I'll bet they tell you that is a rust through warranty, not for "surface" rust. We know it's probably starting from underneath where most auto rust begins, but they are not likely to cover it.

 

I have a 2009 3 that is metropolitian gray. My rocker panel had some paint damage from road rash (central ny salt) however Mazda paid for it to be repainted and I put mud guards on. I was hesitant to install the mud gurads. I have heard that salt gets trapped behind them and it is actually worse. Any thoughts on mud guards to protect from road salt?

 

You should be able to attach a set of std flat universal flaps to the front or rear of your 5 series.
As far as what to do with the flaps you've already installed: A high pressure wash, such as you have in a DIY car wash should help keep them cleaned out and dilute road salts from taking hold.
And/or remove and clean them out whenever rotating the tires would surely help also.

 

so the rust is right thru on one side - a big hole has formed in the wheel well about the size of a loony

annnnnnnnd mazda will not cover it as it is an 2004 and the warranty ran out on feb 22nd the car only has 54,000 km on it which pisses me off!

whats the best fix? i'll get some pics later

 

I have worked as a body repair facility for a Toronto Mazda Dealership and I have seen several cases of the wheel wells and rockers rusting on the Mazda 3...if you are experiencing a problem, go to your dealer immediately, if you are under your warranty kilometers, they should cover it. If you are in the Toronto area and you are no longer covered by warranty, I would be happy to look at your vehicle for you, I will be able to give you a lower price than a dealer. michellejames@rogers.com 416-431-5200

 

To all: My 2005 hatch is rusting over both rear wheels also. I have an extended warranty, but it does not cover metal or paint. I'm going to keep the vehicle forever and let it rust away. Negative advertising daily. Mazda does not care and neither do I. If your Mazda is not rusting, well good for you.

 

I have rear wheelwell rust on a 2005. One dealer told me too bad, and they will fix it. [previous post] I don't go there anymore. I found another northern Ohio dealer who told me the rust will be fixed as long as I own the car, however it needs to be rusted through. I was told NOT to fix any paint or body issues. They will fix it when there is a hole. Guess what? I'm going to buy my next car there, and it will be a Mazda. Hope this helps someone.
Streetmach.

 

I have a leased 08 mazda3,and have quite a bit of chiping in the paint.Have done small touchups,nothing big.Aam I in trouble for doing this???Also,what if rust appears and when I bring back the car,they say it's my fault for not having it rustproofed???Thanks.

 

mach-
may I ask where what NEOhio dealer you went to and had you purchased the vehicle there?
I bought mine in PA, so not from a local dealer, and the closest dealer for me is still 30 mins away. the couple of times I had gone to a dealer for service/parts, my experience was not all that great.

I don't know whether any of the rust on mine is worth repairing at some point or just driving it into the ground. Just don't like the fact that I had an 11-yr old vehicle before this and it had less rust than my Mazda does at 6 yrs.