Sick of my mazda 3 after 43,xxx kms

[mdass52]

Hey guys,

I know there are a few threads on this but today was probably the last straw with my 08 sedan. Im now at 43,xxx kms and so far, ive had the thermostat replaced, both front wheel bearings, I have RUST SPOTS already on 08!!!!, my handbrake is seizing and now today i was downtown and my power steering goes. Its currently sitting at whitby mazda and of course they can't look at it until monday!

I have never experienced any of these problems with my previous cars
- 89 toyota camry le
- 89 mercedes 190e 2.6
- 00 neon lx

Im seriously considering trading this car in probably for an 09 fusion awd, a used kia sorento or maybe a ford escape. Im sick of my 3 already and can't wait to hear what the service dept. says.

P.S. I saw my salesman and the first thing he asked is if im running a system! WTF does a system have to do with the power steering?!!! If the battery was drained, I would have many failures other then the power steering. I was so furious today I completely flipped out at the dealership.

Anyways as usual comments are always welcome, just wanted to share my frustration with a 3 that im very disappointed in.

[Chester_Lampwick]

You do realize that if you sell it, the next guy who buys the car will have a great car. That's what used to happen with the Ford Tempo/Mercury Topaz. The original owners would have the whole car rebuilt by the dealer under warranty, then give up on it. Secondhand, they were quite a reliable car. So I suggest just hang in there...

[mdass52]

You do realize that if you sell it, the next guy who buys the car will have a great car. That's what used to happen with the Ford Tempo/Mercury Topaz. The original owners would have the whole car rebuilt by the dealer under warranty, then give up on it. Secondhand, they were quite a reliable car. So I suggest just hang in there...

thanks for the confidence bro, just can't believe all this shit is going wrong with this car.

[Darkfrosty7]

thats weird... i have an 04 and i had everything you had replaced in the past year

[mdass52]

WTF are u serious? anything else u had repaired that I should be expecting to go bad?

[aris]

I got an 08 and i got almost 50,000km on mine and the only thing that was replaced was a leaking water pump under warranty...As long as the car is under warranty why worrie about it..it's not like your paying for all these repairs out of your pocket.

As for the rust spots where are they?

[mdass52]

my concern is not about the money, but the time and hassle to keep leaving my car at the dealership. The car has been in 4 times in the last 5 weeks (twice for a seized handbrake cable, 1 time for a defective thermostat, 1 time for an oil change and now this power steering problem) I do not have the luxury of being without a car as I work a lot. When you pay the price for a new car you expect reliability.

As for the rust, I have spots on both rear doors and around the gas tank. (rustproof was purchased from mazda)

[mazda lover]

my concern is not about the money, but the time and hassle to keep leaving my car at the dealership. The car has been in 4 times in the last 5 weeks (twice for a seized handbrake cable, 1 time for a defective thermostat, 1 time for an oil change and now this power steering problem) I do not have the luxury of being without a car as I work a lot. When you pay the price for a new car you expect reliability.

As for the rust, I have spots on both rear doors and around the gas tank. (rustproof was purchased from mazda)

the problem with rusting is because of the rust proofing you got from the dealer. Why do people still buy it? What do you mean by rust around the gas tank? or do you mean the gas door.
You have every right to be pi##ed off, driving has become stressful because your not sure if it will or not break down leaving you stranded if it does...

[mdass52]

the rust is on the inside of the gas cover and there are several spots around the gas cap itself.

It seems I can't drive far with my 3, when I was on my way up to peterborough it was +30 degrees, my thermostat went and i had to drive with the friggin heat on all the way back to ajax. Today i was downtown almost 30 degrees and the power steering went. Pulled over, shut off the car and turned it back on 5 mins later the problem was gone.

[dimonmazda]

the rust is on the inside of the gas cover and there are several spots around the gas cap itself.

It seems I can't drive far with my 3, when I was on my way up to peterborough it was +30 degrees, my thermostat went and i had to drive with the friggin heat on all the way back to ajax. Today i was downtown almost 30 degrees and the power steering went. Pulled over, shut off the car and turned it back on 5 mins later the problem was gone.

there is a TSB on power steering. I had my car fixed as well.

[mdass52]

there is a TSB on power steering. I had my car fixed as well.

my problem with whitby mazda is everytime i go there, they can't find the problem. With the handbrake issue the advisor kept insisting the rotors have rust and that's what cause the loud grind at startup! If so, why are only the rear brakes over heating and if I dont use the handbrake I have no issues. Im just waiting impatiently to hear what they tell me on monday

[TheMAN]

then stop going there
go to one of the better dealers... there's plenty of mazda dealers in TO

many people don't have problems like you are complaining about... perhaps its where you drive your car and the conditions you put it through?

[DumpInfo]

my problem with whitby mazda is everytime i go there, they can't find the problem.

Dude, you should swing by Ajax there decent. And as for the ride I say trade it in for something else you know you wanna do it! Impress the wifey with a beemer :chuckle

[mdass52]

then stop going there
go to one of the better dealers... there's plenty of mazda dealers in TO

many people don't have problems like you are complaining about... perhaps its where you drive your car and the conditions you put it through?

oh how I love newbies.....

so we'll start with where I drive.....I go from ajax to downsview to work. P.S. I work RIGHT ACROSS FROM SIMPLY TIRE. So if it's where I drive, should I tell all mazda 3 owners to stop going to simply tire to avoid these issues? Dude, gimme a break.

As far as the conditions, not that's its any of your business but im financing the car for 7 years, so for me to put my car through rough driving this early i'd have to be a complete idiot.

maybe you should read through the thread and see how many other tm3 members have complained about rear brake problems and steering pump/line issues.

[mdass52]

Dude, you should swing by Ajax there decent. And as for the ride I say trade it in for something else you know you wanna do it! Impress the wifey with a beemer :chuckle

yeah bro, when i get the car back (tmw hopefully) Im gonna start shopping around for a small suv or larger sedan. As for the wifey, she later told me it's her cousin's bmw x5 but she's still driving an 05 pathfinder (daddy's car :bang)

[TheMAN]

oh how I love newbies.....

so we'll start with where I drive.....I go from ajax to downsview to work. P.S. I work RIGHT ACROSS FROM SIMPLY TIRE. So if it's where I drive, should I tell all mazda 3 owners to stop going to simply tire to avoid these issues? Dude, gimme a break.

As far as the conditions, not that's its any of your business but im financing the car for 7 years, so for me to put my car through rough driving this early i'd have to be a complete idiot.

maybe you should read through the thread and see how many other tm3 members have complained about rear brake problems and steering pump/line issues.
the last thing you want to do is call me a newbie... just because I have a measly post count doesn't mean a thing... I've been dealing with mazdas way before you even thought of buying one

it IS our business what condition your car is driven in since you seem to be the only one with all these issues within a year... granted the power steering problem IS a defect, but everything else tells me that either the car was driven in severe situations or just a mere coincidence that it all failed... you wanted comments and help to your problems, you got it!

if you want any sort of respectable treatment, you need to calm down first instead of jumping at someone and calling them names

[kjb86]

Im now at 43,xxx kms and so far, ive had the thermostat replaced, both front wheel bearings, I have RUST SPOTS already on 08!!!!, my handbrake is seizing and now today i was downtown and my power steering goes.

seems like a lot of issues at 43K.. thou a few people have experienced wheel bearings and of course the power steering pump issue... mine was done, just hope you don't have to wait as long as I did.. and because today was so hot is mostly the reason why the pump failed

could you post a pic or 2 of the rust spots just so everyone can get a look at it?

[bluemazda3]

I got an 08 and i got almost 50,000km on mine and the only thing that was replaced was a leaking water pump under warranty...As long as the car is under warranty why worrie about it..it's not like your paying for all these repairs out of your pocket.

As for the rust spots where are they?


mine too.. a leaking water pump at 24,000km

[chinsterr]

Sick of your mazda ? join the club. I am going to give euro a shot after this :P

[DumpInfo]

Sick of your mazda ? join the club. I am going to give euro a shot after this :P

I'm surprised there isn't a group already made...

[mdass52]

Well today is the day guys....my car has been sitting at whitby mazda's parking lot since 4pm on Saturday afternoon. Im hoping to hear from them around 8-9ish to let me know whats up. I spoke to an advisor at MOT on saturday and he had told me there were currently 4 09's with the same issue.

Secondly, as soon as I get my car back today im gonna start "window" shopping. I know im going to take a huge loss on this car but I'll see exactly how much this week. Im in the market for a small suv right now. Since saturday I was looking at a used (06+) Ford Escape 4x4, or jeep patriot north edition 4 x 4. Im going to go check out downsview chrysler probably tmw afternoon and see what kind of value I should be expecting for my 3.

Will keep my reults posted, thanks for all the feedback so far

[towelsnap]

Sorry to hear your giving the car up. I do understand and have heard sometimes it's hit or miss with mazda. Friend of mine has an 07 and has nothing but issues. Meanwhile I've got an 06 and never replaced anything in it (72,000kms) . Go with the Jeep Patriot over the Escape you'll be pleased.

[mdass52]

Well Im not giving up entirely, I still have to see what kind of trade in value I'll be getting on this, since it's only 14 months old Im expecting a big hit. So if it's not worth it yet, I'll keep it until maybe oct/nov when the dealerships are clearing out the 09's with 0% I think the jeep is going for 5.49% at 60 mths right now. Tomorrow Im gonna head to the downsview chrysler just to get an idea of the price though.

P.S. I know you told me not to put those home depot side skirds on but im stubbron will post pics once I get the car back lol

[towelsnap]

lol aight

[JSI]

:pop:pop this thread gets a double popcorn smiley.

[mdass52]

so far it's been a drama / horror flick :bang

[JashiK]

did you bring the rust issue up with your dealership?

[Fuman]

if you think your car is a lemon, can you ask Mazda to buy it back or is it too late?
http://www.camvap.ca/eng/consumers_guide.htm
i didn't read the site, just googled the link for you. Hope you find something useful there.

[mazdabetty]

Yahh sounds like a lemon to me... sorry to hear you're having all these issues :( Maybe just get an 05/06 mazda3 and you'll be problem free? :chuckle jk

[JSI]

Yahh sounds like a lemon to me... sorry to hear you're having all these issues :( Maybe just get an 05/06 mazda3 and you'll be problem free? :chuckle jk

:bana:bana2

Hope you are right.

Jeremy

[ismail_alikhan]

I just sold my Mazda 3, it was a 2009.....I had the power steering problem at about 5000kms on it....I went to the dealership and what the guy told me is its not a quiet system...., the next week it died and was replaced!

Also Ive had Mazdas before and same issue with this one, when I sold it last week I had 12k on it......and I had warped rotors and bad alignment....

Just a background about my driving history, before this car, I had a 91 corrola for 2 years, and before that a 93 Mazda protege for about a year, and before that a 91 Audi 100 when I was in uni....the only cars ive ever had alignment issues on were the Mazdas....

[RedRaptor]

mazdAss52,

I honestly feel for you. I also know how you feel. My 2004 has been nothing but trouble this year. As we speak, it is at BMC Auto Collision having rust corrosion fixed. I will be without a car for a week at least. I live in North York and work in Brampton. Needless to say I need a reliable car to make it into work everyday. The only positive thing is my sister let me borrow her 2006 sedan for the week.

My loyalty now is to "my car". Its going to be 5 years in Sept and I don't want to give up on her just yet. I am having my hatch tail gate repainted in two weeks and I'll ask the bodyshop to remove the "Mazda" emblem and fill the holes.

My little silent protest.

[mdass52]

Ok guys....got "The Call"

Result: Defective power steering pump and lines. It's currently on backorder and will be in tmw. So I should have my car ready for pickup tmw night.

I should note, the service advisor did say this is a common problem and mazda will be issuing a recall on all 07-09 mazda 3's, he didn't mention anything about previous or later generations.

Needless to say, im without a car until tmw night and I've already made appointment at downsview chrysler for 3:30 tmw afternoon to test drive the new patriot north edition and I have another apppointment at fraser ford to test drive a ford escape. I'll see how that goes....

Might still hold off until they clear out the 09's in oct/nov and pray nothing else goes wrong my 3

[mazda lover]

Well today is the day guys....my car has been sitting at whitby mazda's parking lot since 4pm on Saturday afternoon. Im hoping to hear from them around 8-9ish to let me know whats up. I spoke to an advisor at MOT on saturday and he had told me there were currently 4 09's with the same issue.

Secondly, as soon as I get my car back today im gonna start "window" shopping. I know im going to take a huge loss on this car but I'll see exactly how much this week. Im in the market for a small suv right now. Since saturday I was looking at a used (06+) Ford Escape 4x4, or jeep patriot north edition 4 x 4. Im going to go check out downsview chrysler probably tmw afternoon and see what kind of value I should be expecting for my 3.

Will keep my reults posted, thanks for all the feedback so far

Check with JD Power's rating on the Jeep Patriot vs the Ford Escape before you buy
the Escape and Mazda Tribute are the same vehicle...
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/new-cars

[mdass52]

the jeep patriot got 2.5 starts :bang

[Chester_Lampwick]

If you need a good car, don't expect it to be Jeep.

[mdass52]

my dad had a grand cherokee before trading it in for a ford expedition, my sister currently traded in her ford escape for a grand cherokee diesel. Every manufacturer has good and bad reputations, reliability, etc. It's just my luck with this 3.

If you have any other suggestions for a compact suv (4x4) let me know. The rav4 and crv are too pricy (don't like the looks of them too much either)

[Flagrum_3]

my dad had a grand cherokee before trading it in for a ford expedition, my sister currently traded in her ford escape for a grand cherokee diesel. Every manufacturer has good and bad reputations, reliability, etc. It's just my luck with this 3.

If you have any other suggestions for a compact suv (4x4) let me know. The rav4 and crv are too pricy (don't like the looks of them too much either)

Couple of buds at work have the Escape and love them!!...Very few issues and nice rides. :)

I understand where your're coming from madass, I've had waaaay too many problems with my 3 also, but seeing as I decided this car will see 10+ years of usage, I'm going to stick it out...As someone else mentioned; Maybe I'll get all the bugs out and then it'll be a great car. :)

Good luck dude,


_3

[mdass52]

Thanks Ron,

I also thought this car would see 150,000 kms, my last two cars had over 300,000kms (mercedes 190e) and 225,000 kms (2000 neon) with only maintenance issues. ah well guess my next project is ripping out everything i just put in :complain

[ng3]

I just let go my 3 last night after getting an 09 Patriot North 4x4 5 spd.
The % is 4.99 for 4 years, but my sales guy told me something that made sense about 0% financing. No dealer can get 0 from a bank, so they'll give it to you for 0% but they lump in the cost of borrowing into the purchase price. To me that makes sense.

Milage on the Riot is same as my 04 3 auto at around 8.6l/100km so I cant complain there.

[mdass52]

Hey ng3,

where abouts are you located? would you mind meeting up so I could check it out away from the dealership? Im looking at the sport 4x4 with auto. And right now it's at 1.29% for 60 mths if you don't take the consumer cash rebate. Let me know if you're free anytime. thanks

[ng3]

I'm up in Newmarket right now, but have to meet someone at Markham Mazda today around 3.

[mdass52]

oh ok, im out in downsview right now will be here till 5ish if u're still in the area and are free i wouldn't mind meeting up somewhere

[philipfreire]

Trade it in. Let the warranty fix all issues and just cut your losses. Yes it will be a more reliable car, but you already have a sour taste in your mouth with this experience. Your not fully happy, try something different. You only live once! :)

Mazda3 is a great entry level ride, but it's not special compared to other new cars. It's just nice looking, but it can fail you just like any other car.

Get something new, if you get used, expect similar results.

[ng3]

Check PM

[mdass52]

Trade it in. Let the warranty fix all issues and just cut your losses. Yes it will be a more reliable car, but you already have a sour taste in your mouth with this experience. Your not fully happy, try something different. You only live once! :)

Mazda3 is a great entry level ride, but it's not special compared to other new cars. It's just nice looking, but it can fail you just like any other car.

Get something new, if you get used, expect similar results.

Yeah that's how it is right now, the car is running smooth after all repairs are done, just worried for how much longer. My next concern is the amount I owe on this finance still, I'll have to take a loss and add that to the purchase price of my new vehicle. Im going to downsview chrysler on tuesday for their "unadvertised midnight madness" sale. So I'll see what kind of value I get for this and go from there. If all else fails, I'll have a 3 that's currently running like new again that's still under bumper to bumper for another 35,000kms.

[mdass52]

Check PM

just replied, gimme a shout when u're close by. Thanks again

[DruidB]

A Jeep Patriot? I guess thats fine if you like SUV's that have leaky windows, Horrible shudders in the drivetrain etc and like to visit the dealer 5 times more than you do now... Very good friend has an 08 that im sure you could buy dirt cheap.. less than 30k on it

Jeep = Junk (yes even the YJ) Both four letter words that start with J.. not a coincidence
If you want Domestic get the ford... otherwise go Toyota,Honda or even a SantaFe

[ng3]

Leaky windows, no, sunroof maybe but that's on 08's only, shudders are being addressed by a TSB that flashes the PCM and that's on the CVT only. (Source: www.jeeppatriot.com)

What would you say about mileage when I get the exact same as a 2.0 2004 3 and let's not look at the 2.3 or the 2.5.

It's a question of personal preference in the end, but if you want a small SUV that can realistically take on off-road situations then the ones above dont even get close. And none are even close in terms of price.

[mdass52]

A Jeep Patriot? I guess thats fine if you like SUV's that have leaky windows, Horrible shudders in the drivetrain etc and like to visit the dealer 5 times more than you do now... Very good friend has an 08 that im sure you could buy dirt cheap.. less than 30k on it

Jeep = Junk (yes even the YJ) Both four letter words that start with J.. not a coincidence
If you want Domestic get the ford... otherwise go Toyota,Honda or even a SantaFe

Dirt cheap?? Get me a price!

[Karen Lee-McNair]

Didn't your dealer cover the cost of your rental?


Ok guys....got "The Call"

Result: Defective power steering pump and lines. It's currently on backorder and will be in tmw. So I should have my car ready for pickup tmw night.

I should note, the service advisor did say this is a common problem and mazda will be issuing a recall on all 07-09 mazda 3's, he didn't mention anything about previous or later generations.

Needless to say, im without a car until tmw night and I've already made appointment at downsview chrysler for 3:30 tmw afternoon to test drive the new patriot north edition and I have another apppointment at fraser ford to test drive a ford escape. I'll see how that goes....

Might still hold off until they clear out the 09's in oct/nov and pray nothing else goes wrong my 3

[mdass52]

they only covered one day's rental. The problem happened on saturday at 2:30 and i managed to drive to the dealer by 4. When I got there they said I couldn't get a rental till monday. So from saturday to monday morning I had to rent my own vehicle which was complete nonsense. Then I dropped off my rental and picked up the one whitby mazda got for me until tuesday when I finally got my car back

[McGuyver_3]

Leaky windows, no, sunroof maybe but that's on 08's only, shudders are being addressed by a TSB that flashes the PCM and that's on the CVT only. (Source: www.jeeppatriot.com)

What would you say about mileage when I get the exact same as a 2.0 2004 3 and let's not look at the 2.3 or the 2.5.

It's a question of personal preference in the end, but if you want a small SUV that can realistically take on off-road situations then the ones above dont even get close. And none are even close in terms of price.


On my 2.5L i am getting pretty close to 10L/100km and i dont drive like your average grocery getter lol