurred just after warrantee expired, so Ford and Mazda have no financial incentive to solve this issue, it doesn't cost them any money, it cost the consumer money. In the end though, Ford and Mazda are loosing market share rapidly because they are loosing their customer base to reliable honorable auto manufactures.
Eri of Calexico CA (06/27/07)
The transmission on my 1998 Mazda 626 died at 61,000 miles just like a lot of the reported cases here.
My husband and I were sharing my Mazda, and now we have to take a taxi everyday to work and back. I should have seen this site before I bought the car. I am so angry, I will never buy a Mazda again.
James of Bartow FL (06/18/07)
I own a 2006 Mazda 3 with only 17000 miles. The car just stopped moving with no prior indication of a problem. Local Mazda dealership told me it was the clutch and it was not covered under the warranty because it was a wear item. Accused us of tearing it up by driving it hard. Mechanic told me he figured a teenager drove the car. I am a 37 year old father of 2 and was insulted that I was acussed of not being able to drive a standard transmission. Cost of repair $900 - $1500 dollars to get my NEW car back on the road.
J of Falls Church VA (06/14/07)
I purchased a new 2002 Mazda Tribute in March 2002. At 41,000 miles (Sep 2005) I first encountered a security system defect which disables the engine so that it cannot be started. Situation has re-occurred about 10 times since Sep 2005. Always occurs during hot weather and continues throughout the summer months. I have had the vehicle towed to Mazda approx 4 times and driven it in for service approx 6 times.
Mazda has been unable to fix the problem after many, many attempts. The vehicle's security system re-sets once the engine cools. However, this can take up to 1 hour in the hot sun or in hot weather. I don't look forward to summer driving in my Mazda SUV.
No Zoom - Zoom for me. I worry if this condition will worsen over time. I have an extended warranty (3rd party) that I purchased at the time I financed my car loan. Mazda has only billed my warranty provider once and has said on all of the other occasions that they are performing repairs or attempting to diagnose the problem at their own expense. None of their attempts work. My warranty provider has said that if Mazda bills them, they must guarantee their work for one year. Well, clearly Mazda cannot do that because they can't fix the problem. My extended warranty provider says there is nothing they can do about this situation and suggests that I take the vehicle to another Mazda dealership for service.
James Fort Mill SC (06/08/07)
I have a 2004 Mazda RX-8, I bought it new and I've had nothing but problems. This car looks great but it is a lemon in every sense of the word. I've been to dealership over 30 times. Mostly for engine problems. Most of the time the vehicle is towed back to the dealership only to remain their several days while the dealership blamed me for cold starts or other non-sense. My latest problem is the driver side visor keeps breaking. It is defective and I get grief from the dealership because I want it replaced, for the second time.
Sandra of Pueblo CO (05/27/07)
I bought my 1995 Mazda 626 in 2000 with 110,000 miles on it. It ran great up to July 2006. The dash light for the over drive started blinking several years after I bought the car but my mechanic said it was just a sensor light. The car continued to run ok. Then in 2006 I drove the car from Colorado to New Mexico ...and ended up stranded on the highway. The transmission went out. I had to be towed back to Colorado. I had purchased a used transmission in January 2007 for a cost of $600 plus $340 installed. May 16, 2007 the transmission went out again leaving me stalled in New Mexico, at midnight in the middle of nowhere. I had only had this transmission for 3 1/2 months... The cost to have my car towed back to Colorado was $500. My alledged warranty had run out a few weeks earlier. Now I am looking at having this second transmission rebuilt at a cost of $1500. I don't know who to trust anymore. I am a single woman with a very limited income. I love my Mazda but what is the right thing to do..? Where do I turn? Who do I trust?
Consequence is that I am with no car and no money to buy another. I would rather keep the Mazda knowing the engine is good, tires are practically brand new. I know this car. I have babyed it for seven years..... taken great care to have engine oil changed on regular basis. I've had new front axels installed, plugs, wires and hoses changed on regular basis, new exhaust. Only thing is the transmission keeps going out and from no fault of mine. I take great care to drive my car sensibly and causiously. I am at my wits end.
Marta of Waianae HI (04/28/07)
I was in an accident in a 2006 Mazda 3. I was backing out of a parking space making room for a truck to exit the parking lot. My car would not stop when I put on the brakes and the car started to hit a pole so I put the car in drive and it lunged forward into the same path in the parking lot, drove through the parking space I was in and through the window of a convenience store and into the beverage cooler. The accident was during my working hours and I was seen by a Workman's Comp clinic. The Doctor treated my right foot for strain and plantars faciitis; therefore I feel that it is clear that my foot was strained from extreme presser on the brake. My insurance company Geico, totaled the car and claimed that there was nothing wrong with the accelerator. They did not examine the throttle positioning sensor or any other possibilities for malfunction. I am still suffering reprocussions, physically and financially. Mazda claims that they have no recalls or similar problems with the 2006 Mazda 3.
Shelley of Sylmar CA (04/27/07)
In May 2006, my car was taken into the dealer to be fixed. It was reving up when it was driven. I explained everything to the service man. He did not know what the problem was. He said I wasn't driving the car correctly. I am a 28 year old female, so I took offense to that. He called his manager over. He didn't know anything either. My car was taken into the shop. 3 days later I received a call. The dealer said it would cost me $3000 for a new transmission. Shocked, I went and picked up my car to take it elsewhere. I paid $133.50 to pick it up too! In January 2007, I finally took my car to another mechanic. Within days, my car was fixed, and it only cost $400. It was a faulty speed sensor chip. I told the mechanic what Galpin Mazda wanted to do to my car. They were also shocked and told me to immediately file a complaint against them. It was also due to the fact that they tried to rip me off because of my age and gender. I file this complaint now because I do not want another person to get ripped off too!
Ed of Claton OK (04/09/07)
I bought my new mazda protege 5 in 2002. I paid for the 60 month- 60,000 mile extended power tain warranty. at 63 months and 54,000 miles my automatic transmission went out. repairs cost me $1461. the mechanic told me that mazda knew about this problem and did nothing to correct it. he said some fords had the same transmission and he had repaired at least 2 other transmissions with this problem over the last year. I have personally seen the service bulletin on this transmission. even though the warranty was expired I think mazda shoud reimburse me the cost of the repairs since they knew about the problem...and at 54,000 miles. I will never buy another mazda.
Kim of Upper Darby PA (04/09/07)
i own a 1998 mazda 626. recently,without any warning the transmission failed. i heard a loud and strange noise while driving so i immediately decided that i should stop driving and park. however when i tried to park, the car would not go forward or backward. so i just put the gear in park and the car rolled forward while in park so i had to apply the emergency brake. i can only thank GOD that it failed when it did, because i had just left off a major interstate highway when this occured.
Janice of Birmingham AL (04/08/07)
This is the second mazda car I have purchased. The first 929 which have to have 2 transmission only lasting only 2 years, replace the two sensors,etc. The way I was defrauded by the dealership is unetheical.
The second car was a millenia, I had it for 4 and half years years, the were 23,143 miles at the outset, 2 sensors were replaced(which I paid for) shortly after I purchased it There has been a numerous other part replaced on the car.
I did get the mileage service repairs. Now with on 61,000 miles, the engine has gone bad. the cost to repair the engine is $4600, I purchased and extended warranty, but wasn't covered under the terms. I am highly disappointed in performance and relability of Mazda cars.
C. of Melbourne FL (04/07/07)
I own a 2004 Mazda RX-8 with 17,000 miles. Went to pick-up my son at school and backed into a parking lot. The car stalled. It took a more than normal attemp to restart the car. Driving home which is approx 1 mile. I noted it wasn;t correctly shifting into gear. When I placed the gas to the floor it rattled and clunked. The vehicle began the vibrate. I took the car back to Mazda for assessment.
The vehicle was placed on a computer system and the information sent to Mazda. I was called one day later and informed the car needed a engine replacement, They would be replacing it with a rebuilt one.
Paul of Edison NJ (04/05/07)
I have a 2005 mazda3. i was driving to work and i noticed the transmition was slipping. my car has 28,000 miles on it. i called the dealer as soon as i noticed the problem. i drove the car to the dealer after i talked to them. they put the car on the lift and noticed there was fluid everywhere. appon further inspection they found a crack in the transmition. this is where the fluid was leaking out. the transmition was covered under the warenty. the clutch wasnt.
the dealer called me and explained that the transmition would be covered but the clutch, flywheel,clutch cover and labor for the clutch replacement are not covered. i explained that the fluid that leaked from the trans soaked the clutch, in turn causing it to slip and burn out.
i was told clutch is a wear and tear item that isnt coverend. ive driven vehicles with manual transmitions for 12 years. these vehicles had over 100,000 miles on them with the origional clutch and never had a problem. now with my mazda that has 28,000 miles on it has a burnt out clutch. i feel that the fluid from there broken transmition caused my clutch to go. the repair cost me $699.97
Lynwood ofBurlington Twp NJ (04/03/07)
Purchased a 2006 Mazda 6 in Apr 2006. I got the sport package w/ 18 rims & Pirelli Zero tires. As time went on the tire noise level got louder & louder. Its sounds like I have a 4X4 truck with mud tires.
Now my wife who drives the car is now complainig about it. So I took the car to Maple Shade Mazda in New Jersey & There ASA certified mechanic took the car for a test ride and with in 30 secondes of the drive he said This is not right! He ask me if I rotated the tire and I answered 2 times already. He let the steering wheel go and the vechile stayed straight & true. At the point he headed back to the shop, got out of the car & felt the tires.
He said the wear looked good but on the inside of the tire he said not is not wearing correctally they were cupping. So back inside of the service dept they said they do not cover tires. But during the big sales pitch they said this car is covered bumper to bumper for 4 years or 50k miles. Yuo do not have to worry about this car for 4 years & 50k miles. In my opinion Mazda chose to use that tire when they assemble this car. That is between Mazda & Pirelli. Its make me ILL when people do not back up there product. You hear all
Gina of San Jacinto CA (03/23/07)
On February 4th, 2007 at 3:14 pm in Newberry Springs, California my 10 year old daughter, Mariah Raelene Ramirez-Flowers, was in a solo automobile accident with her father, Kristopher Dylan Flowers, as he was driving a 2006 Mazda MX-5 convertible on the 15 freeway North on their way back to their home in Las Vegas. The Mazda MX-5 rolled over at least 2 times, front to back. The convertible top was up at the time of the accident. Kristoper Flowers was ejected from the automobile. He did not have his seatbelt fastened, his driverside airbag deployed and his driver side - side airbag deployed. My daugher had her seatbelt on and remained in the cabin of the car throughout the crash. Both the passenger side airbag and side airbag did not deploy. Both Kristoper and Mariah were killed in the crash due to blunt force trama injuries to their heads. Kristopher died immediately, My daughter was given CPR for a half an hour or so and was later declared deceased by the San Bernardino Coroner. Witnesses saw my daughter breathing/trying to breath and cut her seatbelt and removed her from the Mazda MX-5 which came to rest up-side-down. Upon viewing the vehicle after the crash we check to make sure that the passenger side airbags had not been manually turn off. They had not. Upon reading in the Mazda MX-5 booklet it states that there are sensors in the seat which can deactivate the airbags if they determine there is not enough weight on the seat. Why automakers would make such a sensor is unclear when there is a manual switch for when a childs carseat in placed in the passenger side of the vehicle. My daughter was 10 years old and weighed enough that the airbags should have deployed. Obviously, by the condition of the Mazda MX-5 after the collision, any airbag sensor would have been triggered to deploy the passenger side airbags...the car was completely totalled. So why did the airbags not deploy? In talking with CHP, if the airbags had deployed it would have greatly increased my daughter's chances of surviving the crash. Obviously, airbags are an effective safety measure and that is why automakers put them in automobiles....to save lives. So why then did they not activate? Why would an auto manufacturer put seat sensors that have the potential to deactivate them? In addition, it is also my understanding that Mazda MX-5 convertibles have roll bar hoops that are not engineered to provide any protection in an actual rollover. So what is the point in having them and why are they considered a safety device when they are only for looks and provide no actual protection? How can a company claim that there convertibles are safer because of the roll bar hoops, when they do not offer protection? How can the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration allow auto manufacturers to make convertibles without strict rollover protection standards? My daughter should have and could have survived this crash if the airbags had deployed and the car was manufactured with protective roll bars.
Laura of Murray UT (03/16/07)
The transmission on my 2002 Mazda 626 went out at 60,000 miles just like a lot of them did reading from this site. This is totally unacceptable and Mazda should reimburst everyone who had to spend money on repairs.
It cost me $3,000 to fix it.
Irnina of Winston-Salem NC (03/14/07)
I took my Mazda in for a regular oil changein September 06 and reported that my car was not retaining oil like it should. The changed my oil and said nothing was wrong.
The same night after leaving my car started to smoke real bad and again there was no oil in the car but in was none on the ground, so I couldn't figure out where the oil was going.
I took my car back and spoke with the Service Manager who told me she saw my car smoking when I drove it in. I explained the problem and this time they informed me my oil filter housing case had a hairline crack in it and that was causing it to smoke.
They fixed it and I was charged for the part even though the first time in I told them the exact problem. I Pick my car up right before close on the day which was a Friday and drive it home.
My car was driving funny so when I got it home I looked under the hood and they left my oil cap off and my oil had spilled out everywhere. Because they were closed I had to wait until the next day to get it fixed and they said they were going to run tests on the car and make sure the engine was not messed up. Jump to now March 07 my car started acting strange shaking real bad, skipping gears and not going over 35 so I took it in to have tests run on it and now I am being told I have an internal transmission problem and it is starting to slip and to get this problem fixed will cost $3912.00. My car is a 2003 Mazda6 with a little over 75k miles on it.
Service has been keep up on it and I have had the most problems out of it. I had a Nissan before this car that had well over 120k miles on it and it never gave me all these problems. For a car to need a new transmission after only 75k miles is beyond me, Mazda products are not good and further more you spend more out trying to maintain the vehicle than anything.
Richard of Allen TX (03/13/07)
My wife, Carol Henry purchased a 2004 Mazda RX8 in early 2005. We have had this car in their shop 3 times for stalling and won't start problems. The first time they replaced the spark plugs and battery (part of a recall).
The 2nd time they replaced the motor mounts. The last time we had to have the car towed to the dealer because it stalled 3 time on my wife on the way home from work. She finally got it to a safe place and called roadside service to have it towed.
The dealer could not find anything wrong. My wife refuses to drive the car and is using my vehicle. It has been parked in our garage ever since. I have used it twice for very short trips (5 miles) because it is not dependable and is a hazzard.
We pay over $400 a month lease for this vehicle and it is just parked in the garage. My wife is using my vehicle, a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado PU which we bought at the same time as the Mazda at the same dealership. I do not have dependable transportation.
Kathy of Marietta GA (03/10/07)
I purchased my 1999 Mazda 626 in November of 2002 from Stadium Toyota in Tampa. Soon after I purchased the vehicle, I took it in to Stadium Toyota to have it checked because the vehicle seemed to jerk when put into reverse.
I also had them check the whole car out because, as I told them, I planned on taking a long trip soon. They reported the car was fine; there was nothing wrong. I ended up traveling a few months later and had all scheduled maintenance in the mean time. About 2 hours into my trip, traveling at an average speed of 70-75mph, the transmission blew. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest Mazda dealer. The mechanic there said I should have never been driving for that amount of time at that speed with 3 people in the car.
So, to clarify, I repeated what I heard back to him in what I am sure was a flabbergasted manner. So, no one should drive 70-75mph for two hours with two passengers? hmm... That definitely did not fly with me. The passengers and I missed the wedding to which we were traveling, and we had to rent a car one-way back home. Mazda did agree to pay for the parts of a rebuilt transmission and the cooler that had never been put in the car. I did end up paying over $1000 just to fix the car while also spending several hundred dollars for the car rental and the tow of the vehicle. It is absurd that Mazda USA has not recognized their obligation to their customers.
Not only have I seen hundreds if not thousands of online letters at various sites reporting similar problems, but I have also met people with Mazdas who have experienced said issues with the vehicle. Mazda should reconsider their perspective on this issue. They should care about how Mazda is viewed; they should care about their integrity; they should also consider how many customers they have lost. Thanks.
Marcia of Pacific MO (03/07/07)
In July, 2003, I purchased a 2004 Mazda RX-8 for $35,000. Within 2 weeks, the car would not start and was towed to the shop. Over the course of the next 2 years, the car was towed 20+ times for similar problems.
Parts too numerous to mention were replaced, and countless trips to the garage ensued. But the problem was never fixed. Mazda finally replaced the engine with a rebuilt engine in 2005, but an oil leak and more engine problems--same as before--continued. I contacted Mazda Corporation to attempt them to fix my car, but it was never in good condition.
I contacted the Attorney General's (AG) office in Missouri to file a complaint and inquire about the Lemon Law. I was told the AG could only enforce the Mazda warranty, and there was nothing they could do about forcing Mazda to replace or repair the car.
After a final episode in January, 2006, of parking the car and trying to start it when it would not start, I traded the car into another dealer and bought a Subaru. However, the dealer was well aware of the car's recall history, and I had to pay alot of money just to get out from under the expensive loan and buy the other car.
Now, one year later, I read that Mazda recalled ALL 2004, 2005, 2006 RX-8's because of the engine problem. However, I doubt that replacing new engines with rebuilt ones solved the problem for others--it sure did not for me. I just felt helpless, and I still feel that I was not treated fairly by Mazda Corporation. They obviously put out a deficient product and never made good on it.
I realize there may be no options to ever make this situation right for me, but if there is ever a class-action lawsuit against Mazda for the HELL they put me through with this car, I want to tell my story.
Wendy of Dallas TX (03/07/07)
At 54,000 miles on my 4 year old Mazda Protege, the transmission started acting up. I took it to the dealership as it was bought new and was told it was out of warrantee. The dealership had been sold 2 times I believe and it took over 10 calls to get a return call from the dealership. They wanted $5,000 to fix it. Even though it was only 4000 miles over the warrantee, they refused to take any responsibility or offer any assistance especially price wise. I was also informed that there were no complaints for that particular model of car and again, it was my responsibility.
So, for $2,700 I had my transmission rebuilt. Now, at 78,000 miles, not even 25,000 miles more, the problem has returned. Since the repairs were done by an unauthorized Mazda dealership, they will not even look at it. I went to the transmission place where the repairs were done and though they are working with me as far as cost, they said there have been numerous complaints as the engine is a Ford engine.
And I was actually shocked. I never would have bought anything Ford had I known that. That defeated shopping for a foreign car. I recently found out that when the transmission went out, it was covered by an extended power trane/train warrantee and that the dealership should have told me that. It is highly unusual to need a new transmission at 54,000 miles.
Carmen of Sterling IL (02/06/07)
I have a 2005 Mazda RX-8 bought new at the end of 2006 last March. Nothing but problems with this vehicle.
Car has been in for the same problem three times! Won't start so I've had to call roadside service each time to have it towed for them to tell me the spark plugs are flooded. I payed alot of money for this vehicle that is not reliable and has caused me much distress!
I find it very interesting that there have been several of the same experiences with this car from other complaints that I have read. So obviously it's not a problem with the person who purchased the car it's a problem with Mazda and their RX-8's!!
Is there anything that can be done to rectify this situation such as the lemon law, buy back or something?
William of Carson City NV (01/30/07)
I got the vehichle with 219 miles on it, as it came from out of state. since purchase i have put a total of 742 miles on the vehichle. I have put a total of 45.6 gallons of gas in the car. This is an average of 16.2 miles per gallon. When i bought the car gas milage was a huge factor in the purchase. I was promissed between 26 to 34 miles per gallon depending on my driving.
I have driven the vehicle in every possible manner of driving. slow. fast. automatic only. 74.5 miles 5.1 gal=14.6 mpg manual only. 94.8 miles 5.6 gal=16.9 mpg automatic manual mixed. 136.5 miles 9.0 gal=15.1 mpg city only. 111.0 miles 7.1 gal=15.6 mpg highway only. 105.0 miles 5.5 gal=19.1 mpg in each case i completely gased up and then drove it in that manner. All total i have driven the car in every possible way.
Now Carson City Mazda wants me to let them drive my car and run one tank of gas using their driver. The problem i have with this is this. I asked them,what if the car still gets 16.0 miles to the gallon with your driver, what then? The answer was we will deal with that then.
I think that if i let them put another 300 miles on my car then i will be stuck with a car that gets 16.0 miles to the gallon but now has 300 more miles on it. I love my mazda 3. I just cannot live with 16.0 miles per gallon on a car i bought with the promiss of 26 to 34 miles per gallon. What are my options? please help me. sincerely: william d etchison
Cheryl of Palm Springs FL (01/28/07)
This is my third request. I bought my car 5/28/06 for $19,000.00. I was screwed by the car dealer. Bad brakes, tires, back door make a bad sound,no shelf for back, car runs rough, driver window has a sound, shocks.
Every time I go back to them they give me a story or they don't belive. I need somme help please what can I do. I have a warranty. I don't think they checked out the car bumper to bumper before they sold it to me. I really need your help.
Al of Pompano Beach FL (01/22/07)
Mazda 2002 protege 41,000 Transaxle starting to slip when in is in the overdrive mode. Changed fluid and filter is somewhat better but in reading in this forum Its only a matter of time before it dies. I guess the ES on the back of the car should stand for EXTRA SHITY if this is the problem you have please email me to compare notes thanks al
Evan & Heidi of Raleigh NC (01/19/07)
We bought a 97 Mazda 626 with aprox 95000 miles on it that we were told had just had the transmission replaced. This transmission lasted 35000 miles and about three years, and had several instances of apparent overheating (O/D light flashing). We had this transmission rebuilt at a cost of $1800 and it died again in only 13 months. Fortunately for us the rebuilder (John West) came to the party and rebuilt the transmission again at no cost to us. This week, about 4 months since that second rebuild, he has had to replace the transmission valve body as the gear changes were slipping badly. This transmission is a lemon!
I was forced to buy a new vehicle to get to work as a result of this premature failure (at the time I was intending to take a trip home to NZ to visit my children - this had to be postponed. Hate to think what this wold also have cost if John West did not feel obliged to help us - his warranty period had certainly run out.
Patrick of Port St. Lucie FL (01/19/07)
I have a 2002 Mazda 626 and at 87,000 miles, the transmission started making a noise that sounded like a bad axel but much louder. I knew what was wrong right away. It was the chain slipping fron the sprocket in the transmission. I took the car for repair and when the transmission was opened up, there were metal shavings all over and the torque converter was bad. I had to pay $1685 to get the car repaired. They told me at the transmission shop that the transmission is made by Ford and that many people had or is having problems with these ford transmissions. I have had cars that with much more milage than this car and never encountered transmission problems. Thanks to Ford which makes the most junk cars.
Danny of Gridley CA (01/18/07)
I have a 1999 Mazda 626 that the transmission is failing on. I checked and found that this is a common problem that Mazda knows about. This is caused by transmission overheating due to poor design.
Mazda no longer builds the 626 because of transmission failures. Why have they gotten away with this? Why has not something been done to make them repair or replace these faulty transmissions?
I am a disabled Veteran living on a fixed income. I just cannot afford to fix this problem on my income. I will have to depend on others to take me to my medical appointments. My right leg has had three surgeries on it and needs one more. My lower back is constanty in pain. If I cannot get this car fixed or find another one I will have a very hard winter.
Julie of Rancho Cucamonga CA (01/18/07)
I've received certificate of origin on a vehicle I purchased cash for.. Mazda has given me the run around for 3mos.,as i'm trying to title it in Arizona.. I've called Mark Robin to get signature on certificate in order for Arizona to accept for registration. I have until 2-18-07 (90 days).
I've left messages several times & tried calling Irvine Mazda Motor who no longer has ph#949-261-9429 (where certificate was orginated).. I don't have time for this run around & therefore asking your assistance on the matter.. (also, Mark was laughing on the ph. at me & I believe they're doing it on purpose.. they know there job & therefore I shouldn't have to request it of them).
Mental Stress & I don't get paid to do their jobs.. I've never dealt with such probelmatic services in my 45yrs. here on earth & don't expect to again in the next 45yrs.. That's why I'm converting to a more simple state as Arizona, as California is too complicated!! Thanks for your help on this matter!! Sincerely, Julie B.
Mrugesh of Santa Clara CA (01/10/07)
My Mazda 626 lx 98 Model started having transmission problem as i hit 118K miles. So i take it to mazda dealer to check it out. They say it would cost me 4.5K to fix it. Well I told him i were to sell this car, i would not get 3000$. He then suggested to go to local guy to get the transmission fixed. There i find out that the transmission was faulty to begin with. Mazda was aware of it and did not fix it. This really ticked me off, First, mazda take away 1000's of $ when i buy a car and then they give me a falulty car, which I am now supposed to fix. This is not right, this is a design problem and they should have taken care of it. Finally i had it fixed from this nice guy for 2000$, and i just hoping it will last long enough to make me feel this 2K was worth it.
Dina of Wake Village TX (01/10/07)
I have a 2004 MAZDA RX8.I have had it in the shop since July of 2006 several times for numerous problems.January 8,2007 I tried to crank my car to come to work and it would not crank.I called CLASSIC MAZDA in Texarkana,Tx. where I bought my car and they told me to call roadside assistance to get it towed to their shop. I did this and called Classic Mazda back the next morning.
A man in the service department(RICK) told me that the car was flooded when I tried to crank it and it is my fault,he went on to say that because I tried to crank it when it was flooded that I ruined the starter and battery and engine. He said they would put a new engine,starter and battery on the car but that I had to pay for the battery.He never told me about the problems MAZDA was having with the RX8,or about any buy back offer.
I DO NOT WANT THAT CAR BACK AT ALL.After reading your consumer report about this car I realize that everything this man in the service department at Classic Mazda told me is word for word the problems Mazda has had with the RX8.
This is not my fault and should have been given the choice and information that is in this consumer report.What do I do? Classic Mazda has ordered the new engine.
Not one word was mentioned to me about this problem,or any buy back option.I was told it was all my fault,that I did something wrong in simply trying to start my car. Please help.
Karan of Louisville KY (01/05/07)
I purchased a used 1999 Mazda Protege in 2002 that had only 16,000 miles on it. Today it has only 68,000 miles and I have to have the transmission replaced.
Montague of Long Beach CA (01/05/07)
Purchased a 1999 Mazda 626 with 37K miles Jan. 2006. Automatic transmission failed at 47,000 miles. Complete rebuild required. Apparently this Mazda model/year is equipped with a Ford transmission that does not have adequate power for 626's size and weight. The result is premature failure of the transmission. No improved transmission is available as replacement, only rebuild of same transmission with supposed modifications.
Glen of Honolulu HI (12/18/06)
Mazda transmission may be going out. Saw your list of people complaining about theirs. So my car may hold the clue for your problems. The transmission is whistling and Mazda says it's probably the transmission. It only has 37,000 miles!
They're telling me it will cost $7,000. And they hinted that I let it get worse because I'm going to have to change the whole transmission anyway!
Alesia of Berea KY (12/09/06)
Just boughta new (used) Mazda Tribute from Toyota of Nicholasville a month ago. We've barely driven it yet, but this morning, attempted to start it in the garage and poof, the thing caught fire! We haven't even made the first payment yet. The dealer said we should take it to a Mazda center for repairs. But will this keep happening until it burns up? My husband extinguished the fire with a blanket, and a fire extinguisher, but the air intake is melted, the air filter burned completely. The MAF, the air intake, and air filter housing are all damaged.
We just purchased this vehicle so I could return to work, because of financial hardship. I have interviews to attend, and if I do get a position I don't have a driveable vehicle, just a Mazda in the garage that I have to pay $369. a month for.The dealer did not offer a loaner vehicle.
Sophia of Marietta GA (11/29/06)
I have a 2000 626 Mazda. I had to have the transmission replaced in 2003. Now in 2006 again I have to replace the transmission. I have also had to replace the 2 of transmission mounts. Now a third has gone, replace them at the same time if you can afford it. Mazda paid for the 1st transmission(they claimed it was a good faith policy) Bullcrap I say, they did not want all the attention from me raising a fuss about a three y/o car needing a new transmission. I do love the way the car looks and rides when it is in tip top shape but I will never buy another Mazda or anything remotely affilated with FORD, ie: Jeep, Volvo etc.
Aleksandarof Marietta GA (11/27/06)
I have purchased a Mazda 626 LX 1996 in a excellent condition. At 95000 miles the transmission died for no apparent reason. I had it replaced and drove the car for another 30000 miles when the second one died yet again. After doing little research I found that bad transmission is the most common problem on the Mazda 626 cars. What I don't understand is that Company did not make an effort to fix the problem and to reimburse the Mazda owners who repeatedly need to invest $2500.00 on a average to have the transmission replaced. If there is a petition or a lawsuit it progress against Mazda in reference to the faulty transmissions I would be the first one to sign it.
Rosanna of Bend OR (11/24/06)
BOTH doorhandles on the two back sliding doors have broken off in the last month. There was no excessive force used by my two small children in opening these doors and we are the origional owners. I am shocked at how cheaply made these are. Also, both oxygen sensors needed to be replaced which cost over $500.00.
I don't yet know the cost of replacing the doorhandles but my insurance company said they will be expensive... Why should I have to pay for plastic parts that are defective?? I think the company should cover this as part of a normal lifetime warrenty - expectation.
Bill of Homestead FL (11/22/06)
2004 RX-8 MAZDA, bought it about a month and half ago and its been in the shop 5 times now. Dealer had replaced everything to do with the power steering, new rack and pinion, new module, but the same problem keeps coming back. Called cooperate office and talked to Bruce and trying to have a regional mechanic to come and try to fix this problem. It happends when you drive it and when you try to start the car the power steering just fails and the wheel is hard. Which would cause an accident if it fails while doing a turn!!!! If not fixed they are not leaving me with any other option but to take to court.
Charoltte of Fredericksburg VA (11/15/06)
I own a 1999 mazda 626 with 80,000 miles on it. I was just told the transmission is shot. I have read several of the complaints and it seems there are lots of problems. Mazda should be responsible to replace this transmission.
I live on Social Security $700 per month. Another transmission is going to cost approximately $3500. I cannot afford this and cannot afford to buy another vehicle. Most of my children do not live around me and I will have no way to get to the doctor or grocery store. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Can't we make Mazda pay for this?
George-Ann of Raleigh NC (10/30/06)
My 20 year-old son was involved in a head on collision on 9/3/06. He was driving a 1995 Mazda Protege. His passenger-side airbag deployed, however; his driver-side airbag (the most important one) did NOT. Thus, he died from blunt force trauma to the head. Who is responsible for his driver's side airbag not deploying? Who is responsible for my son's death?
Karmen of Jacksonville FL (10/25/06)
I purchased my 2004 Mazda RX-8 in July of 2006. I saw it on the road and had to have it. I fell in love with it instantly. I started having minor problems with the driver's side sun visor. I had to have it replaced about 5 times. Shortly thereafter, on my way home, as I prepared to turn into my subdivision, the car cut off, and it took several attempts before I could restart it. I took it to the dealership the next morning only to find out there was a recall on it. I was relieved that they were aware of the problem. They gave me a rental, and I was on my way. When I picked up the car that day, they had cleaned it and filled it with gas. The next day, at a stop light in rush hour traffic, the problem re-occured! This time, they kept my car for over a week. About 3 to 5 days after I got my car back, the problem happened again!They kept it for another week and sent me on my way. It was still driving a little funny, but I was confident that the third time would be a charm. I was wrong. I've had it back for about a week, and the problem happened again. I called the individual I had been dealing with who said that at this point Mazda wouldn't take my car anymore, and that he would have to ride with me until the problem occurred. WHAT? This car is a beautiful piece of junk and I am fed up! I wouldn't expect to buy a car from the dealer and be inconvenienced the way I have been, and now they're treating me like I'm in the wrong. I am ready to file a suit in order to get my money back!!!
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Carolyn of Worth OH (10/08/06)
1998 mazda 626 committed suicide. This car was perfect until 77,000 miles. Just oil changes and tires needed. I love/d this car. But the transmission KILLED ITSELF yesterday. I am an excellent driver. I follow all the rules. No citations. No abuse of my car, because I love/d it. Now I hate it. Mazda 1998 626 is now a piece of crap, a piece of junk. I hate mazda for putting a ford transmission in MY CAR. I LOVED my car until it committed suicide.
I came close to causing a huge pile up on rte 23 going north out of Columbus, Oh because the transmission in my mazda just killed itself.
Kim of Natick MA (10/06/06)
In June 2004, I began leasing a Mazda 3 5-door hatchback with manual transmission. I loved the car and had no problems with it until early Oct. 2006 when the clutch went with only 34,000 miles on the vehicle. I was told that since the clutch is a normal wear and tear item that it was no longer under warranty, and I would have to pay the cost for repair. There was no effort on Mazda's part to help me out and the company would in no way acknowledge that there might have been a problem and basically implied that I had abused the car. I've driven standard cars (many of which had thousands of miles on them) for 20 years and never blown out a clutch so to say that I am responsible for this is ridiculous and insulting. I've also noticed that there are many Mazda forums online that talk about all of the problems the company has had with clutches and transmissions over the years.
Denis of Dandridge TN (09/12/06)
I bought a new 2004 Mazda RX8 for my wife and it has been nothing but problems. Its been towed back to the dealership many times for failure to start. They keep trying things, and the last time they told me I need to rev the engine to 7000 rpms before turning it off, to ensure a restart. Are they out of thier minds, racing an engine every time you turn it off? I've been wanting to sell or trade it, but because of all the bad press on it I'm sure I won't get any takers, and don't really want anyone else to be stuck with this piece of ..... Will the company buy this thing back?
Michael of Naples FL (08/19/06)
Have a story that you may be interested in. We leased a brand new Mazda three weeks ago that is making my wife ill everytime she sits in the car. Watery eyes, irritated skin, runny nose, puffiness are symptoms of her allergic and almost flu-like reaction, which the Doctor has prescribed medication for. Both Mazda and the dealership claim, of course, that nothing is wrong with the vehicle and refuse to take it back. I have discussed this with an industrial hygienist out of Tampa who should be in town next week to take air samples and pinpoint the source of the problem. We are also in the process of selecting an attorney who indicated that this may be a consumer rights issue.
I was surprised to learn that toxic car syndrome has been identified and addressed by automotive companies worldwide and that there are numerous cases and studies available on the Internet.
Nichole of Medford OR (08/11/06)
I just purchased a used 2002 Mazda Protege 5 and about a month later 5th gear started popping out, and now it just acts like it is in nuetral. I have read many reviews and complaints and this looks like a very common problem. Why is there no recall for this after all of these complaints?
I have been told that I need a new transmission for about $2500. I tried to buy a nice economical car as a single mother who has major heart problems and have to drive 500 miles for heart check ups, and now I have a very unreliable car, and no money to fix it.
Jojo of Moonachie NJ (08/10/06)
2001 Mazda 626 broke down on highway when transmission died, almost got killed as car just would not go into gear. I uderstand this is an ongoing problem with Mazda 626 form 1994-2002 cars, should be recalled! Spent 3k to fix. I am very upset, car has 56k miles, should NOT have trans problems!!!
Judi of Roswell GA (08/06/06)
I purchased a 1998 Mazda 626 in Jan. of 99. Approximately 6 weeks later the transmission went out. The car was still under warranty and was repaired by the dealer at no charge. Around April of this year (06), the transmission had to be replaced again. At a cost of $2700.Making this the third transmission in the car since 1999. I have purchased seven other cars before this one and this is the first time I have ever had transmission problems. I have also had the brakes replaced about three or four times. The rubber weather stripping around all the doors continues to come off. It has to be repaired yearly.
I called the Mazda Zone office regarding both of these matters and was told that they have not had any complaints similar to mine. I recently found out a friend in another city had the exact same model and year Mazda I had, and while comparing service problems it seemed we were talking about the same car. I now need to replace the Oxygen Sensor. Also some type of black insulation material has began to blow out of my air vents. There is no doubt in my mind that Mazda is aware that their transmission is a piece of crap. I personally am beginning to feel the whole car is a piece of crap.
I feel Mazda should be made accountable for what it's selling to the consumer. I would not ever consider buying another Mazda nor would I recommend them to anyone. I am always willing to share my bad experience with others in the hope that they will not buy this product, and that they will also pass the word on. Since Mazda has hit many unsuspecting consumers in the pocket, we should try to return the favor. Consumers purchase automobiles in good faith with hard earned money and should not take rip-offs lightly.
Alissa of Torrance CA (08/03/06)
I purchased a used Mazda6 at 11,000 miles. At 42,000, the car started randomly shifting into neutral. Although the computer failed to find anything wrong, White Plains Mazda decided it was the transmission and replaced it under warranty. The day I got it back from the dealer, it shifted itself into neutral again, this time on a higway at 55 miles an hour. White Plains Mazda ran more tests and decided it was the front axle assembly, which they replaced. At 64,000, the battery light came on. I brought the car to Long Beach Mazda, where they tested the computer and alternator and assured me the car was fine. I went to pick the car up, and it would not start. They decided it must be the alternator, which they replaced at a 125% mark-up.
On the first test drive, the power train fuse blew. They then decided the PCM was shot. They replaced the PCM and TCM. On the first test drive, they discovered the RCM, power windows, ALL head lamp bulbs and the air conditioner were no longer working. They now want to charge me an additional 400$ to fix these things, although ALL of the above was working when I brough the car in for repair. I have paperwork stating Long Beach Mazda tested the alternator output and found it acceptable. Yet, this is the first thing they replaced, and over-charged me for, when the car wouldn't start. Then the blamed the computer, which I also have paperwork for, stating it was fine.
Now they have found MORE problems, problems that did not exist when I brought the car in, and they want to charge me for these issues. At this point, no one can figure out why, IF the alternator was over-charging the battery- as they now claim, the fuses didn't blow due to the overload. I've called Mazda USA and am currently waiting to hear back from them. At this point, they are telling me there is nothing they can do.
I have been without a car for 3 weeks. I have missed 2 days of work traveling to pick up a car that was not drivable. I have spent $80 in cab rides to get to the dealership. I am being charged $327 for a $115 alternator, plus labor. Now they want to charge additional labor. I've already paid $95 for a 'consultation fee.'
Jojo of Moonachie NJ (08/01/06)
Why have you not made Mazda recall the 95-2002 Mazda 626 for the Transmission problems yet? My son's 2000 Mazda 626 is being fixed as I write this due to a faulty transmission and cooling core or whatever it is called. I have read on the Internet thousands of cars that had to replace the transmissions with as little as 20 thousand miles on them. My son has 57 thousand I think. Anyway, the guy at the shop was working on a Mazda 626 Transmission when we brought his car there 2 days ago. He said he has worked on so may Mazdas with low mileage due to some cooling defect burning out the trans and wants to know why there has not been a recall or class action suit yet? We are very angry and putting out $3,000k tomorrow to get his car back. Please do something!
Marc of Moonachie NJ (08/01/06)
My 2000 Mazda 626 transmsiion died the other day, almost got killed on highway when car just would not go. It has only 57 thousand miles on it, should not be needing a new transmsion yet but from what I just read on the internet this is a very common problem with the Mazda 626 from 1995-2002 cars, something about the part that cools the Transmission is no good and burns it out. Mazda should be paying for this, not me*
Will be paying $3,000 to get my car back from the shop! Am afraid to drive the car now.
Annette of Graham NC (06/12/06)
I am on the third transmission in my 1996 626 with 113,00 miles. Mazda refuses to accept any responsibility. Faulty parts have caused my transmission to burn up too many times. Thousands of people are suffering because of Mazda's mistake and refusal to support their customers.
Chlee of Cleveland TX (06/12/06)
I bought my 2001 Mazda 626 in 2002. It had 20,000 miles on the car already, however I ran carfax and it showed no problems listed. I have driven the car since then and have had to have the transmission repaired 2 times now.
The first time it cost me a little more than $1,700. This time it has cost me another $675. I have searched websites and consumer complaint website and this seems to be Mazda's biggest problem and I am by far not the only one.
I have also, as have others, written Mazda and got no help or reason why they are selling a vehicle that has such a bad reputation for a major failing component. This is outrageous. When I first bought my car I took it to the dealership for every oil change and minor repairs and tune ups that were needed. At almost every service or appointment I asked the service tech if the transmission needed service and everytime I got the same answer. No.
I have complained to every BBB I can find about Mazda and I have complained to NHTSA and nothing has been done. I feel we as Mazda owners need to pull together and put some kind of petition together or sue Mazda.
Maybe then we will be heard.
Michael of Momence IL (04/22/06)
I purchased a Mazda Pick-up truck brand new in 2000 for my company Nationwide Security, Inc. It is a 2000 B2500 Pickup. I then purchased the truck from Nationwide Security as it had been well maintained and I had a son turning 16 years old. The truck had only 91,231 miles on it when I bought it for my son. This past Sunday - Easter Sunday, my son drove that pcikup to Easter Sunday Church and when he came home he parked it in our drive. The truck then caught fire and burnt up. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED - IT HAD NEW BRAKES, TIRES, BATTERY, ETC.
The truck obviously has a manufactureres defect and I know that there have to be other Mazda owners or Ford truck owners (the Mazda pickups are really Fords) who have experienced the same thing. The truck is completely totalled - burned up. The firemen that responded to the fire stated that they had never seen a truck burn so badly, so quickly ever! Now my son is out a truck and I am out fifty-nine hundred dollars!!! I want Mazda to take responsibility and pay for this fault of theirs.
Paul of Louisville KY (03/14/06)
I have a 1998 Mazda 626 (4 cyl. auto ) that is in the transmission shop for the third time in thirteen months for a rebuild. I have been on line and am disturbed to find out that this is a major problem with this vehicle. I love the car and still owe money on it, but cannot continue to pay $2000.00 plus rental car every time this happens!
Russell of Rochester NY (02/08/06)
I bought a 1997 Mazda 626 used (35,800 mi.)in late June 2000 from Ontario Mazda in Canandaigua, N.Y. The car had a clean service/accident record. I've taken very good care of this car (scheduled oil/filter changes, maintenance, etc) and it even looks new. However, in early September 2004 the automatic transmission (CD4E) needed to be rebuilt @ 62,000 mi. Seventeen months later ( Februauy 7th) @ 72,000 mi. car is again back in the shop with transmission problems. After doing research on the internet I've found out that this particular transmission (CD4E) has a chronic repair history. If I had known this back in June 2000 I would not have purchased this car. I probably would have stayed with Honda. Why hasn't Mazda recalled these faulty transmissions and made amends to its customers? I've never had problems like this with any of my previous vehicles. (1969 Chevy, 1977 Pontiac and 1985 Honda)
A S of North Hollywood CA (02/06/06)
I purchased Mazda 626-LX 2001 the tranmission was leaking during the warranty period It was corrected last year. Now that I have 4 payments and 78,000 miles on the vehicle the transmision is totally gone 25,000.00 worth of repair on a car that is barely 5 years old. Mazda is making faulty products. This is my 2nd 626 and the previous 1998 model also had tranmission leak. I traded in and purchased 2001 now I am in debt. I feel this manufactuer should be held responsible for the vehicle transmission and grant 100,000 mile transmission warranty instead of 36,000.
Michelle of Baltimore MD (01/31/06)
I bought a brand new 1999 Mazda 626 in August of that year. I now have to replace the transmission at 85,000 miles 1 month after my extended warranty ended. I did not know that much about vehicles but, I always kept up on everything oil,tune-ups,tires,etc. So when this happened I was pretty surprised, after reading other complaints about Mazda's transmissions I know I am not alone. With all these complaints and vehicles not even reaching 100,000 miles before transmission failure I think Mazda should be held responsible. I now found out that there is a Ford transmission in the vehicle that was made for the lighter, smaller Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique. In complaints on line Mazda said there was a cooling problem with the transmissions but never issued a recall.
Albert of Swartswood NJ (01/29/06)
I have a 2001 Mazda mpv with 89,000 miles on it. Recently I had the 90,000 miles service performed on my vehicle and within a month my service engine light came on followed with a noise coming from the transmission. I then took it back to the dealership and they want claim that in order to repair the transmission they will have to remove it and possibly replace the parts that were not working. The warrenty has expired and any cost for this work would be out of pocket. Now the reason of my complaint is that I have never had a problem with this vehicle until the 90,000 mile service was done. Recently, i have read the complaint report for mazda transmission and found there are others who have had similar experience's I do not know who i can turn to so that an investigation for a recall can take place. I feel that there is pattern with mazda using ford transmission's on their vehicles.
David of Crawfordville FL (12/27/05)
My wife and I went out and purchased a brand new Mazda RX-8 about a year and a half ago.I (David George)actually researched the vehicle for about 9 months prior to purchase. It was a new production model, its predecessor was the Mazda RX-7. The RX-8 was totally re-engineered and considerably different than the RX-7. This is the reason that there was no information from the public about the RX-8. So, anyways, my wife & I purchased a 2004 Mazda RX8 from Gem Mazda in Tallahassee Florida.
I was very excited and could hardly sleep and at times would walk outside in the middle of the night just to look at it before driving it to work. My excitement quickly started fading from the first tow to the dealership to the next and so on. I have completely fallen out of love with the vehicle. What a huge payment each month for something so unreliable. Gimme a Ford Escort and I`ll be good to go.
Constant problems and aggravation. I want Mazda to buy the car back from me please. I have done a lot of business with them in the past and so has my family. We have owned numerous Mazda`s throughout the years and would like to continue our business together in the future. Something is wrong with these RX-8`s and I just want a refund or swap out for a Mazda 6 and have Mazda pay the amount owed from the blue book value to total amount due.
I have done cartwheels and flips trying to resolve this issue with Mazda and feel as if they are just temporarily fixing the problem knowing that it will just soon be back up there. Currently, today, 12/27/05, it is at the dealership, which it was towed to from my front yard. I told Gem Mazda they can just keep it up there and I will continue to make payments on it. This way it will save time and money from having it towed up there again. Constant recall issues, flooding issues, mechanical, safety,console gets hot, car pulls all over road at certain times with play in the steering column, battery drains quick and will not turn over engine then floods again, time from work, wages lost due to times at dealership. First name basis with local dealership, we see each other so often.
Scott of Clarksville TN (12/17/05)
I am very upset. I have a 2000 Mazda 626 LX and the transmission is going down the hill. My car now has 144,000 miles on it, but when it was not still under warranty (up to 70,000 miles) the transmission started jumping around on me. I diddn't realize the transmission was going out or that it needed treplacing. I have since replaced the transmission at 112, 000 and now the control cable which connects to the transmission falls off the rod which shifts gears.
Mickey of Calabasas CA (10/27/05)
We own a 2004 Mazda6 with a 4 cylinder engine. 37,000 mi. After numerous attempts to have a transmission problem fixed (manual trans would intermittantly not go into gear - not related to clutch)- the car had a catastrophic transmission failure less than 3 weeks following (luckily at very low speed). Regional operations in Irvine decline to authorize repair (outright - final decision). This was decided WITHOUT an inspection to determine causation. The dealer involved (Puente Hills Mazda) would not even inspect problem unless we agreed to an 1100.00$ pre-authorization (inspection only - no repairs). If they determined it was not covered under warranty this charge would apply. Remember now - all repairs have already been declined at the corporate level. The car now sits at their repair facility. The bumper to bumper warranty is for Original Vehicle Warranty Basic: 4 Years / 50,000 Miles Drivetrain: 4 Years / 50,000 Miles Corrosion: 5 Years / Unlimited Miles Roadside Assistance: 4 Years / 50,000 Miles This is transferrable.
Carl of Linden NJ (10/04/05)
Standard transmision on Mazda 6 2004 broke down last week sept.25 2005. The car was towed to the dealer.It's under 3 year waranty.Dealer said,that the car was abussed,it's not under the waranty, it's not their responsibility to fixed it and we have to paid for it.
The car is still at the dealership.We don't know what will be the repairs cost. But i'm just 19 year old and I'm affraid to drive this car again.
Heather of Arden NC (09/28/05)
I spent 2 months looking for the perfect car for my traveling salesman of a fiancee. I thought I struck gold when I found the 2001 loaded Mazda 626 for around $7,000. After having the care for only 6 months, his transmission went completely out.
Thank Heavens, no one was hurt only his wallet. He spent all of his savings for a down payment on this vehicle.Now we are stuck with $2,300 worth of repair fees to rebuild this transmission. To my surprise when I called the Transmission shop, they were not at all surprised, and informed me this is one of the worst transmissions ever made.So now I am in the process of trying to get a loan for him just to fix his car....that will leave us stuck with 2 loans for 1 car, if he gets approved! Why would mazda continue to use a cd4e transmission if they know they are junk???
Mike of Springvale ME (09/19/05)
I have a 96 Mazda B3000 4x4 truck, (built by Ford) which I 've owned since new. Not built for the long haul in New England and road salt. I've had to replace all brake lines on the truck, (had 2 braking failures). Now rear leaf spring mounts are rusted through and broken. For a truck w/ only 70,000 miles on it, it is falling apart and becoming very unsafe and COSTLY.
Truck has been in repair shop 4 times for brake lines, about $500 dollars for brake lines and labor. Now another $140 in parts for the brackets and shackles to hold the leaf springs on. During 2 previous brake line failures, was able to stop vehicle using emergency brake.
Elizabeth of Adair OK (09/04/05)
Three transmissions on 1999 Mazda 626
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