Seized Engine!

[mogul_pro]

Two days ago on the way home from work my engine seized up on me. Wouldn't start at all. Luckily didn't cause any accidents, no traffic on the road.

St. Catharines Mazda has it and ordered me a new engine today which they say will be in on Monday and installed by Wednesday.

It is going to be covered under warranty. That being said, since I have "modifications" they tech is going to take a look at the motor once its out and make sure that any engine parts I put on didn't contribute to the engine seizing.

The only modification I have under the hood is an Injen Cold Air intake installed by a certified mechanic (not at mazda but still have the paper work to prove that it wasn’t just slapped on my some no one).

Anyways, the service lady I spoke with who I also know because her sister purchased my old car sort of leveled with me and said I shouldn't have any trouble and that anyone with any kind of mod she is forced to give them that disclaimer as standard policy when they do warranty work on a modified car and that I should not worry about it. Which is good news.

So yea.. I have 52,000km on my '06 mazda3, and by next week will have an engine with zero. I am REALLY glad that I paid the extra money and got a brand new one versus a used one on the same lot that I was looking at. This warranty really saved my butt on this one as I wouldn't be in any kind of position to purchase and have installed a brand new motor. It scares me to think what mazda would change for a brand new motor and all that labor. lol.

Anyways, wanted to report it and let you guys know how its being delt with thus far. So far so good, will update with final result when car is done.

As of now though if everything goes as planned, I am very happy with how they are dealing with the issue. Didn't get any hastle at all. So if goes as planned I would very highly recommend them.

UPDATED WITH BAD NEWS!!!!!

Service just called from st. catharines mazda.. they are NOT covering this like they said they would... apparently there is some kind of internal damage to the engine that they say must have been from high rpm driving, or inappropriate driving... I AM SO SICK OF THIS!!!!!! I have an intake so i race? HARDLY!!! I was driving normally .. NORMALLY... ( i mean i would tell u guys if i was racing or not because i have no reason to lie to ya..) ...

they want..... $12,100.00 (plus taxes i am guessing..) to replace the engine on a 2006 2.0L (and some other part like the throttle body or something i think..)... they have GOT to be kidding me!!! do i have 12 grand.. NOOO .. did i drive like an ass.. NOOO...

PLEASEEEE is there anyone who can help, give me helpful advice ect?

They said that a mazda canada rep has to approve all engine/tranny big time repairs like this and the mazda canada rep "saw pictures" and said not to cover it ... they SAID they would cover it until they saw the damage when they took the engine off and apart. She said the only number i can call is mazda canada customer service 1-800 number and complain and they will contact the mazda canada rep who looked at it who will contact there customer service and tell them the same thing...

I had my tranny replaced at 20,000km ISH and they blamed me for a month before they fixed it.... I don’t have the time to do that again and i FOR SURE DO NOT HAVE $12,000!!! I am so disappointed i feel sick to my stomach right now!!! I am sure they would do more to help me if it was there 12 grand!...

i mean it is SOOO much easier to say "driver error blablabla" than actually find what the problem TURELY WAS!

Again any useful help or advice would be great....

[b]

Good news that they are covering it. The new engine club continues to grow :) welcome new member!

[x_o_k_x]

great news, good thing that they didnt blame it on the cold air intake.. Your engine will have zero but the odometer would still show 52k which is sucks, but atleast you know you have brand new engine

[Flagrum_3]

That's pretty awesome and unusual to boot, but good to hear.Really really curious as to why the engine seized though! Let us know when and if they tell you.


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[Gizzmo_jr]

great news, good thing that they didnt blame it on the cold air intake.. Your engine will have zero but the odometer would still show 52k which is sucks, but atleast you know you have brand new engine

I'm pretty sure with dealer tools they can zero it. Like what happens when you need to replace your gauge cluster.

Please keep us updated on the fault, plastic oil housing cover related by chance?

[Fobio]

shit man...was kinda hoping to see you next Sat at Dunnville...hope all goes well for ya!

[Wild Weasel]

I'm pretty sure with dealer tools they can zero it. Like what happens when you need to replace your gauge cluster.

Please keep us updated on the fault, plastic oil housing cover related by chance?

They woudn't and shouldn't do that. The car still has the mileage on it, even though the engine is new. Just keep the papers to show that a new engine was put in at this mileage and you can use that to your advantage when the time comes to sell the car.

[BETRTHNU]

I'm pretty sure with dealer tools they can zero it. Like what happens when you need to replace your gauge cluster.

I was told that they can zero it as that would falsify the cars true original km reading, meaning that at resale you would be committing fraud if you told the potential buyer that there is 0 kms on the car when realy there are 52XXX. on the transmissions, body panels etc. Mazda would then be liable as well as they have helped you do it.

Also welcome to the new engine club...I'm a member since 574kms ago. :P

[3GFX]

Wow, glad its getting fixed. Keep us up to date on why the engine seized.

[mogul_pro]

updated With Some Bad News.. Read Update In Bold Please!

[mleblond]

So much for Zoom Zoom :( Man I feel for you. They should really build a real case instead of just jumping to conclusions. Not sure if the car went to a different dealer if it would of changed anything? that has to be the biggest BS ever. Sorry to hear this man. Race or no race the engine should not seize like it did. hope you get something figured out, ill be watching this closely...

[EvilEric]

Can they be more specific as how "drivering a certain way"/driver error caused the damage?

I thought I saw some non-city driving style happen in commericals...if I can't go over 60KM without voiding my warrenty maybe somethings wrong with their commerical or it's a different car.

[mogul_pro]

I am going to call tomorrow and get SPECIFICS on what happened to the engine EXACTLY ... I cant remember and was/am to upset to remember what they said...

Lars that is what I am going to do.... the same thing happened with my tranny at AROUND 25,000km... from 2nd to 3rd it would grind SOMETIMES .. took to dealer.. could not duplicate the problem when "test driving" it they said.. so after everyone at mazda drove it including the ontario mazda service rep, FINALLY a SINGLE tech made the grind happen and saw it was just a rare thing and randomly grinds when 2nd to 3rd so they changed it.. this was after over a month of be riding there asses.. if i have to do it again i will i guess...

They said the damage was evidence of high rpms...

I will update you with more details the minute they come in... i pray this doesn’t happen to any of you that is for sure..

[Swerny]

forget the lawyer for now.

find out why they're denying, then call Mazda Canada.

Explain your situation calmly and all maintenance records that you have to prove that the car was maintained (assuming it was).

How can they "prove" a motor was run hard? Define "run hard"?

Just be cool, yelling won't solve anything.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[mogul_pro]

MS_MSP: They say that the parts that failed could only have failed if the engine was driven hard at high RPM.

I will get back with the exact technical jargon of what happened within the motor tomorrow as I can't remember exactly what they said on the phone. Finding out you may owe 12 grand is overwhelming.

[Swerny]

well, was it?

Again, i don't see where it says you can't drive the car hard in the owners manual

[mogul_pro]

I've never raced my car... spirited driving and abusing the car are not the same...

And although I agree that it doesn’t say you cant drive the car hard in the owners manual.. that wasn’t the case. it MUST say something along the lines that it doesn’t cover it or everyone would beat on there cars and get it fixed free..

[Noisy Crow]

They should also be able to tell you *what* broke, and the reason that engine breaking in the particular way would indicate the kind of use/abuse they are allege happened. That includes any logs they pulled out of the ECU.

[Wild Weasel]

Any accidental downshifts causing over-revving past redline?

[mogul_pro]

Any accidental downshifts causing over-revving past redline?

none... dont even hit the rev limiter.

[b]

Call Mazda Canada and get them to email or fax you a letter saying why they are not covering your engine... Get it in writing.

Just call a lawyer and show him/her the letter why they won't cover it and see what can be done.

See if you can tow it to Erin Mills Mazda. They did my engine. It could be worth the $350 tow truck bill from St. Kits. Just a thought.

[Flagrum_3]

forget the lawyer for now.

find out why they're denying, then call Mazda Canada.

Explain your situation calmly and all mainteenace records that you have to prove that the car was maintained (assuming it was).

How can they "prove" a motor was run hard? Define "run hard"?

Just be cool ,yelling won't solve anything.

Good luck and keep us posted.

'IF' for instance the crankshaft bearings had shifted it would be a pretty obvious sign that the engine has or had been over-revved at some point...that's one thing I can think of off hand.

Good advice in your post and from b also, keep kool! and demand more info! Remember information is power!


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[EvilEric]

Call Mazda Canada and get them to email or fax you a letter saying why they are not covering your engine... Get it in writing.

Just call a lawyer and show him/her the letter why they won't cover it and see what can be done.

See if you can tow it to Erin Mills Mazda. They did my engine. It could be worth the $350 tow truck bill from St. Kits. Just a thought.

Erin Mills Mazda would probably have to clear anything by headoffice also. They probably have a file open already. This might not help or change anything.

[Swerny]

I wouldn't go to Erin Mills, they would be my last choice.

[mogul_pro]

Turns out St. Catharines Mazda is saying that the Valves are bent, and destroyed the intake manifold if that makes sense?
___________________________________

Called Mazda Canada.

Reported the problem.

Spoke very nicely to the person on the phone (name was Jason).

I told him what the situation was.

Explained how my car has 52,000km and I got my car new at St. Catharines Mazda. I have taken it to that SAME dealer every time a tech has had to touch my car for anything. All oil changes and maintenance that was scheduled has been completed ahead of schedule at that dealer.

Also said that at around 25,000km about a year ago (a little more..) that i had a random grind from 2nd gear to 3rd on my manual tranny. Told them that this caused the gears to grind and caused missed shifts because it would fail to go into gear correctly. Told him that I had to take my car to this dealer 5-6 times in the course of over a month with multiple techs and a Mazda Canada rep driving my car.. all who said they could not duplicate the problem and allowed me to continue to drive with this random occurrence. Finally a tech was able to duplicate the problem and stopped blaming my driving and changed the tranny. I said I am not tech savvy, but it is very possible that problem in the past could have contributed to the damage to my engine as the problem was there for an extended period of time before it was delt with.

I also said to Jason the Canada Mazda guy on the phone, that I am in the middle of completing my application for the RCMP. I told him in order to get in that I require a clear drivers abstract and clean driving record. In addition I am going to do a polygraph in a few weeks which asks questions among other things like do I speed, to I street race,... I told him that abusing the car like that isn’t an option for me because I have to be able to pass those questions in order to establish my new potential career.

Also commented nicely that I have been without a car since Thursday, and would appreciate if the matter was resolved as quickly as possible.

Told him that my Mazda dealer service record indicates I am a good, and loyal Mazda customer and as stated above I am clearly not an aggressive driver or racer that would put abuse on the motor as the dealer insinuated when giving me my explanation and that I would like this matter to be covered under my Mazda factory warranty that I have paid into in the purchase of a brand new Mazda vehicle and am entitled to.

He took my cell number, said he had to call the dealer and another rep at Mazda Canada and I should expect a call within 2-3 days.

I plan to call tomorrow 1-2 times and every following day 2-3 times for status updates until they resolve this issue under warranty.


Thanks for your support on here guys. I will keep you posted as it progresses.

[b]

Maybe try to get a number of forum members that have had engines replaced. So when they call you back... you can say well 47 (thats a guess here) members of a toronto mazda board have had their engines replaced with similar engine malfunction so I think this should be re-examined before I get in touch with a lawyer.

[b]

I wouldn't go to Erin Mills, they would be my last choice.

Maybe your last choice but they did my engine for me and I had a cai on at the time. No questions asked! When we are talking 12 g's it is worth exploring.

[mogul_pro]

Yeah good idea.

If you have had your engine replaced under waranty.
Can I please have your name and when why it was replaced? (If not its okay but I do think it would be a good idea to be able to say look all these people have had engine replacements under waranty its not an uncommon issue...)

[mogul_pro]

Also I dont know what would happen if I took it to another dealer as the authorisation has to come from Mazda Canada for things like engine replacements.

[TheProfessor]

I'm just curious, did Mazda at any time specifically blame or make reference to the intake when refusing to cover the replacement cost of the motor?

If you don't luck out and have it covered under warranty, I would either find another MZ3 in a junk yard and swap in that motor (you could potentially find a 2.3) or just buy another Mazda3 (used) for only a grand or two more.

[mogul_pro]

No comments AT ALL were made about my intake.

The said before they took the engine out that they were going to check if any modifications caused the problem, otherwise it would be covered. But came back from a differant angle as explained above.

[mogul_pro]

I don't care if I get the 2.3 or a 2.0... the 2.0 is more attractive to me because its ONLY like 8hp less and saves gas money. If I wanted a performance car I could have gotten something alot faster for 26 grand...

[Flagrum_3]

No comments AT ALL were made about my intake.

The said before they took the engine out that they were going to check if any modifications caused the problem, otherwise it would be covered. But came back from a differant angle as explained above.

Well their explaination of what happened does not explain 'what happened'!!How did the valves get bent? and how did the intake manifold get 'destroyed'...its all pretty vague if you ask me....I cannot see them being able to use your CAI has a cause for any of that...its a pretty simple mod and would not effect the internals in any way...So the question still stands; What exactly made Mazda come to the decision not to cover you for a new engine?


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[mogul_pro]

They said that the only way the valves could have been bent was if it was driven hard under high RPM. That was there reasoning from that type of damage. That is the answer to your question Flagrum_3. :(

[Swerny]

Maybe your last choice but they did my engine for me and I had a cai on at the time. No questions asked! When we are talking 12 g's it is worth exploring.

I bought my last car from them (new) and I had a battle with them to get a number of problems fixed under warranty.

I had to get Mazda canada involved in my case and Gyro wound up doing the work...under warranty.

I'll never set foot in Erin Mills Mazda again.


Back on topic, to the OP, well said to the Mazda canada guy. I wouldn't harass him with calls over the next day or 2, you want him on your side. If he said 2-3 days, I would call him Friday for an update.

[whiteomega]

AFAIK, one of the only reasons the valves could be bent is if the pistons and the valves bumped into each other and had an argument, which could (edit: will) damage the valves themselves and cause other damage to the valvetrain..but what that has to do with a cold air intake is beyond me :)

[Flagrum_3]

They said that the only way the valves could have been bent was if it was driven hard under high RPM. That was there reasoning from that type of damage. That is the answer to your question Flagrum_3. :(

Hey sorry to hear mang, just trying to help out! But since you have stated you never raced or drove your vehicle hard, then I would have to conclude something else caused the damage! Something failed in order for the valves to be bent.This of course could be a number of things, (not just high revs). I hope they are not just assuming it was due to high revs without properly and meticulously checking every component involved.....$12 grand out of your pocket deserves a proper investigation.


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[rallyboy]

On an interference type engine (one in which the valves and cylinder occupy the same space at different times) the only way that I am aware that the valves and cylinder would meet is a timing chain failure, and our engines have a chain, not a belt, partly to prevent this very thing from happening.
I guess it is conceivable that if the engine revs are high enough, the valves may not return in time due to spring rate, but I would think this could only occur at F1 nosebleed high revs, like 19000 RPM.

[mogul_pro]

but what that has to do with a cold air intake is beyond me :)
3
they are not blaming the intake they are blaming "agresive driving" or "high rpm driving" .. please read my updates for the full info then you will see the situation in full.

[whiteomega]

true enough rallyboy; but what if the chain breaks? wouldn't badness happen then too?

even if that weren't the case, wouldn't it still be possible that high revs from merging on to the highway, or passing on the highway, etc, cause damage? as long as you don't consistently drive at the high-end of rev band, and do so only when you need to pass, etc, i wouldn't consider that hard driving.

[whiteomega]

3
they are not blaming the intake they are blaming "agresive driving" or "high rpm driving" .. please read my updates for the full info then you will see the situation in full.

i read it; i guess i made the conceptual leap that a dealership seeing engine mods on a car automatically assumes it means the car's been raced.

not defending anyone here, but just for some information; from what i was told by one of the mechanics at an unamed dealership; Mazda does not pay the full labour cost of things repaired under warranty; in some cases, what they pay doesn't even cover the cost of labour (though i would think it should)..which means dealerships are relunctant to do warranty work that involves lots of labour, and so they may (and i stress may look for excuses to get out of doing it (though in this case they obviously have)

[Mike]

Crappy situation. I feel for you. Hope it works out for the best for you. If it doesn't however, 12 thousands dollars for a new engine sounds really steep to me? Is that how much they are to install? That's probably the worse case scenario. I'm pretty sure you can either rebuilt it or find a replacement option (junk yard, japan engine) for way cheaper. I think if you're stuck paying for the fix, you could get away with something for less then 5 thousands dollars. Not that it's cheap, but it's better.

Anyway, keep us informed with the latest info. I am really curious on how it will work out.
Cross your fingers and stay cool!

[Flagrum_3]

On an interference type engine (one in which the valves and cylinder occupy the same space at different times) the only way that I am aware that the valves and cylinder would meet is a timing chain failure, and our engines have a chain, not a belt, partly to prevent this very thing from happening.
I guess it is conceivable that if the engine revs are high enough, the valves may not return in time due to spring rate, but I would think this could only occur at F1 nosebleed high revs, like 19000 RPM.

That's one possible way for it to happen except, when the chain does go it leaves alot bigger mess, valves would be more than just bent and you'd have a couple disintegrated pistons, ... there was no mention of that by the dealer!.


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[Noisy Crow]

My 2¢, some similar to other ppls thoughts........

The 3 has a form of variable valve timing... perhaps that mechanism jammed or failed? Otherwise you are looking at a broken/severely stretched timing chain or stuck valve,
possibly due to poor lubrication.

[rallyboy]

Timing chains do not stretch. They can wear out, but it takes a loooooong time.
example: My dad had a Dodge Van with a 318cid V8, used it as a daily driver (35 km each way) and pulled a house trailer every summer (Florida, Vancouver, Halifax).At 7 years old on its second trip east, it wouldn't run. Idle fine, but in gear, stalled and the problem was a worn timing chain. Fixed in 1 day,never broke.

[mogul_pro]

UPDATE:

Mazda is STILL saying no! TALK ABOUT BAD SERVICE!

Needless to say I will never own another mazda... ever...

[mogul_pro]

One of the service counter girls @ st. catharines mazda is kind of a friend of mine... she goes yea we have your car.. another 3 and an rx8 in out shop all needing new engines... what a joke...Thats whjat I get from going honda/acura to mazda .. lol.. put 250,000km on an integra without a hickup... 50 on a mazda new tranny.. engine bla bla bla.. awfull... and service to match.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

just wondering, has your opinion of st. catharine's mazda changed at all from last year? (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=9810&page=6)

[mogul_pro]

:rant... you can say that again! :complain


Its also Mazda Canada that makes the call on engine and tranny swaps not the dealer... i am not happy the dealer didnt try to help me at all... and will never buy another mazda...


They took someone who buys a new car EVERY 4 years... who was 100% satisfied with mazda and the local dealer and was going to buy for SURE another car brand new from them in 2 more years.... to someone who will not only no longer deal with the dealer, but will never buy a car from mazda again... all over a waranty issue... not smart..

[BETRTHNU]

Man that sucks. Get a good lawyer and bleed the money out of them. Either in a settlement or the cost of their lawyers...get your money's worth if they're going to be pricks. To be honest my next car will not be a mazda after all the issues I've had with mine as well.

[mogul_pro]

I told them friday that I wanted my car back the way it was when I took it to the dealer... because I obviously need a car, and am not paying them a dime...

They want $1200 just to give me my car back!

Mean time they took it and said that it WAS covered under warranty, took it apart and THEN said no. All I want is my car in the same condition that it was taken to them without them man handling my car... with every part accounted for.


When I get this fixed I am going to give serious consideration to just getting rid of it even though I still owe money on it just to be done with Mazda...

Laura the service manager (and owners daughter.... anyone know the usual history of second generation management/owners?) provided nothing that remotely resembled service.(not a personal 'jab'... just a review on the service I got..)

I don't really blame the lower end service counter staff, they are just doing what they are told... management makes the bad calls and they are just forced to follow through. And now with there new location right beside a toyota, GM, Nissan, and Acura dealer... good luck getting repeat customers...

[mogul_pro]

When I spoke to someone at St. Catharines Mazda, they said well we will get paid either way, if its covered mazda pays, if its not covered you pay.. either way we will get our 12 grand. When they found out that is not the case... A $1200 fee comes up when it was originally covered under warranty.

I ALWAYS have the feeling like they go out of there way to find ways for things to NOT be covered... which to me does not make sense... if its covered mazda canada pays.. they should be pushing mazda to cover things so they have happy customers with repeat business versus fighting customers and trying to get mazda to pay for as little of there contractual responsibilities as humanly possible.

Its not resolved YET (engine), but rest assured they will N-O-T “get there 12 grand either way” … in fact.. wont get another cent “either way”.

[TheProfessor]

Wow, I feel really bad for you. As somebody above mentioned, it might be time to get a lawyer.

[BETRTHNU]

Lawyer up. That is the only option they have left you.

[mogul_pro]

Conversation of the general manager & service manager today went no where at all.

Spoke of how disturbing it was to be in this situation with a vehicle under warranty.

They spoke of how disturbing the things they read on “mazda.com” have been.

I am glad that they are disturbing to you St. Catharines Mazda, because words spoken here are the truth. I hope that since they have disturbed you that your stance on customer service (using the word ‘service’ as lightly as you use the word warranty) and learn how to treat paying loyal customers without the bias of age or things like rims and an intake.

I have even stuck up for you St. Catharines Mazda, when others have put you down. Its sad that it was a mistake to do so.

Since you have found this to be so disturbing, please allow me to do you the service (there is that word again) of showing you and the other on lookers of other people’s experiences at your facility. Refer to the quotes below: (I will take the usernames out to protect fellow member’s privacy but all can be found with little to no effort using the search.)

Lost Customer:

Thanks everyone for the feedback. We bought the car this evening over the phone with Jeff. Ridiculous how easy that was and we got a much better deal than we could have here in St. Catharines!!!

Oh ya, we decided to get the extended warranty. If we keep this car as long as we've had our Integra (10 years!) it should be a solid investment. Can't wait to pick it up!

Another bad service experience:

all in all one crappy dealer , great at getting you to sign the papers but not very good with service at all.

I Hope that stops one person from having to deal with their shitty service .

Wheel bearing service problem:

I have the same problem and have taken it to St. Catharines Mazda where I was told they couldn't find a noise and that everything was normal. I then took it to Guelph City Mazda who heard the noise but said it was a problem.

Another person comparing St. Catharines service to another in Toronto:

WASHED IT OMG ,I got mine back with a nice thick layer of dust and dirt inside/and out. I guess i will have to drive up to mazda of toronto and leave the car over night .the reason being is the car makes the nasty sound the loudest in the morning. Joe would your dealership help my sorry ass out ill remove my sticker lmao .I will not deal with the st catharines dealer .

Lost sale due to poor/uncompetitive service and sales:

When I was looking at the 3, I went to St. Cath Mazda...the salesperson was kind of pushy into making a sale and I did not feel comfortable at all, and they really wanted to screw me on the trade-in. I went to Jeff at Mazda of Toronto, and like he said it was totally worth it...I even went to close the deal and pick up my car during the worst snowstorm of the season. :loco


Another lost customer due to poor service:


when i came to them about paint chipping at the front of rear wheel (there was a TSB in USA for that) they told me that that TSB is only for US cars and it's my fault that I didn't put mud flops on my car (newer cars have piece of plastic on top of that area at the front of rear wheel, 04 models didn't have it).... i went to Erin Mills mazda instead and they fixed it for free as TSB...

now i don't even go to St. Kits mazda, because I don't live there anymore.. :) but it sucks for people who do live there, because they don't really have luxury of having 2-3 different dealerships close by...

Customer goes out of there way to go to another dealer for quality service:


I live in St. Catharines, but I\'m willing to take a drive to avante to get it fixed.

“Hit and miss” service quality loses another customer:

My car is also from ST.Catherines Mazda. Service is hit and miss there. I had the same noise issues, took it into Oakville Mazda (on the way home from work) and an hour later they fixed the problem. It was the rear wheel bearings which they replaced under warranty. Check them out if Avante is to far.

Bad service = loss of customer... word of mouth = loss of many..

I talked to my friend's grandparents who have purchased several Mazdas from St.Cath Mazda, and the former Fonthill Mazda, and they have been very dissatisfied with the service. They are looking for a new car and will not be looking at a Mazda due to St. Catharines' service.


(Thank you for the people who have msg'd me with there stories / quotes which have been added.)

In my opinion, no other business (regardless of industry) would thrive in there prospective industry with this type of customer feedback. As far as you (the managerial staff of the dealer) seeing my posts as offensive, keep in mind this is a public domain and personal opinions can be shared without reservation. I suggest in the future you make more of an effort to satisfy your customers. If you do, your feedback will begin to reflect that. Until then you may continue to be disturbed by other existing, future, and prospective customers.

I hope this is a lesson to all the people viewing this information (over 1800 and growing daily), a very small indicator of how poor quality service to customers has a tremendous ripple effect.

[theurgy]

Wow.. that sucks!

[openuser]

Damn, Add me to the list of 'customers that will avoid St. Catherines Mazda at all costs'. Not that I will ever need to go there, but I will advise anyone I know against that dealership.

[matt]

Damn, Add me to the list of 'customers that will avoid St. Catherines Mazda at all costs'. Not that I will ever need to go there, but I will advise anyone I know against that dealership.

+1

[EvilEric]

The service aspect aside. The engine "needing replacement" threads are little problematic for me. I had people tell me that it was a problem with Mazda's before buying the car but the long and comprensive warranty coverage made feel good enough.

Infact my warranty is comming up and I was planning on extending it (1k+???) since some other members had been saved a couple hundred dollars by warranty.

I have to honestly say that the rarity of warranty approvals for major engines repairs is making all sorts of alarms go off.

It doesn't help that no one I know seems to have gotten paid the $100 aftermarket alarm rebate.

So the lesson to take away: Don't approve any work unless it's "100%" covered????? Or take off any mods before going in????

[mogul_pro]

Mods didnt have anything to do with there reason... maybe they did create a bias though (it could be I can't say for sure...).
IF the mod COULD be the cause of the problem you would be better to remove it before bringing it in for warranty service. That said they really do not make many (if any) aftermarket parts that would do this minus a flywheel, clutch.. and thats all I know of for the mazda3 (speed3's diff story as you can up turbo and related parts..).

As far as extending your warranty... after looking at the engine and tranny and other parts for our cars on the auto wreckers network website... there are TONS of parts that we can get. For example, if I didn't go brand new, I could have purchased an engine from a 2008 model that was rear ended with 16,000km for just under $1100. That is the cost of the extended warranty your talking about right? (If not less..) It will cost you at a non-dealer shop another $1500-$1800 for the install. So you tell me... worth buying that warranty or just saving the cash and fixing it yourself without the headaches...

[Dante]

Not going there either.. In fact.. Im not doing anymore services using mazda, will find somewhere else!

[Swerny]

shitty deal man, sorry they didn't take car of this for you.

[b]

Ya I am shocked they didn't cover it. Did you contact a lawyer yet?

[mogul_pro]

B: Its a public forum I'll post info AFTER the fact.

I have seen ALOT of 'guests' (nonregistered forum viewers) reading this thread over the last few days.

You could always use the PM though.

[b]

B: Its a public forum I'll post info AFTER the fact.

I have seen ALOT of 'guests' (nonregistered forum viewers) reading this thread over the last few days.

You could always use the PM though.

Yes I am aware it is a public forum.

I thought you initially mentioned the lawyer talk... but I can see it is now edited out of your posts on page 1.

What is wrong with non registered forum viewers reading your statements if they are true?

[mleblond]

when your building a case it's nice to have stuff the other side doesnt know so they have a harder time defending themselves....he is doing the right thing! Good luck man! I wish you the best and hope to never be in your position.

[andytam]

sorry to hear your troubles man
so far, i haven't needed to go through any warrenty work... i'm only at 22,000km's... but if i'm half way there and my engine seizes i wouldn't' know what to do.
i got the "extended warranty" from mazda (5yrs) but now i feel as if that warranty is just BS and it wasn't worth my extra money at all.

i'm hoping i can drive this car w/o problems until i finish financing it... then needless to say, i won't be getting a mazda again.

[mogul_pro]

when your building a case it's nice to have stuff the other side doesnt know so they have a harder time defending themselves....he is doing the right thing! Good luck man! I wish you the best and hope to never be in your position.

Thanks

[mogul_pro]

sorry to hear your troubles man
so far, i haven't needed to go through any warrenty work... i'm only at 22,000km's... but if i'm half way there and my engine seizes i wouldn't' know what to do.
i got the "extended warranty" from mazda (5yrs) but now i feel as if that warranty is just BS and it wasn't worth my extra money at all.

i'm hoping i can drive this car w/o problems until i finish financing it... then needless to say, i won't be getting a mazda again.

Exactly... I was going to buy one of the USED mazda3 on the lot but the sales staff changed my mind to pay ALOT more money for a brand new one instead pushing the warranty aspect of new versus used. What good is that if the fix a few small things and when something big happens they back out.

One of the staff from service sums it up the best when we spoke...
"We (dealer) get paid either way if its covered by mazda and if not then the customer pays, no big deal we still get the money no matter what."

Really makes you stop and wonder how much service you really are getting when thats the 'unspoken' mentality.

[Noisy Crow]

Not sure if you know about these guys:

http://www.camvap.ca/eng/consumers_guide.htm#Why%20CAMVAP?

[mogul_pro]

Thanks :)

[mogul_pro]

Another thing that was pointed out to me by the facility my car is at now...

On the passenger seat there is a very significant stain that looks like it was from oil or something similar. They wanted to be sure to point it out to me before working on it to show that they didn't cause it. Wonder where that came from....

[DumpInfo]

[QUOTE=mleblond;307647]when your building a case it's nice to have stuff the other side doesnt know so they have a harder time defending themselves....he is doing the right thing!QUOTE]

Very good point.
Definitely go with the lawyer on this and good luck!

[laksman91]

good luck man, My dad's been considering to buy the vehicle back when the lease expires in Aug '09.. i guess i should strongly oppose this.

[mazda lover]

[QUOTE=mleblond;307647]when your building a case it's nice to have stuff the other side doesnt know so they have a harder time defending themselves....he is doing the right thing!QUOTE]

Very good point.
Definitely go with the lawyer on this and good luck!


I am no lawyer but I think you have to tell the defendents what evidence you have, but that might be for criminals cases..not sure in this case when suing

[McGuyver_3]

good luck man, My dad's been considering to buy the vehicle back when the lease expires in Aug '09.. i guess i should strongly oppose this.

its not the car itself but the dealers hastle that they give you if you have anything done to your car. In my case i have no choice but to buy my car out at the end of the lease because of everything its been through. When i still had warranty seemed like every time i went to a dealer for warranty work and i would describe in detail what is wrong with it i never got it fixed. down side of being a mechanic and being to specific on the problems

[Soyabean]

So any update on this?

[Shawn]

Agree. Any update?
Still need a motor?
Not mine but I saw this. 2.0 Motor for $900
http://www.emotors.ca/used/parts/1223.aspx

Delivery it to the dealer and have them button up your car for $1200. :chuckle

[Flagrum_3]

Agree. Any update?

x3 :)


_3

[mogul_pro]

Put a new motor in awhile ago.

Got a 2008 with 15,000km on it for just under 2000.. had it installed total cost just under 3 grand...

Will never buy another Mazda again... will never have any contact with anyone @ mazda again.. period.

Plenty of other car companies and dealers are out there willing to provide quality service to a superior vehicle at an equally competitive price for me to bother with these people again.

[mogul_pro]

On another note... I am glad that this thread now has 2500 views... hope the word travels even further.

[laksman91]

still have the Injen? ;) lol

[BETRTHNU]

I'm looking to buy 2 cars right now (1 new and 1 used, total spending budget 50K) and Mazda isn't even getting a look. I've warned a lot of people on how many engines have blown, and the piss poor service at most Mazda dealerships. They will not get another $ from me again.

[mogul_pro]

Yea... repeat business is pretty key.

Taking care of service now, in exchange for selling another brand new car two years later... I guess that isn't worth it for them. Thats okay, there is a Nissan, Toyota, Staurn, GM, Ford, Lexus, and Acura dealer within a few blocks of where Mazda opened up shop... plenty of others will fight for the business.

[Shawn]

Plenty of other car companies and dealers are out there willing to provide quality service to a superior vehicle at an equally competitive price for me to bother with these people again

Good Luck with that, so many company's are interlinked now, who knows what you get.

[Go_Habs_Go]

Wow, just read this whole thread, sorry to hear you had to go through such a bad experience with your car.

Good luck with the new engine and hope things go better for you from now on!!!

[Dante]

They didnt replace the engine in the end? WHAT THE HELL.. My brother faces the same issue with needing a engine replaced. were waiting on the confirmation of mazda canada.. they are probably not going to do this are they -_-

[3DEE]

OMG, how many blown engines are there? Damn, I should have checked this forum before I bought mine a month ago. This is worse than Ford.

[Dante]

Update : They want to inspect the car this tuesday before swapping motor.

[kaval]

WOW! Just read this thread. I'm shocked! :|:|:|:|

[Tuga]

Im also Shocked

[Dante]

id have to say, this is my final mazda in my entire lifetime.

[b]

They didnt replace the engine in the end? WHAT THE HELL.. My brother faces the same issue with needing a engine replaced. were waiting on the confirmation of mazda canada.. they are probably not going to do this are they -_-

They did my engine. It could work out okay for you! If you are worried... Read the link at the bottom of my sig & you can see the steps I went through.

[ZoomBoom]

WOW I read all 90 posts about this situation with your car mogul pro and I cant believe it, extended warranty and everything, only like 50xxx kms and all prior service done through mazda
WHEW I feel sick to my stomach just thinking about something like this happening to me, I can only imagine what u have gone through.


If something like that happened to me I would probably end up in jail because I would go crazy, I dont know how you are even still driving that car, The only place I would drive that car would be right through MAZDA HQ building

If money was not an issue and this happened to me I would probably drive to Mazda HQ and REV that engine untill she blew and say now thats excessive reving idiots

[mogul_pro]

Well the whole point was to inform others.. almost 3,600 views looks like word got out. I think alot of car companies do NOT take repeat business seriously enough...

[notoriousb]

You know, if it was me, I'd have written the car off. Crashed it into a wall, boom problem solved. If your insurance goes up, **** it... better than spending that much money. Put ur insurance under someone elses name for 3-5 years.

[mogul_pro]

Crashed it into a wall with no engine?

Risk insurance fraud, I'd pass on that one.

[notoriousb]

No, crash it in the wall with the engine in it.

[whiteomega]

Well the whole point was to inform others.. almost 3,600 views looks like word got out. I think alot of car companies do NOT take repeat business seriously enough...

Thank you for taking the time out to report this. It's good to know.

Having said that, most car companies tend to overlook the bump in the road that is one or ten unsatisfied customers and rely on the larger portion of the paying public for their income. It's sad, but one person generally doesn't force them to change their policies, even though we all here agree it should.

[MAZDA Kitten]

Wow I cant believe I just saw this NOW!
That is so ass that Mazda didnt cover it. I am very very dissapointed to hear that. My car has over 160,000km and pretty soon its time to start looking at a new car and since I am not impressed with the 2nd gen Mazda3 my eyes are looking at Audi or BMW.

On a side note... I LOL'd about the "TSB is for USA only..." I've heard that at Mountain Mazda (not with the current people but the previous staff when those two ugly butchy ladies worked in the service dept) and the one bitch had the balls to tell me that me that my springs voided my warranty. HA! This is when the the TSB for leaky engine mounts came out and she refused to replace when clearly my engine mount was busted. So I went somewhere else who fixed it with not one word about my mods and I complained to Mazda about those two dumb broads. I am so glad with the new guys at Mountain Mazda (John, Alex...) but that is a rare and dying breed.

Did you get into the RCMP?!

[felixwong]

I'm sorry to hear about your situation.... i hope the agincourt mazda dealership has better service....

this sucks that i didn't read this b4 i signed the papers for my car.... but im not picking it up until this friday.... so far I'll be paying for the ext. warranty up to 84 mths... is there a way to back out of it now?? or should i just keep it for the 'small' things that they'll fix?