Below is a brief description of my recent experience with our 2007 Mazda 3, followed by Mazda USA's response. I'd be interested to know if anyone on this Forum has experienced a similar problem. Best regards, -Chef Henry

Dear Jay, et Al:

My wife is a 24/7 emergency responder. So when she needed a new car - quite a significant purchase for us - we picked what we believed was the most reliable and best-performing vehicle in its class, a 2007 Mazda 3 hatchback. I was so pleased with the car's looks, handling and performance that I became a walking billboard for Mazda. We named our shiny red Mazda Cherry Bomb, and she immediately became a part of our family.

A few weeks ago, Cherry Bomb's 'check engine' light went on. I brought her to the shop that services our vehicles. He ran the codes, and the computer indicated that it was the number 2 oxygen sensor, which he replaced.

After considerable time and consternation, he returned it to us with the 'check engine' light still displaying. I brought it to a second shop, and they came up with the same diagnosis. They replaced the sensor with the same result. This sequence was repeated a third time at a third shop. When the 'check engine' light still wouldn't go off, he suggested taking it to the dealer.

The dealer, Mazda of Lodi, called to say it had diagnosed the problem. Notwithstanding that I had paid to replace an oxygen sensor unnecessarily, I was relieved when I was told that the problem was a defective electrical connector.

When I was informed that the cost of replacing this connector was $3,700, I called Customer Service, where I spoke with Frank. I contend that an electrical connector is not a moving part subject to wear, and should last the life of a vehicle. Frank said that he would consider the matter, and speak with Mazda of Lodi's service department.

Jeff from Lodi's service department called and told me that after consideration of our problem, Customer Service is unwilling to intercede, and absorb the cost of repairing the car in part or in full. Jeff offered to attempt a workaround for $400, but will not warrant the repair beyond the parking lot of his shop.

Since spending $3,700 is out of the question for us in these difficult times, we feel left with no choice except to authorized Lodi to go ahead with the workaround. But at this point, I'm afraid that the damage done to our family's trust in Cherry Bomb, and in Mazda USA, seems irreparable.

Very truly yours,

Henry Summers & Marilyn Comerford

Dear Mr. Summers,
Thank you for contacting Mazda and your email to Mr. Jay Amestoy & our Public Relations Department. Your assistance request was reviewed with the dealer service, myself and the District Service Manager who covers Mazda of Lodi. Our decision remains the same and unfortunately we would not be able to provide any after-warranty assistance. My apology that we were not able to assist you.
Sincerely,
Frank, Representative
Mazda USA Customer Assistance

 

WTH?

Honestly if you haven't already had the repairs done I'd think about finding out exactly what plug is defective and how. Then go find a Mz3 junker, cut off the connector and replace the one on your car.

I've seen multiple people over the years post up things like this where a simple wiring issue came up and Mazda said they had to replace the electrical harness, in part or in whole, generally at a cost of at least $1,200. I recently saw someone post where one of the fusible links had been fried and Mazda wanted to replace that half of the harness. The entire point of a fusible link is for it to blow instead of frying the harness.

 

The RIGHT extended warranty would have provided a loaner car, paid for the part and the labor. If the car is out of the Factory warranty period and a consumer DID NOT opt for additional coverage - YOU OWN THE REPAIR BILL.

YES, it DOES SUCK, but the Manufacturer has ZERO obligation to accept claims outside of the warranty period. So, this is not a factory issue - it is an issue of misplaced anger due to a LARGE repair bill.

If you regularly service your vehicle at the same dealer - the dealer can seek relief from the District Service/Parts Manager or just decide to "tap" the internal "GOODWILL" account (EVERY dealer has them) and absorb a portion (or all) of your repair bill. Dealers often take care of patrons that take care of them - but if you just show up in the service drive when your ride is "severely broken" - and have little or no relationship with your dealer - "POBRECITO" - GET THE VISA CARD READY!!!