2009 Mazda MAZDA3

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/28/2016· TIRES

  WHILE INFLATING A TIRE FOR ONE OF OUR CUSTOMERS, THE VALVE STEM BROKE CAUSING ALL AIR TO ESCAPE FROM THE TIRE.

• 12/28/2015· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY ENGINE SHUT OFF ABRUPTLY. I CHECKED THE ENGINE AND FOUND A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. OIL TRAILS OUT OF THE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY.

• 12/26/2012· AIR BAGSCrash

  I WAS MERGING ONTO INTERSTATE 69 FROM CENTER ROAD IN FLINT, MICHIGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30 A.M. THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME MERGING AT THE SAME TIME. THAT VEHICLE MERGED IN FRONT OF A JEEP AND I MERGED BEHIND IT. THE DRIVER OF THE JEEP STATED THE VEHICLE MERGING IN FRONT OF HIM CUT HIM OFF CAUSING HIM TO BRAKE HARD AND SWERVE INTO CENTER LANE TO AVOID A CRASH. I BRAKED HARD TO AVOID REAR-ENDING THE JEEP. THE DRIVER OF THE JEEP ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE IN THE CENTER LANE SWERVED INTO THE LEFT LANE CAUSING THE VEHICLE IN THE LEFT LANE TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD AND UPON RE-ENTERING THE LEFT LANE OVER-CORRECTED AND SLID ACROSS CENTER LANE INTO RIGHT LANE HITTING THE VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING CAUSING IT TO HIT THE GUARDRAIL THEN GOING INTO 360 DEGREE SPIN AND COMING TO A STOP APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET FARTHER ALONG THE HIGHWAY AGAINST THE GUARDRAIL. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I WAS INJURED IN THE CRASH. I HAVE A FRACTURED STERNUM AND BRUISES TO MY LEFT KNEE, RIGHT ARM AND LEFT SIDE OF MY NECK. [XXX] UD-10 SERIAL #77152 FLINT POLICE DEPT.- TRAFFIC DIVISION 210 E. FIFTH ST. FLINT, MI 48502 (810) 237-6890 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 12/26/2011· TIRES,WHEELS

  DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. THE TPMS WARNING CAME ON. ON INSPECTION THE TIRE VALVE WAS MISSING, IT LOOKED SHEERED OFF. TOOK THE CAR INTO A TIRE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT CENTER AND HAD A NEW TPMS VALVE INSTALLED. I'VE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE IN MAZDA 3'S, AND LIKELY MANY MAZDA'S. AT THE TIME, I CONTACTED A MAZDA DEALER WHO OFFERED NO EXPLANATION AS TO HOW A VALVE STEM CAN SHEER CLEAN OFF WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT, CLEAN HIGHWAY. ALL THEY OFFERED WAS A REPLACEMENT PART, NOT WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS UNDER THE BASIC WARRANTY AT THE TIME. SINCE THEN WE'VE HAD ANOTHER TIRE AIR VALVE SHEER OFF ON A SECOND MAZDA 3 (2009) WE HAVE. WE BOUGHT 2 - 2009 MAZDA 3'S AT THE SAME TIME. THE SECOND MAZDA 3 HAD LOW TIRE PRESSURE. ON INSPECTION, THE VALVE CAP WAS REMOVED AND THE VALVE BROKE OFF. IT BROKE WAS THE CAP WAS BEING REMOVED. THIS IS A VERYDANGEROUS CONDITION AS THESE THINGS CAN SHEER OFF ANY TIME WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, AND YOU HAVE A SUDDEN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED, WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WE'VE NOW EXPERIENCED 2 FAILURES ON 2 CARS, AND ONE FAILURE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEED THAT RESULTED IN A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE FOR A YOUNGER LADY OF COLLEGE AGE. THIS IS DANGEROUS. MAZDA NEEDS TO PROPERLY ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM AND MANUFACTURE A PROPER VALVE THAT CAN BE USED IN A VERY COMMON USE SCENARIO, NAMELY, DRIVING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WHEN SALT IS BEING USED FOR SAFETY REASONS. THAT SHOULD NOT BE USED AS AN EXCUSE AS TO WHY THAT PART FAILS. HERE ARE AT LEAST A COUPLE OF WEBSITES WHERE YOU CAN SEE THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON. HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2009/MAZDA/MAZDA3/TIRES/PROBLEM.ASPX HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2009/MAZDA/MAZDA3/TIRE+PRESSURE+MONITORING+SYSTEM. *TR

• 12/23/2013· TIRES,WHEELS

  I CONSTANTLY HAVE ISSUES WITH MY TIRE PRESSURE BEING LOW. I WENT TO FILL MY TIRES UP FOR THE 3RD TIME IN 4 MONTHS AND AS I PUT THE COMPRESSOR TO THE TIRE VALVE, THE VALVE SNAPPED OFF. ALL THE AIR POURED OUT OF MY TIRE. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING AT THE TIME. I CHANGED THE TIRE TO MY DONUT AND DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO MY TIRE CENTER. THEY LOOKED AT THE BROKEN VALVE AND TOLD ME IT HAD CORRODED AND THAT THE WHOLE TPM SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO WENT ON TO TELL ME THAT THIS IS COMMON. I ASKED HIM "SO, SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT THIS HAPPENING AGAIN WITH A DIFFERENT TIRE?" AND HE SAID THAT HE WOULD BE LYING TO ME IF HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULDN'T BE CONCERNED. $150 AND 4 HOURS LATER, I HAD A NEW TPM SYSTEM IN THAT TIRE. KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED EVERY DAY THAT IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

• 12/22/2010· PARKING BRAKECrash

  MAZDA3 2009: PARKING BRAKE OFTEN INADEQUATE BY ITSELF TO KEEP CAR FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS ON SLIGHT INCLINE. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE WITH MY CAR AND ONCE MORE WITH A RELATIVE WHO OWNS THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR OF THIS CAR. *TR

• 12/20/2010· TIRES

  HAD MY MAZDA 3 OIL CHANGED TODAY AND FOUND OUT THAT IT NEEDED NEW TIRES - AT JUST UNDER 15,600 MILES. I HAD THESE TIRES ROTATED AT JUST UNDER 6,000 MILES AND JUST UNDER 12,000 MILES. THE DEFECT IS DUE TO THE ALIGNMENT SET AT THE FACTORY, THAT CAUSES THE REAR TIRES TO "TILT IN AT THE TOP" TO IMPROVE HANDLING. I AM HAVING TO PAY FOR (4) NEW TIRES AND PAYING AN EXTRA CHARGE TO GET THE ALIGNMENT SET CORRECTLY. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER MAZDA PRODUCT. IF THIS DEFECT AT NOT BEEN FOUND TODAY, THE WAY THE REAR TIRES LOOKED, I POSSIBLY COULD HAVE HAD A BLOWOUT OVER THE NEXT 3,000 TO 5,000 MILES. *TR

• 12/09/2009· TIRES

  GOODYEAR TIRE EAGLE RS TIRE IN LIGHT SNOW / WET WEATHER CONDITIONS, NEW 2009 MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK. TIRES ARE TOTALLY INADEQUATE IN LIGHT SNOW CONDITIONS. I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN WHILE I ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN AT 20MPH. CAR ABS WAS ACTIVATED BUT I STILL SKIDDED ALMOST HITTING ANOTHER CAR AS IT WAS ABOUT TO PULL OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I AM FORCED TO HAVE TO REPLACE THESE TIRES. *TR

• 12/08/2014· EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFire

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS MELTED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHTS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS OPERATED AT RANDOM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

• 12/05/2012· WHEELS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA3 EQUIPPED WITH SIEMENS SENSOR CDOV 847D TIRE VALVES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE CHECKING THE TIRE PRESSURE, BOTH OF THE REAR TIRES AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRES COLLAPSED INWARD AND BECAME DEFLATED. THE VALVE STEMS WERE REPLACED WITH RUBBER VALVES STEMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

• 11/30/2010· TIRES

  I BOUGHT 2009 MAZDA 3 AND HAS 18,700 MILES ON IT AS OF TODAY NOV 2010. I NOTICED TPMS SIGN COME ON YESTERDAY AND GOES OFF AND COMES BACK ON WITHOUT ANY BEEPING SOUNDS. TIRE AIR PRESSURE IS SHOWING ACCEPTABLE LEVELS AND AT 18K MILES I DON'T EXPECT TO CHANGE TIRES FOR SURE. NOT SURE WHAT'S GOING ON. MAZDA MUST ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR

• 11/30/2010· STEERING

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA, MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR RECALL 10V374000 (STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). UPDATED 02/09/11*LJ UPDATED 03/03/11

• 11/19/2014· TIRES

  I HEARD A BRIEF AUDIBLE ALARM AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING SYMBOL ON THE DASH WAS LIT. AFTER ADDING AIR TO ON OFF THE TIRES WITH A HAND PUMP, IN REMOVING AIR PUMP NOZZLE FROM TIRE VALVE, THE VALVE BROKE AND ALL AIR LOST FROM THE TIRE. THIS WAS THE SECOND SUCH OCCURRENCE THIS YEAR. A REPAIR SHOP PERSON SAID THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ON THE VALVES TEND TO RUST AND CAN BREAK AFTER A FEW YEARS. AS THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS OCCURRED TO ME IN RECENT MONTHS, I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD REPORT IT. BEYOND MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CAR, I CAN'T RECALL EVER HAVING A VALVE STEM BREAK OFF WHEN FILLING A TIRE WITH AIR AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND ADDING AIR TO TIRES FOR A LONG TIME. OTHERWISE, MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE CAR HAS BEEN FINE. *TR

• 11/14/2012· TIRES

  TPMS VALVES BADLY CORRODED AND LEAKING AIR, THESE NEED TO BE RECALLED AND REPLACED BY MAZDA DUE TO THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS OCCURRING UNDER NORMAL USE AND CARE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE BLOWOUTS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

• 11/04/2021· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  The fuel pump lock ring on my 2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 has failed which is causing two engine codes: P0442 and P0455. In addition there is a strong smell of gasoline fumes around the rear of the car after driving and parking. The fuel pump lock ring is a plastic threaded ring which secures and seals the fuel pump and fuel level sender to the fuel tank. Mazda has released a safety recall 5121I for MY2009-2011 RX-8 and MY2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. Mazda states: "On certain subject RX-8 and Mazdaspeed6 vehicles, improper installation of the fuel pump mounting rings may lead to cracking of the rings, causing fuel leakage. In addition, on certain RX-8 vehicles, the fuel pump mounting rings may deteriorate due to heat exposure from the engine and exhaust pipe due to insufficient heat resistance at the top side of the fuel tank. This may also lead to cracking of the rings, causing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage may result in increased risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source near the vehicle." The faulty part number for the RX-8 matches that of the Mazdaspeed3. That is Mazda part number: BN8F-42-167 I believe the failure of this part and recall should extend to affected Mazda 3 vehicles, and any other models with the same part. I have opened a case with Mazda Corporate. Case number: 14466166445 I have uploaded a video of the smoke test performed by a local shop indicating the leak is coming from the ring: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6t6KeeaDPLgGzvvaA I have also attached a screenshot of the video, unfortunately the image quality provided by the mechanic is very poor.

• 10/19/2009· AIR BAGSCrash

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH A TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVING 45 MPH CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE NOTIFIED. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION FACILITY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 29,700.

• 10/18/2012· SEATS

  THE DRIVER SEAT RAIL HAS BECOME LOOSE WITHIN ITS INTERNAL STRUCTURE CAUSING THE ENTIRE SEAT ASSEMBLY TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH DURING ACCELERATION, BRAKING, SHIFTING, AND CORNERING. THE ISSUE HAS BECOME MORE SEVERE OVER THE PAST TEN THOUSAND MILES, TO THE POINT WHERE ITS MOTION IS NOTICEABLE EVEN TO PASSENGERS. *TR

• 10/12/2009· AIR BAGSCrash

  MY SON WAS HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE (T-BONED) AND NO SIDE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. *TR

• 10/07/2012· TIRES,WHEELS

  TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON I PULLED OVER AND VALVE STEM BLEW A PIN OUT. ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE CALLED TO HELP ME AND VERIFIED IT WAS A PRESSURE VALVE STEM FAULT. SEEMS TO BE A LONG REPORTED ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND YEAR. WAS INFORMED TO CHECK ALL OTHER TIRE STEMS FOR DEFECTS. *TR

• 10/05/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  parking brake not working due to mechanism on rear caliper is rusted solid so it can not activate brake

• 09/27/2010· TIRES

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

• 09/21/2010· STEERING

  MY 2009 MAZDA 3 GR TOURING HAS TWICE LOST POWER STEERING ASSIST. FIRST: WHEN IDLING ON VERY HOT DAY. RESTARTING THE CAR RESTORED POWER. SECOND, WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC JAM ON PA TURNPIKE. RESTARTING DID NOT RESTORE POWER. THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I'M A HEALTHY MAN AND I MANAGED TO GET IT INTO THE SERVICE PLAZA. AFTER SITTING, POWER ASSIST CAME BACK. I'M NOT AN OPTIMIST ABOUT GETTING DEALERS TO FIX INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. I NEVER TOOK THE CAR IN. IN MY OPINION, THE CAR IS ONLY CAPABLE OF MILD AND MINIMAL STEERING DURING THIS FAILURE. MAZDA'S STATEMENT THAT IT POSES NO SAFETY PROBLEM IS WRONG. IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO MANEUVER THIS CAR QUICKLY UNDER THIS FAILURE. *TR

• 09/07/2013· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THREE OUT OF FOUR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORS HAVE FAILED CAUSING TIRE DEFLATION. THE FIRST TWO TIMES THIS WAS DISCOVERED IN MY DRIVEWAY.UPON TRYING TO RE-INFLATE THE LOW TIRES I FOUND THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORS JUST FELL AWAY INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE TIRE. MY TIRE DEALER WAS ABLE TO REINSTALL THE MONITORS(ONLY TO HAVE THEM FAIL AGAIN LATER) MY COMPLAINT STEMS FROM THE INCIDENT (AFTER I HAVE STEWED ABOUT IT FOR A WHILE) THAT HAPPENED ON 6-26-2013. MY WIFE,WITH DAUGHTER, HAD A BLOWOUT ON INTERSTATE 75 AT RUSH HOUR IN A DRIVING RAIN STORM. OF COURSE IT WAS A HARROWING EXPERIENCE GETTING THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. LUCKILY A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER WAS NOT AT THE WHEEL. WHEN I ARRIVED TO CHANGE THE TIRE I DECIDED TO TRY AND RE-INFLATE IT FIRST TO TRY AND GET TO A SAFER LOCATION. ONCE AGAIN THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FELL TO THE INTERIOR OF THE TIRE!!! MY TIRE DEALER (TIRE DISCOUNTERS WALTON KY) TOLD ME THAT THE THREADS ON THE STEM THAT HOLDS THE MONITOR TO THE WHEEL CORRODES AND EVENTUALLY CRACKS THE NUT HOLDING THE MONITOR. WHAT A PIECE OF JUNK. I STILL HAVE THE OLD MONITORS AND INDEED THE CORROSION LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING THAT COMES FROM A DISSIMILAR METAL ON METAL CONTACT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IN MY OPINION AND I SHOULD HAVE COMPLAINED AS SOON AS I COULD BUT I REALLY THINK THAT NOTHING WILL COME OF IT. I ALMOST PAID FOR NEW MONITORS(DECIDED TO JUST REPLACE WITH PLAIN STEMS ON MY OWN AS I DO NOT TRUST ,NOR DO I WANT TO FINANCE MAZDA ANY FURTHER), I LOST A TIRE DUE TO THE HIGHWAY INCIDENT AND I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS NO SURPRISE TO THE TIRE STORE.

• 09/06/2013· WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  TWO OF THE TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING S___?) SENSORS WERE CRACKED AND REPLACED AT A DISCOUNTED COST TO ME OF $325. THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD WITH UNDER 52,000 MILES AND TWO OF THEM CRACK AT THE SAME TIME (!). THE MAZDA DEALER SAID THAT THEY GET A NUMBER OF THESE PROBLEMS AND THAT THEY THINK IT IS DUE TO POOR QUALITY METAL BEING USED. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THEY CRACK TOO EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CUSTOMER HAS NO WAY OF DETERMINING THIS OR EVEN KNOWING HOW OR WHERE TO LOOK. I AM NOW VERY NERVOUS ABOUT THE REMAINING TWO.

• 08/30/2013· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I HAVE TAKEN MY MAZDA 3 TO BE CHECKED OUT 2 TIMES DUE TO THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. BOTH TIMES I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GAS CAP. I AM TOLD THIS HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR OTHER MAZDA VEHICLE BUT NOT MINE. I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE FOR 4 YEARS AND IT HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED.

• 08/28/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE A KEY LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DOOR CAN ONLY BE UNLOCKED BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR BY A KEY REMOTE. I DO NOT HAVE A REMOTE. BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE CAN ONLY BE OPENED BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE THIS CREATES A RISK OF INJURY FOR THE DRIVER, AS WELL AS PASSENGERS WHO ARE DEPENDENT ON THE DRIVER. FOR EXAMPLE, MY MOTHER IS 80 YEARS OLD AND DEAF. SHE NEEDS ASSISTANCE WALKING. WHEN I NEED TO UNLOCK THE CAR, I HAVE TO LEAVE HER UNATTENDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OR BRING HER WITH ME TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE THEN WALK BACK TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. ANOTHER EXAMPLE WOULD BE IF I NEED TO UNLOCK MY CAR WHEN THERE HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE STREET SIDE (DRIVER'S SIDE) BEFORE I CAN PUT MY DOG'S IN THE CAR, I HAVE TO LEAVE MY DOGS UNATTENDED, OR BRING THEM INTO THE STREET WITH ME. WHEN TRAFFIC IS HEAVY, MY ONLY METHOD TO UNLOCK THE CAR IS TO GO INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. I HAVE NOTICED THERE ARE MANY CAR MANUFACTURERS NOT INSTALLING A KEY LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR THIS OTHER THAN SAVING ON COSTS. NOWADAYS MOST CAR KEYS ARE COUPLED WITH A REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE CAR. HOWEVER, IF THE REMOTE SHOULD FAIL, THE DRIVER CAN ONLY UNLOCK THE CAR FROM THE DRIVER'S GAIN ENTRY. THIS POSES A DANGEROUS RISK TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. TO REPLACE A FAULTY REMOTE COSTS APPROXIMATELY $150. I BELIEVE THIS APPROACH TO GAIN CAR ENTRY IS DEFECTIVE AND CAN RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. THERE IS A STRONG INFERENCE THAT CAR MANUFACTURERS ARE DELIBERATELY NOT INSTALLING A KEY LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TO SAVE ON MANUFACTURING COSTS AND ALSO MAKE MONEY BY HAVING THE CONSUMER BUY A REMOTE. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST YOU LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

• 08/25/2011· STEERING

  MAZDA3 HATCHBACK 2009. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WAS ON FIRST TIME AROUND 15000 MILES. AFTER THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND I GOT MAIL FROM MAZDA3 SAID THIS CAR NEED A RECALL FOR POWER STEERING ISSUE. I RETURNED THE CAR TO DEALER AROUND 36000 MILES AND THOUGHT EVERYTHING IS GOOD. HOWEVER, STARTED FROM THIS JUN, THE CAR BECAME MUCH WORST. IT WOULD AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF DURING DRIVING AND THE SITUATION HAPPENED OFTEN. I EVEN VIDEO RECORD THE INCIDENT FOR THE DEALER. I RETURNED MY CAR TO DEALER ONCE EVERY MONTH FROM JUN, THIS IS THE 3RD TIME. I GUESS THE DEALER DON'T KNOW HERE IS THE PROBLEM IS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. HAPPENED TO MY ONCE IN THE EXIT OF HIGHWAY, ONCE WHEN I TURN RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. NOTE: BEFORE IT SHUT OFF, EVERY INDICATOR LIGHT WILL TURN ON.

• 08/24/2013· TIRES,WHEELS

  ON AUGUST 16TH 2013 I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING CAME ON AND A FEW MILES LATER FELT THE CAR PULLING TOWARDS THE LEFT AND REALIZED I HAD A FLAT TIRED AND PULLED OVER. I CHANGED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND CONTINUED ON MY WAY. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP AND REQUESTED THEY LOOK AT THE TIRE. THEY INFORMED ME THE TIRE WAS PERFECTLY FINE AND WHAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO GO FLAT WAS THE TPMS SENSOR. THE SENSOR THREADS HAD CORRODED AND RELEASED ALL OF THE AIR FROM THE TIRE. THEY THEN INFORMED ME ALL OF THE REMAINING SENSORS WERE IN JUST AS BAD SHAPE AND COULD FAIL AT LITERALLY ANY MOMENT. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT TPMS SENSOR WAS WHAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO GO FLAT AND THE OTHER SENSORS ARE BAD AND READY TO FAIL AS WELL. I HAD THREE SENSORS REPLACED AND I WENT HOME AND DECIDED TO CALL MAZDA DIRECTLY AND SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AND SEE WHAT COULD BE WORKED OUT. I SPOKE TO A REPRESENTATIVE BY THE NAME OF [XXX] AND I ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY RECALL ON THE VEHICLES TPMS SENSOR. SHE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THE ITEM I SPECIFIED AND THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE DOCUMENTED. THAT WAS IT. BASICALLY I WAS TOLD GOOD LUCK WITH MY PROBLEM. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THEM REPLACE THE FINAL TPMS SENSOR SINCE IT WAS GOING TO FAIL SOON AND I DIDN'T WANT ANOTHER FLAT TIRE OR WORSE, AN ACCIDENT. I'VE LOOKED AROUND THE INTERNET AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE ON MAZDA VEHICLES IN A VERY CLOSE YEAR RANGE AS MINE. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS NOT NORMAL FOR AN ITEM OF A VEHICLE TO FAIL AND RELEASE ALL OF THE AIR FROM THE TIRE IF THE ITEM WASN'T DAMAGED BY SOME SORT OF EXTERNAL FORCE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 08/24/2010· STEERING

  1. I WAS STUCK IN A TRAFFIC JAM IN MAY 31ST AND WHEN I HAD TO TURN AFTER A WHILE, IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS NO LONGER WORKING. 2. THIS WAS THE ONLY TIME THE POWER STEERING FAILED, IT FAILED UNTIL I PARKED THE CAR ABOUT 1/2 HOUR LATER. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN, THE POWER STEERING WORKED FINE. IT HAS WORKED FINE SINCE THEN. 3. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE. THE CAR IS A 2009 MAZDA 3, 4-DOOR, TR VE. *TR

• 08/23/2013· TIRES,WHEELS

  I HAVE HAD THREE OEM VALVE STEMS ROT OUT AND COMPLETELY FALL INTO THE TIRE CAUSING A RAPID DEFLATION AND RISK OF CONTROL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST VALVE STEM ROTTED OUT IN 2012 AND WAS REPLACED. I ASSUMED IT WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT (STUFF HAPPENS). IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS THE SECOND AND 3RD VALVE STEM ROTTED OUT AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY BELLETIRE (2ND IN JULY, 3RD TODAY). LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING ON SIDE ROADS WHEN THESE OCCURRED. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. I LOOKED UP AND SAW THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE 2009 MAZDA 3 SO I CALLED TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD CORROSION IS NEVER COVERED IN WARRANTY. THIS IS NOT ABOUT CORROSION, THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR

• 08/19/2012· TIRES,WHEELS

  MAZDA HAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE VALVE STEMS BREAKING EVEN WITH THE OEM CAPS BUT THEY STILL INSIST OPERATOR ERROR AND OR THERE WHERE AFTERMARKET ONES ON AT THE TIME OF THE BREAKAGE. *TR

• 08/18/2010· STEERING

  ON A FEW SEPARATE OCCASIONS (APPROXIMATELY THREE) DURING ESPECIALLY HOT WEATHER, THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 MAZDA 3. ONE ESPECIALLY CONCERNING INSTANCE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC. EACH TIME I HAVE PULLED OVER, SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND TURNED IT BACK ON, FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL FOR THE MOST PART. HOWEVER, ON ONE OCCASION, WHICH OCCURRED IN 100+ DEGREE WEATHER, THE POWER STEERING DID NOT RETURN AND THE CAR HAD TO BE LEFT IN A PARKING STRUCTURE TO COOL DOWN. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED AND ULTIMATELY CORRECTED. *TR

• 08/17/2010· STEERING

  POWER STEERING HAS FAILED ON MY 2009 MAZDA 3 GT SPORT IN 2 INCIDENTS - JULY 14, 2010 AND AUGUST 11, 2010. IN BOTH CASES, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE CAR. ONCE I SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WAS NO LONGER LIT AND THE POWER STEERING WAS OPERATIONAL AGAIN. *TR

• 08/16/2010· STEERINGCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA, MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, PROCEEDED INTO THE LEFT LANE AND THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SWAYED FROM THE LEFT TO RIGHT DIRECTION WITHOUT ENGAGING THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE EXHIBITED A LOUD ROARING NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN STEERING CONTROL AND CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TWO FRONT WHEEL BALL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE NOISE STOPPED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE AT LOW SPEEDS TO AVOID THE UNINTENDED SWAYING MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,681.

• 08/15/2012· ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS A WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE YAW RATE CENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V187000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

• 08/11/2010· STEERINGCrash

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING HAD SUDDENLY STOP FUNCTIONING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A NEARBY POLE, SECONDS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT HAD APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED FOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING NORMALLY. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 22500.

• 08/11/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  I HAVE A 2009 MAZDA 3 WITH 9200 MILES. THEIR HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHERE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES INDICATING THE GAS CAP IS NOT SECURE. TODAY, 8/11/2010 THE GAS CAP WAS STUCK AND HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO GET REMOVED AND INSTALL A NEW GAS CAP. THE SERVICE MAN, JIM COLTREP SAID THAT HE HAS HEARD ABOUT GAS CAPS SEIZING. MY DAUGHTER IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER SHE DOESN'T NEED THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER CAN'T GUARANTEE ME THAT I WON'T HAVE A PROBLEM IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I SEE ON THE WEB A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MAZDA 3 GAS CAP PROBLEM. WHEN IS THIS GOING TO BE CORRECTED ON A NEAR PERMANENT BASIS? *TR

• 07/30/2012· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SPIDERS WERE ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT MAZDA RECALLED THE 2009 MAZDA6 UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V134000 (FUEL SYSTEM: GASOLINE: STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY) WHICH STATED THAT A CERTAIN TYPE OF SPIDER COULD WEAVE A WEB INSIDE THE FUEL CANISTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME SPIDER WAS IN THEIR VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE 2009 MAZDA WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

• 07/28/2015· STEERING,WHEELS

  WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I HEARD A LOUD CLATTER LIKE A ROCK IN THE WHEEL WELL AND THE SAW SOMETHING BOUNCE OUT FROM THE SIDE OF MY CAR. MOMENTS LATER THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VEER TO THE LEFT. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OVER AND PULL OF TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO FIND THAT MY VALVE STEM ON MY WHEEL HAD LOST THE NUT HOLDING IT IN PLACE SO THAT THE VALVE FELL INTO THE TIRE LEAVING A LARGE HOLE. AFTER HAVING THE TIRE REPLACED (IT WAS DESTROYED) I SAW THAT THE VALVE (WHICH WAS PART OF THE TPMS) WAS CORRODED AND COULD BE EASILY SNAPPED IN HALF. ANOTHER OF THESE VALVES HAD FAILED FOUR MONTHS PRIOR SO I THINK THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. MAZDA REFUSES TO BELIEVE THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THEIR PART AND SUGGESTS THAT I CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH THE REMAINING SENSORS.

• 07/26/2010· STEERING

  WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, LOSS OF STEERING POWER OCCURRED WHEN TURNING QUICKLY IN THE EACH/OPPOSITE DIRECTION. LOSS OF POWER INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON. CAR WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALCY. MAZDA DEALERSHIP (DENNIS DILLON, BOISE, ID) WAS CALLED THE NEXT DAY, AND THEY WANTED TO IMMEDIATELY LOOK AT THE CAR. THE TECHNICIAN ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS MAY BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM, AND WAS FAMILIAR WITH SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL. PARTS WERE ORDERED (STEERING HOSES, ASSEMBLY, ETC.), AND SERVICE COMPLETED WITHIN 3 DAYS. *TR

• 07/26/2010· ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  LOST CONTROL OF 2009 MAZDA 3 ON WET ROAD. IT FELT LIKE DSC WOULD NOT LET ME CONTROL THE CAR. *TR

• 07/19/2011· STRUCTURE

  2009 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER STATES THE GLOVE BOX BEGAN TO RATTLE NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER NUMEROUS VISITS TO THE DEALER, THE ENTIRE GLOVE BOX ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER 2010. THE PROBLEM RESURFACED FIVE MONTHS LATER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT MAZDA WOULD NOT AGREE TO REPLACE THE GLOVE BOX AGAIN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE GLOVE BOX IS NOW DIFFICULT TO CLOSE AND IT OPENS AT RANDOM WHILE DRIVING. *JB

• 07/19/2011· TIRES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE VALVE STEMS ON ALL FOUR WHEELS HAD CORRODED AND THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE VALVE STEMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED BECAUSE THE CORROSION WAS DUE TO SALT ON THE ROAD THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,110. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 09/07/11

• 07/19/2010· STEERING

  (2009 MAZDA 3I TOURING VALUE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 94 DEGREES OUTSIDE, I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDESTREET, GOING NO MORE THAN 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL GOT HARDER TO TURN & THEN I NOTICED THE DASHBOARD LIGHT UP WITH THE POWER STEERING ICON. *TR

• 07/17/2011· WHEELS

  PURCHASED MY 2009 MAZDA IN JANUARY, 2009. I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES 7/ 30/10 BECAUSE THEY WERE ALMOST BALD. THEY DIDN'T EVEN HAVE 16,000 MILES ON THEM! LESS THAN 16,000 MILES IN 18 MONTHS SHOWS I'M NOT A HOT RODDER WHO ABUSED MY TIRES. I HAD THEM ROTATED AT LEAST ONCE DURING THE TIME I HAD THEM; I DON'T THINK LACK IN ROTATING THE TIRES WOULD CAUSE ALL FOUR TIRES TO GO BALD! GOOD THING I NOTICED IT BEFORE I GOT A BLOW OUT. EVEN IF THEY ARE SPECIALTY/PERFORMANCE TIRES, TO NEED REPLACEMENT OF TIRES BEFORE 16,000 MILES IS RIDICULOUS! THIS IS MY 4TH MAZDA AND I MUST SAY I AM DISAPPOINTED AT THE QUALITY OF TIRES THEY HAVE ON A NEW VEHICLE, LESS THAN 16,000 IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I NOW HAVE NEW TIRES WHICH HAVE 10,000 MILES ON THEM AND YOU CAN HARDLY TELL THEY HAVE BEEN USED. COST ME $650!

• 07/17/2009· TIRES

  SAME ISSUE AS OTHER STATED. THESE TIRES PROVIDE LITTLE TO NO TRACTION ON ICE OR SNOW. I HAVE OWNED EIGHT MAZDAS AND NEVER HAD ON ISSUE LIKE THIS WITH ANY, I HAVE HAD VEHICLES OF VARIOUS SIZES. THESE TIRES ARE A SAFETY ISSUE. I NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNERSHIP WITH INABILITY TO SLOW AND STOP, AND TAKE OFF TRACTION IS NO BETTER. *TR

• 07/15/2010· STEERING

  WHEN SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN MY 2009 MAZDA3 4-DOOR SEDAN, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY STOPPED WORKING. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON (A YELLOW STEERING WHEEL INDICATOR WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT). I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME WITH MUCH EFFORT TO MAKE TURNS. PARKED CAR IN GARAGE. 5 MINUTES LATER RETURNED TO CHECK IT AGAIN. STARTED CAR AND POWER STEERING WAS FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. *TR

• 07/15/2010· STEERING

  WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN IN MY 2009 MAZDA 3, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL STIFFENED UP SEVERELY AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO RESTORE THE POWER STEERING. A MILE UP THE ROAD, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT. *TR

• 07/13/2010· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK, CAR GOT UP TO 80 MILES AN HOUR. UNABLE TO STOP CAR, FINALLY SLAMMED ON THE GAS PEDAL THREE TIMES AND IT DISLODGED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. *TR

• 07/12/2010· STEERINGCrash

  WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE NAVIGATING A SLIGHT RIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MPH POWER STEERING FAILED AND DASH LIGHT CAME ON. WAS UNABLE TO TURN VEHICLE IN TIME AND HIT A CURB, CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE RIM AND TIRE. *TR