This is not a Mazda 3 issue - but is from our Mazda CX-5. I just want to inform fellow owners of possible winter damage and how Mazda's responded to the situation / what to expect.
I'm a Mazda guy, this is my 4th consecutive vehicle from the brand. 2nd purchased brand new. Both new ones and the 2nd used one serviced at the same dealer (when needed). The CX-5 was purchased from this same servicing dealer. Unfortunately I've been terribly disappointing by the response and lack of assistance from both Mazda Canada and the dealership independently given what's happened. No offer to help at all not even partially. It hurts real bad being given the cold shoulder for someone who's been loyal to the brand and tried to be an advocate for their cars and services.
Here's what happened: I opened my hatch Tues morning during the melt after the ice storm. It should be noted that before I opened the hatch I was very careful to make sure nothing was in the way of opening the trunk at roof level. From outside there's no snow or ice anywhere in the area of the rear-most section of the roof or the hatch. No indications I have any reason to believe I will encounter body damage by opening the trunk.
After hitting the button I heard the power tailgate sounding different / straining. Went to the side of the car to see if I missed something that was slowing the roof. I saw nothing but a clear rear roof and the metal on the top of the hatch starting to bend, and heard a crunch / pop. Immediately jumped back to the rear of the vehicle and put most of my weight on the tailgate to try and stop the motors... but it was too late and the damage was done.
I did not attempt to re-open the hatch until later that afternoon at the dealer. They immediately blamed environmental conditions.
It may be tough to see with the white paint, but the center of the upper middle section of the hatch is now bent up, while slightly behind it is dented in. This should be one smooth plane from the roof to the spoiler.
The side photo was taken immediately after the damage occurred. You can see the raised seam at the roof. And you can also see how there's snow / ice at the antenna, but nothing at all at the roof joint.
Mazda says water got in there and froze and that's no fault of theirs. They also say that anything other than the innermost weather seal is for wind only and cannot be relied on to keep water out. The motors on the hatch are strong enough to bend the metal with no external indication that opening the hatch could cause any issues. The motors did not reverse themselves, they only stopped because I jumped on it.
I realize that the weather had a role to play, but at the same time there must be an underlying issue or design flaw which should be looked at. This did not happen to any colleagues with any of their vehicles exposed to the exact same weather conditions, nor did it happen to any of my neighbors' or family's vehicles. The dealer admitted I was the first they saw with the issue - but to Mazda the issue is 100% the weather and as such it's on me.
I've escalated the issue with Mazda Canada, saw another dealer who contacted their territory managers and service reps - likely the same territory manager, so not sure how much of a second opinion it was. They're all coming back the same - environmental. The second dealer at least seemed somewhat compassionate at the situation, but couldn't do anything else without his reps authorization.
I 100% understand the weather played a part - obviously, but at the same time something with the vehicle also contributed to this happening. It sure as heck would've been nice to be offered any kind of assistance - even if partial - to get this fixed. As of right now there is less than a thickness of a piece of paper between the edge of the hatch and the roof edge when opening the hatch - so I'm not using it at all until it gets fixed because I don't want to make things any worse.
I just want to get this out there for others to see in case they also run into this. I have twins on the way, due in 2 weeks, and don't have the time or energy to push this any further. I don't even know how I can at this point. I will be getting the repair done on my own time and $ so I can move on with the important things in life.
It's a shame Mazda has taken this position and seriously tarnished what I thought was a great relationship. My business with that dealership is done (I was extremely disappointed at no offer of even partial assistance with their internal body shop even after Mazda said no) and I will be seriously re-considering repeating another vehicle from the brand when it comes time for what could've been Mazda #5.
End of the world? Absolutely not. Overreacting? Maybe to you... But trust and faith in the brand has been seriously damaged and even after I get it fixed I will be forever worried about this damage happening again.
On the positive side I've received a special rate from a local body shop to help at near cost after they heard my story. I was referred to this body shop after trying to investigate paintless dent repair as an option, and that person thought it might be a bit too involved for that given it's location. It was amazing to have someone appear to give a crap - someone totally outside of the situation who had no obligation to.
At standard rates all 3 independent body shops I visited were withing $150 of each other for the repair at $850-$1,000. I will be getting this repair done for just north of $500 with the special rate applied from the shop I'm going with. Not a major outset in the end, but only palatable due to this one person's willingness to help.
It's a shame neither Mazda or the dealer have chosen to offer no assistance at all. This is why I've scheduled my required 24k KMs service with another dealer closer to my work - which is actually more convenient for me anyways. If maintaining a relationship with a dealer means nothing for abnormal situations like this I have no interest in continuing my business with them.
Former selling and servicing dealer: Kieswetter Motors in Kitchener. Up until now I've had no complaints, but this experience hit hard.
That's the end of my vent. And if it happens to anyone else, know you're not the only one. Something for other gen2 CX-5 owner's to watch out for - particularly with the power gate.