The Real Story Behing Rusting B-Pillers - should we make internet noise?

[EChid]

Alright, in truth I've been frustrated by my newly purchased Mazda 3 of late. The continuous discovery of rusts spots is making me rethink owning it in the long term, to the point that I've looked at other cars.

However, as some of you might recall, all my rust is being fixed with the exception of the B-pillers, which are bubbling badly. Mazda has said they are "decorative" and "removable" and thus not covered under the extended 5yr warrently. This, in short, this is a total load of BS.

I spoke with a collision/autobody repair shop (one that frequently does Mazdas) and he told me what goes on. Essentially, the black portion that is bubbling on the outside of the car is just a vinyl sticker, its literally just glued onto the metal. While that IS decorative, its also not the part that is rusting, obviously. Instead, its the metal portion directly beneath, which is the door and thus totally should be covered under the 5 year warrenty.

Essentially what occurs is the door is made up of two laters of metal, outer and inner. When you open the door and see the body coloured frame, thats one, and under the black vinyl is the other. These two layers were not properly sealed during manufacturing, and as a result water and dirt gets in and rust happens. So, this is the door (and thus the body), and not a bolt-on, decorative portion. The only way to fix it is to replace the entire door, which is likely why Mazda is trying to duck out of it. Currently on my vehicle that would mean three doors need to be replaced.

The guy is calling up the dealership I deal with and talking to them about it, he's also making it clear that if Mazda tries to pull stuff, I'm making a fuss. If he makes no gains there he's getting me the 1-800 number to call.

This is where you come in. If Mazda doesn't want ANOTHER rust PR nightmare on their hands, we need to either make a fuss or appear to be prepared to make a fuss, and the internet is the best way to do it. If I have success at this, I can't see why others shouldn't, and why we all shouldn't. I'm creating this thread in much the same way as the other corrosion threads, but this is to deal with one specific portion of the car that Mazda is trying to avoid. Also, the big question...did they fix this in the later years of the first gen 3? Apparently not, so expect this to become and issue for all of us, not just 04s and 05s.

I don't know whether this info is all new to the boards, I doubt it, but this (beyond rock chip rust spots) appears to be the last significant f-up Mazda won't cover and should be. If we can get it there, I figure we should.

Who else has bubbling on their B's? Please don't tell me I'm the only one.

[aris]

Who else has bubbling on their B's? Please don't tell me I'm the only one.

I am pretty sure that your not the only one with this problem..i think their is acutaly alot of people with this problem.

Good luck

[Thrizzl3]

i have rusting B pillars and its bad

[chinsterr]

I have bubbling too .

Will post up pictures when I have time.

[Thrizzl3]

I have bubbling too .

Will post up pictures when I have time.

you still have corrosion warranty or is it done?

[RedRaptor]

I have bubbling rust on my B-pillar. Its a 2004.

[mazdabetty]

Definitely not alone... :(

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=32871 (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=32871&highlight=piller)

[EChid]

Good to hear there are others, I'll let you know how this progresses...I intend to get action on this. Hopefully I can set some type of precedent you can go to your dealers with *crosses fingers*

[EChid]

Definitely not alone... :(

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=32871 (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=32871&highlight=piller)
Yeah, I though about digging that thread up, but considering the whole story now and how we KNOW without a doubt Mazda should be fixing this, I assumed it was worth a new thread.

[wtom]

List out your build date. Mine is August 2004 and don't seem to have any bubbling ... yet.

[RedRaptor]

List out your build date. Mine is August 2004 and don't seem to have any bubbling ... yet.

I'm going to get someone to steal your doors when you're at my cottage this weekend.

[chinsterr]

you still have corrosion warranty or is it done?

Yup, still have warranty. Going to get my fenders repainted once I'm done exams (~3 weeks).

[marvin24k]

WOW this is horrible. This one hasn't caught me yet. Another rust area to worry about. Man. Why Mazda? Why? I love the look of the car, but I hate all these rust issues!

[bhadreshl]

The real problem is not Mazda for allowing their cars to rust. It is new rules and regulations which calls for different outer coating on the steel panels. This new coating is not as durable as the old one, but obviously pollutes less.

I was surprised at how easily my Mazda rusts. I had some minor hail damage and have a few 1mm^2 paint chips. These areas are prone to flash rusting (the will rust instantly).

My buddy with an 1990's Neon has chunks missing (1cm^2) and he's got the bare metal (with the coating) showing and its not rusting AT all. You can see how clean it is. The galvanized coating is doing its job!

Now, The B-Pillar is prone to rusting because of its design (which most of production cars use). I drilled through it the other day to find that there were like 4-6 layers of 2-3mm thick sheet metal in a nice sandwich. What happens is the moisture gets trapped and you get all the layers rusting. If you're worried about the exteriour, don't even bother looking inside if you haven't been getting your car rustproofed.

Here's a thought, by driving around rust buckets, you are actually protecting the environment. The veggies are loving it.

[bhadreshl]

Actually, do blame Mazda because they should have designed their paint process to overcome the weaker rust inhibitor.

[mazda lover]

The real problem is not Mazda for allowing their cars to rust. It is new rules and regulations which calls for different outer coating on the steel panels. This new coating is not as durable as the old one, but obviously pollutes less.

I was surprised at how easily my Mazda rusts. I had some minor hail damage and have a few 1mm^2 paint chips. These areas are prone to flash rusting (the will rust instantly).

My buddy with an 1990's Neon has chunks missing (1cm^2) and he's got the bare metal (with the coating) showing and its not rusting AT all. You can see how clean it is. The galvanized coating is doing its job!

Now, The B-Pillar is prone to rusting because of its design (which most of production cars use). I drilled through it the other day to find that there were like 4-6 layers of 2-3mm thick sheet metal in a nice sandwich. What happens is the moisture gets trapped and you get all the layers rusting. If you're worried about the exteriour, don't even bother looking inside if you haven't been getting your car rustproofed.

Here's a thought, by driving around rust buckets, you are actually protecting the environment. The veggies are loving it.

The rust might be due more to the quality of the metal( low contant of copper) not the coating. Other makers of cars use the same paint process {water bourne paint) as Mazda? do they rust as fast as the Mazda??
Always blame someone else appears the way out. I didn't pull the triger officer my finger did.
I have an 05 and no rusting pillar yet, but have the wheel well rusting..Build date Feb/05

[mazda lover]

Alright, in truth I've been frustrated by my newly purchased Mazda 3 of late. The continuous discovery of rusts spots is making me rethink owning it in the long term, to the point that I've looked at other cars.

However, as some of you might recall, all my rust is being fixed with the exception of the B-pillers, which are bubbling badly. Mazda has said they are "decorative" and "removable" and thus not covered under the extended 5yr warrently. This, in short, this is a total load of BS.

I spoke with a collision/autobody repair shop (one that frequently does Mazdas) and he told me what goes on. Essentially, the black portion that is bubbling on the outside of the car is just a vinyl sticker, its literally just glued onto the metal. While that IS decorative, its also not the part that is rusting, obviously. Instead, its the metal portion directly beneath, which is the door and thus totally should be covered under the 5 year warrenty.

Essentially what occurs is the door is made up of two laters of metal, outer and inner. When you open the door and see the body coloured frame, thats one, and under the black vinyl is the other. These two layers were not properly sealed during manufacturing, and as a result water and dirt gets in and rust happens. So, this is the door (and thus the body), and not a bolt-on, decorative portion. The only way to fix it is to replace the entire door, which is likely why Mazda is trying to duck out of it. Currently on my vehicle that would mean three doors need to be replaced.

The guy is calling up the dealership I deal with and talking to them about it, he's also making it clear that if Mazda tries to pull stuff, I'm making a fuss. If he makes no gains there he's getting me the 1-800 number to call.

This is where you come in. If Mazda doesn't want ANOTHER rust PR nightmare on their hands, we need to either make a fuss or appear to be prepared to make a fuss, and the internet is the best way to do it. If I have success at this, I can't see why others shouldn't, and why we all shouldn't. I'm creating this thread in much the same way as the other corrosion threads, but this is to deal with one specific portion of the car that Mazda is trying to avoid. Also, the big question...did they fix this in the later years of the first gen 3? Apparently not, so expect this to become and issue for all of us, not just 04s and 05s.

I don't know whether this info is all new to the boards, I doubt it, but this (beyond rock chip rust spots) appears to be the last significant f-up Mazda won't cover and should be. If we can get it there, I figure we should.

Who else has bubbling on their B's? Please don't tell me I'm the only one.

To get some attention park your car at the dealer with a sign saying "check out my RUSTING Mazda" on a Sunday or evenings. I know it will hurt the sales people. They can pressure the dealer to do something about the rust as such advertising it negative. Saw a car, a Volkswagen, with a sign on the rear window saying the car was a lemon, don't buy a Volks.

[aris]

To get some attention park your car at the dealer with a sign saying "check out my RUSTING Mazda" on a Sunday or evenings. I know it will hurt the sales people. They can pressure the dealer to do something about the rust as such advertising it negative. Saw a car, a Volkswagen, with a sign on the rear window saying the car was a lemon, don't buy a Volks.

I don't think this the right way of doing things...all your going to do is hurt the dealer....


EChid If you want to make your point then maybe the toronto star, toronto sun etc...would be a good place to right a letter to if you get no where with mazda canada!

[RedRaptor]

I'm thinking of getting SecheMedia to make a custom decal for me.

"My FIRST and LAST Mazda"

Since my car is done up nicely, I think what I have to say has some value?

On a postive note, my aunt is having a lot of issues with her 2001 Protege sedan (165,000km). Yesterday, she had it towed because it died in the middle of a busy Mississauga intersection. Her engine burns oil like there is no tomorrow (2000km - half is gone). Mechanic says he can't fix that and after 150,000km, the Protege is known to burn oil profusely. Of course, her Protege is rusting eventhough she has rustproofed the car since Day#1.

Oh, her Protege made her cry...literally. People were honking and screaming at her when her car died.

No ****en car should make anyone cry.

[mazdabetty]

To get some attention park your car at the dealer with a sign saying "check out my RUSTING Mazda" on a Sunday or evenings. I know it will hurt the sales people. They can pressure the dealer to do something about the rust as such advertising it negative. Saw a car, a Volkswagen, with a sign on the rear window saying the car was a lemon, don't buy a Volks.

LOL.... I liiiiikes it!!!! But I'd hate to look like I'm singling out one dealership in particular, when there's a lot of employees (actually service managers) who are totally against Mazda and what they stand for right now with this issue.

There are 2 really awesome service managers out here in Ottawa who think Mazda Canada's way of handling things is total bull and are doing their part by spreading the word and going beyond the minimum expectations, to as far of an extent as they can go. Which is awesome, and completely legit. One service manager pretty much told Mazda Canada off when they told him to stop informing so many customers about the rust warranty... unbelievable!!!!

They seem to praise the dealers who make it difficult for the customer and give them BS like "those are rock chips". Come on!!!! It sucks that they're keeping it such a big secret, it makes them look even worse in the end.

A protest in front of Mazda Canada would be awesome though! haha

[DARK3]

I have had mine replaced already.

[mazda lover]

I don't think this the right way of doing things...all your going to do is hurt the dealer....


EChid If you want to make your point then maybe the toronto star, toronto sun etc...would be a good place to right a letter to if you get no where with mazda canada!


But it might force the dealer to pressure Mazda Canada to fix the problem, If you drive around with a rusty car you are hurting all the dealers,

[mazda lover]

I don't think this the right way of doing things...all your going to do is hurt the dealer....


EChid If you want to make your point then maybe the toronto star, toronto sun etc...would be a good place to right a letter to if you get no where with mazda canada!\

The Toronto Star has already mentioned the rust issue.

[aris]

A protest in front of Mazda Canada would be awesome though! haha

This is a good idea

mazda lover i just don't see the point of doing that to the dealer...I know my dealer has been very good to me ..

[mazda lover]

A protest in front of Mazda Canada would be awesome though! haha
[/QUOTE]

A good idea but a lot of us work during the week, doing it on a weekend would be usless as there would be nobody at the head office on weekends.
More of an impact during the week. You would need a very large number to make any kind of a statement. But what is the point, how many still bought an 2010 or even a 08-09 knowing about the rust issue and other defects posted here and on other forums. Wonder how many decided NOT to buy after reading all the posts. ZERO maybe :bang bottom line people still buy and Mazda knows it so why help us..?

[mazda lover]

saw a Mazda 626 Corona today. Do not know the year but the B- pillers were rusted, a large hole about 1 inch in diameter both sides. The B-piller looked like the same as on our 3s with black plastic. Looks like Mazda still can't get it right.

[RedRaptor]

I brought my car on Friday to Avante to have the service manager take a look at it. I have rustchecked my car since Day #2 and I am getting rust in the rear wheel area and also on b-pillar on the driver side.

Ted gave me BMC's card and told me to have Fred take a look at it to get an estimate. While I am happy it seems like Avante pay to fix this, I know its only a matter of time before my other doors rust and the rust comes back on the wheel wells again.

Not to mention I'll be without my car for at least a week.

I give up. You win, Mazda. After my car is repaired, I am going to take some pics of it all clean and done up. So I can show my future grandkids my car wasn't always a rust bucket.

[MAZDA Kitten]

My B pillars are bubbling/rusting as well plus the trim around the little window on the back doors
Build date: June 2004

[Bean]

I wonder if any 2006 or 2007 Mazda 3s are having this problem too?

[Karen Lee-McNair]

This issue is covered under your perforation warranty now, has anyone gone to their local dealer?

I'm working on 2 as we speak in my bodyshop.

As long as you're within your 60 month warranty this will be covered. It may not have been a few months ago, but changes get made to accommodate customers quite regularly. Talk to your local dealer if you qualify.

[Karen Lee-McNair]

To get some attention park your car at the dealer with a sign saying "check out my RUSTING Mazda" on a Sunday or evenings. I know it will hurt the sales people. They can pressure the dealer to do something about the rust as such advertising it negative. Saw a car, a Volkswagen, with a sign on the rear window saying the car was a lemon, don't buy a Volks.

I appreciate your passion for this issue, but all it's going to do is get you charged while On priivate property, btw dealers are franchised, and please don't hurt our business because you have an issue with Mazda.:blush
Have you spoken to your local dealers? This issue is covered under the perforation warranty.

[EChid]

Just as an update, I wanted people to know that I have been given the green light on repairs for my car, which includes three new doors for my car (should be four soon, since I just noticed bubbling on the forth and I can't see them raising issue with that). So, four new doors and fear fender fix. Colour me impressed if this all gets done. :)

[blankets3]

mine are rusted 2, im peed off about it im goinng mention it when i take it to mountain mazda to look at the other rust spots....

[blankets3]

do u guys mind providing pics, i wanna know how bad u have it cuz i think mines really really bad


hey echild did they cover it under a warranty?

mind pming me some info cuz like i said mines pretty bad and id hate to have to out of pocket this

[EChid]

Hey guys, just as an update. All the work got done under warrenty, 4 new doors, both rear fenders fixed. The bill was pretty substantial and the Forbes (Waterloo) was excellent. I was really impressed by it all.

[trademark83]

pictures?

[EChid]

I didn't take befores, sadly, somewhat stupid on my part although Frobes will have them.

I can put afters up, but I suspect that isn't what you are looking for. Picture a car that looks about 2-3 years younger :D, since the both sides of the vehicle were painted.

[mazda lover]

Hey guys, just as an update. All the work got done under warrenty, 4 new doors, both rear fenders fixed. The bill was pretty substantial and the Forbes (Waterloo) was excellent. I was really impressed by it all.

4 new doors on a 2005, I have a 05 and don't have any rust any where on my doors, only driven one winter and always garaged.
build date Feb/05

[mazdabetty]

Hey guys, just as an update. All the work got done under warrenty, 4 new doors, both rear fenders fixed. The bill was pretty substantial and the Forbes (Waterloo) was excellent. I was really impressed by it all.

Nice! 4 doors, how did you manage that??? I got ripped off big time, new paint job with new scratches along my doors to match :( I asked about new panels too and they said the rust would have had to completely corroded the doors. :\



pictures?

You want pictures of............. a new door? :chuckle I can kinda of see what everyone was talking about now with your very vague and random posts hahahha

[EChid]

4 new doors on a 2005, I have a 05 and don't have any rust any where on my doors, only driven one winter and always garaged.
build date Feb/05
They weren't rusting visibly, but my b-piller was bubbling, which is a sign that they were rusting on the inside. I don't know how this car was stored in the past, but sadly its headed for Ottawa this winter, and it won't be in a garage.

Nice! 4 doors, how did you manage that??? I got ripped off big time, new paint job with new scratches along my doors to match :( I asked about new panels too and they said the rust would have had to completely corroded the doors. :\

The guys at Forbes were really great. I took three visits to Mazda, who then sent me to the Forbes Repair centre they use, which in turn took about five visits. Mazda kept telling me that the bubbling couldn't be covered because it was "decorative" blah blah (refer to beginning of thread). Eventually the guy at the repair centre told me exactly what it meant (i.e. huge rust issues) and he told me he would look into it. It took about three months to process, but I got it :D

Also, apparently Mazda has made recent changes to the claim system for warrenty work, which may include this type of rust issue, so if you can...I encourage you to look into it.

[Flagrum_3]

Nice! 4 doors, how did you manage that??? I got ripped off big time, new paint job with new scratches along my doors to match :( I asked about new panels too and they said the rust would have had to completely corroded the doors. :\




You want pictures of............. a new door? :chuckle I can kinda of see what everyone was talking about now with your very vague and random posts hahahha

:ttiwwp before and after that is :chuckle


_3

[samsvoc]

The guys at Forbes were really great. I took three visits to Mazda, who then sent me to the Forbes Repair centre they use, which in turn took about five visits. Mazda kept telling me that the bubbling couldn't be covered because it was "decorative" blah blah (refer to beginning of thread). Eventually the guy at the repair centre told me exactly what it meant (i.e. huge rust issues) and he told me he would look into it. It took about three months to process, but I got it :D




Now get the car rustproofed at Krown.:)