Over the years, Japanese manufacturer Mazda has carved out a strong position in the UK automotive market, and rightfully so. With some unique vehicles that offer a sporty style and luxury feel, Mazda has truly secured its place as a competitor in the market for SUVs, convertibles, small and large vehicles and beyond. However, while they do offer style in spades, Mazda vehicles aren’t immune to issues and as with any car, can run into problems along the way. If you already own a Mazda or are considering making that purchase, here are the most common owner-reported problems with Mazda vehicles you should be aware of.
Clutch Issues
The clutch is a vital part of any manual vehicle and when things go wrong, it can be devastating and often costly to repair. Mazda owners have unfortunately reported been subject to issues with the clutch system, leaving it to fail or wear down prematurely if not dealt with properly. The clutch issues involve “faulty release levers… pins, and bearings” and can lead to “deterioration of the flywheels, pressure plates and clutch disks.” (https://medium.com/@ryanlcolbyryanl/the-most-common-problems-with-mazda-cars-what-you-need-to-know-975ec19445c9) With this deterioration, the clutch is at risk of breaking down completely which can be incredibly dangerous while on the road, and costly to fix if left unchecked. With this issue happening as early as 37,600 miles, Mazda owners are understandably frustrated.
Engine Complaints
On the earlier Mazda models, particularly the Mazda L-series, owners have reported multiple failings relating to the engine including leaks and loose chains. MazdaProblems reported that “variable valve timing defects” in the L-series engines have been responsible for a number of issues, including oil leaks, excessive exhaust smoke, loose timing chains and “catastrophic engine failure”. (http://www.mazdaproblems.com/vvt/) Issues typically first show their head through a “loud ticking noise” during start-up and while Mazda did extend the warranty on the affected cars, the issues can still arise in some older models. Our team are on hand to help repair any VVT issues you may come across and get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Brake Issues
The Mazda CX-9 is a popular model, however, it has been reported to face issues with its brakes. The brakes are crucial to the safety of your car, so when they fail it can be both terrifying and dangerous. This particular issue reportedly saw the CX-9 potentially “failing to stop” when the brakes were pressed, particularly in hotter climates, where there is a chance of “loss of power assist” which can cause brakes to be hard to push. (https://medium.com/@ryanlcolbyryanl/the-most-common-problems-with-mazda-cars-what-you-need-to-know-975ec19445c9) and was traced back to issues with a loss of power assist that can make the brakes difficult to press. An odd noise and a loss of stopping power were the two tell-tale signs, and ultimately led to an investigation in February 2014 that suggested the issue was with a torn brake booster.
Melting Dashboards
Yes, you read that right – the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 have been reported as facing issues with melting dashboards. According to MazdaProblems, owners that park your car in the sun for extended periods of time could face issues where dashboards “can melt and become shiny” to the point of “[losing] sight of the road” (http://www.mazdaproblems.com/dashboard-glare/). Following the heat causing plastic to melt, it can make the dashboard appear glossy and create a glare, which makes it difficult to see and drive safely on sunny days in particular. As a result, owners of the Mazda3 and Mazda6 were given an increased warranty for up to 10 years from the original warranty date.
Mazda vehicles are a joy to drive most of the time, but over the years they have been known to go through a number of issues. From engine faults, power problems and the infamous melting dashboard, to clutch problems and more, knowing what to look for and making sure you get your Mazda vehicle regularly serviced can help you ensure that you are always driving safely. To book your car in for repair or service, simply get in touch with a member of our team here at Service4Service, today.