First Dealership service @ 8600 kms for my 2010 Mazda 3

[kckev99]

We owned the car for just over 3 months and currently have over 8600 kms on it. It was brought in to Ontario Mazda this morning so now awaiting for phone call to pick up.

My complaints to the service consultant.
1. Power door lock switch on passenger side Intermittently NOT working
2. Driver and passenger lock cylinder squeaks
3. Creaking noise from clutch pedal when depressed
4. Clunk or thump from right rear wheel when hitting potholes

For some reason I hardly believe any of these problems will be resolved given the nature of my complaints seem more superficial than actually something being broken. So i hope some resolution will come about my first service.

[kckev99]

Just picked my car up from Ontario Mazda. I found my experience to be moderately disappointing.

1. I was charged for tire rotation, this charge was later removed since I had only put on my brand new winter Tires 3000 kms ago. Seems like a cash grab to charge for a tire rotation separate from the oil change.

2. The Clutch pedal squeak was fixed but now left with an extremely loud and annoying clicking noise. Kind of sounds like plastic snapping. Brought the car back and was told nothing could be done as it is normal operation of a safety switch built in to the clutch pedal system.

I understand that is a safety switch and it needs to be there. And likely it usually probably does make a noise when activated however the loud click noise was unacceptable. I iterated that this noise was not as noticeable prior to fixing the squeak.

3. My last issue was with the service advisor who did not offer me any solution to the problem and tried to dismiss the issue as being subjective and a non-issue. I was insistent that something needed to be done about the noise. Especially that I live in the GTA and drive in traffic everyday. If I were to hear that loud clicking noise everyday I would shoot myself.

I told the advisor that I would drop the issue if would let me sit in a brand new Mazda 3 with a 5 speed and let me compare click between a new car and my almost new Mazda 3 GX sedan. He finally gave in and ordered a new clutch safety switch.


I found it quite irritating that I had fight about something wrong with my car. I know how the car drove when I brought it home from the dealership brand new. So if after 8K kms something is not right should the customer not be heard? I should not have to be insistent about any issue i'm having before somebody looks at it. Any how I hope the issue gets resolved. for now I will have to live the loud clicks... or loud plastic snaps while shifting in traffic.

As for the other issues, right rear suspension thump and passenger side power door lock not working intermittently... they were dismissed as a I expected.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

I'd suggest going to a different dealership moving forward, or at minimum, a different service advisor at the dealership. Not all of them are like this...

As for the door lock actuators being defective in the 2010's, many people have had this problem. A buddy of mine even got locked into his own car and had to crawl out the window to get out. I haven't looked, but I would be surprised if there isn't a TSB out for this by now.

Also, the tire rotation is typcially added by dealers at every 8K service, but it is considered an 'optional' service and it has an associated charge. They are supposed to ask you if you want the tires rotated before performing the service, but shadier service advisors will just do it, charge you and then hope you are too meek to question it. Most people are unfortunately. Service advisors get bonuses too based on how much money they can make the dealership.

[Booter22]

Good Afternoon,

I just wanted to mention in regards to the clicking I myself have noticed the same noise in my 2010 Mazda 3 Sedan and my girlfriends 2010 Mazda 3 Sport - I did have our technicians look at the clutch pedal as I drive 110 km to and from work. We of course did compare with two other vehicles which did have the exact same noise which as you stated appears to be normal operation. The only thing we managed to do was lubricate the switch which did make it a bit better. But I do still notice it and more so on the -22 degree days. Maybe ask if the servicing location would be able to lubricate this component for you.

[Iceman_F1]

Just picked my car up from Ontario Mazda. I found my experience to be moderately disappointing.

1. I was charged for tire rotation, this charge was later removed since I had only put on my brand new winter Tires 3000 kms ago. Seems like a cash grab to charge for a tire rotation separate from the oil change.

2. The Clutch pedal squeak was fixed but now left with an extremely loud and annoying clicking noise. Kind of sounds like plastic snapping. Brought the car back and was told nothing could be done as it is normal operation of a safety switch built in to the clutch pedal system.

I understand that is a safety switch and it needs to be there. And likely it usually probably does make a noise when activated however the loud click noise was unacceptable. I iterated that this noise was not as noticeable prior to fixing the squeak.

3. My last issue was with the service advisor who did not offer me any solution to the problem and tried to dismiss the issue as being subjective and a non-issue. I was insistent that something needed to be done about the noise. Especially that I live in the GTA and drive in traffic everyday. If I were to hear that loud clicking noise everyday I would shoot myself.

I told the advisor that I would drop the issue if would let me sit in a brand new Mazda 3 with a 5 speed and let me compare click between a new car and my almost new Mazda 3 GX sedan. He finally gave in and ordered a new clutch safety switch.


I found it quite irritating that I had fight about something wrong with my car. I know how the car drove when I brought it home from the dealership brand new. So if after 8K kms something is not right should the customer not be heard? I should not have to be insistent about any issue i'm having before somebody looks at it. Any how I hope the issue gets resolved. for now I will have to live the loud clicks... or loud plastic snaps while shifting in traffic.

As for the other issues, right rear suspension thump and passenger side power door lock not working intermittently... they were dismissed as a I expected.

I'm guessing reason for going to Ontario Mazda is due to location? Maybe try QEW Mazda? A lot of members (myself included) have had good experiences from there. Might be worth the drive for someone to listen. I've heard some bad things about sales but almost no bad things about the service.

As for the tire rotation, not sure but it seems usual. You should be able to request it not be done but considering it adds time to the service, it would make sense it would be priced different. I'm pretty sure when I schedule online for QEW Mazda service, it's always stated that the tire rotation is priced separate from the cost of the service as it's an add-on. Though looking at it now, it depends on the service interval on their site.

You shouldn't have to put that much of a fight to be heard though. Specially since you aren't that far into ownership.

EDIT: Reason for suggestion QEW Mazda is due to service quality and distance from Ontario Mazda. Really, any dealership willing to listen to you and try to take care of you compared to the service you got at Ontario Mazda is best. Find one you like and are comfortable going to.

[kckev99]

Good Afternoon,

I just wanted to mention in regards to the clicking I myself have noticed the same noise in my 2010 Mazda 3 Sedan and my girlfriends 2010 Mazda 3 Sport - I did have our technicians look at the clutch pedal as I drive 110 km to and from work. We of course did compare with two other vehicles which did have the exact same noise which as you stated appears to be normal operation. The only thing we managed to do was lubricate the switch which did make it a bit better. But I do still notice it and more so on the -22 degree days. Maybe ask if the servicing location would be able to lubricate this component for you.

It seems the switch was lubed to mitigate a squeak I was getting. The squeak was minor and was barely a bother. I just thought i would mention it as it was the first service appointment. However after they lubed it and did whatever adjustments required get rid of the squeak I noticed the loud clicking noise. The squeak was barely noticeable before and if there was a click I didn't even know it was there. Now the clicking noise is definitely not normal as it sounds like a plastic tab is snapping everytime I depress the clutch.


I'm guessing reason for going to Ontario Mazda is due to location? Maybe try QEW Mazda? A lot of members (myself included) have had good experiences from there. Might be worth the drive for someone to listen. I've heard some bad things about sales but almost no bad things about the service.

As for the tire rotation, not sure but it seems usual. You should be able to request it not be done but considering it adds time to the service, it would make sense it would be priced different. I'm pretty sure when I schedule online for QEW Mazda service, it's always stated that the tire rotation is priced separate from the cost of the service as it's an add-on. Though looking at it now, it depends on the service interval on their site.

You shouldn't have to put that much of a fight to be heard though. Specially since you aren't that far into ownership.

EDIT: Reason for suggestion QEW Mazda is due to service quality and distance from Ontario Mazda. Really, any dealership willing to listen to you and try to take care of you compared to the service you got at Ontario Mazda is best. Find one you like and are comfortable going to.

Yes i got to Ontario Mazda because they are close to my work and offer shuttle service. So unless QEW is willing to drive me to work I probably wouldn't make it there. I will just have schedule my appointments closer to home like Mazda of Toronto.

[Iceman_F1]

Yes i got to Ontario Mazda because they are close to my work and offer shuttle service. So unless QEW is willing to drive me to work I probably wouldn't make it there. I will just have schedule my appointments closer to home like Mazda of Toronto.

Like I said in the edit, I just suggested as it was close as a reference from Ontario Mazda. MoT I've heard is also good. Really find one you are happy with and go there.

[kckev99]

I'd suggest going to a different dealership moving forward, or at minimum, a different service advisor at the dealership. Not all of them are like this...

As for the door lock actuators being defective in the 2010's, many people have had this problem. A buddy of mine even got locked into his own car and had to crawl out the window to get out. I haven't looked, but I would be surprised if there isn't a TSB out for this by now.



So what should I do about this power lock switch problem with my 2010 Mazda 3? It does not work maybe 1 out of 20 or so times. When it's on the fritz you have to repeatedly keep hitting the switch until it unlocks. WTF... this is not what I expect from a brand new car.

[Timotee]

This is suppose to be under warranty, no?

[kckev99]

This is suppose to be under warranty, no?

I've got 8600kms on the odo so I hope it's under warranty. However it seems they won't fix anything unless they are able to reproduce the issue. I'm not sure how they deal with intermittent issues.

[Krazy]

I've got 8600kms on the odo so I hope it's under warranty. However it seems they won't fix anything unless they are able to reproduce the issue. I'm not sure how they deal with intermittent issues.

From my experience. i have 2010 Mazda 3 GS with 33000 on odo now...
For intermittent issues, they won't do anything until it becomes a permanent issue.
I always walk out with them saying.. don't worry about it. lol reassuring... i know.

[sol_searchin]

When you buy a mazda you get a decent car and shit service! live it love it learn it :) OR don't buy another Mazda ! ( I choose this option btw!!)

[bluemazda3]

QEW mazda actually replaced my intermittent power window not working issue without question (replaced the switch).. when burlington mazda said... "our tech could not replicate the issue" I say make an appoint when your off work and go there.. they make things RIGHT and go out of there way to do it..

[Direct Mazda Service]

Yes i got to Ontario Mazda because they are close to my work and offer shuttle service. So unless QEW is willing to drive me to work I probably wouldn't make it there. I will just have schedule my appointments closer to home like Mazda of Toronto.

I am not sure if we would be in your area of work, but if you are unhappy you are more than welcome to come here for your servicing needs. We are located on Battleford Rd, Erin Mills Pkwy just south of the 401 or just north of the 403 less than 5 minutes from these highways. And we do have shuttle service.

[kramr]

I have a 2010 M3 GS Sedan 5 speed. I'm in London and go to Probart. Thus far no problems. Tires rotated every oil change, fine with me, it's good to rotate them every 10 000 anyways for even tread wear. I did have my BlueTooth module replaced under warranty with no issues whatsoever!! As far as the clutch goes, not a problem but I will keep a 'ear' to it after reading this thread. I have 32 000 on it right now and all seem well with it. I love the car!!

[kckev99]

I would like to thank the various service managers for offering their services to look at my car again. I will certainly consider the offers and based on location I will have to figure out which is closest to me. I definitely would like a 2nd opinion on the door lock issue I am having. Ontario Mazda has agreed to fix my clutch problem so I will return to them for that service for now.

Once again thanks for all the courteous offers.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

So what should I do about this power lock switch problem with my 2010 Mazda 3? It does not work maybe 1 out of 20 or so times. When it's on the fritz you have to repeatedly keep hitting the switch until it unlocks. WTF... this is not what I expect from a brand new car.

New model years after a major refresh/redesign always have teething/component/design issues. This isn't Mazda specific, it happens with all manufacturers. They can only catch so many design and manufacturing problems in testing and other things they catch in the field once the vehicle goes to market and customers start driving them. This is inherent in almost all industries, but in complex manufacturing like technology, cars, computers, software et al, it is much more prevalent. Be thankful that most of the 2010 issues have been all very minor in nature and to date at least, not major components like the engine,transmission etc.

Good dealerships and service advisors often extend some trust and goodwill to their customers that they aren't all stupid and just hearing and seeing things... :)

Here are a couple of Mazda TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins) related to door lock issues on the 2010 models. These are taken from a U.S. database and site, but most of these TSB's (not all) are also applicable and released for Canadian models.

You may find these helpful in discussion with the dealer service advisor.

Unable to open front doors in unlocked position:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda3/bulletin/09-021-10-2356.pdf

Rear Door Locks Inoperative Due to Freezing:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/mazda3/bulletin/09-032-10-2377.pdf

Here is a general link to Mazda3 TSB's and it includes the old gen and the new gen, 2010's& post.
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/store/pages.php?pageid=12

Good luck.

[sarujo]

I too have a power door lock issue with my 2010 Sport GX 5MT. There is an intermittent squeekish sound in the rear passenger lock when you drive away and all the locks lock. The noise is at the end of the lock cycle - sounds like the motor is tired or wearing out. The problem is that it has been intermittent as well, and MoT was unable to reproduce during my last oil change. I have also heard it when outside the car and locking the car with the remote (if I am standing beside said rear passenger door)

Do you have an update for us and your door lock issues, kckev99? Anyone else with similar issues?


I would like to thank the various service managers for offering their services to look at my car again. I will certainly consider the offers and based on location I will have to figure out which is closest to me. I definitely would like a 2nd opinion on the door lock issue I am having. Ontario Mazda has agreed to fix my clutch problem so I will return to them for that service for now.

Once again thanks for all the courteous offers.