Mazda Common Problems (Everything You Need To Know)
If you’re thinking of buying a Mazda, you may be wondering what common problems are associated with this brand you should be aware of. We have combed through various Mazda forums and put together this guide to help you discover the common faults most Mazda vehicle owners complain about.
Mazda common problems include:
- Rust problems
- Clutch system failure
- Melting dashboard
- Engine problems
- Transmission problems
- Infotainment system issues
- Brake booster failure
This article sheds more light on each of these frequently reported issues in Mazdas, including symptoms to look out for and solutions to consider in each case. We will also share additional helpful advice like what Mazda model years to avoid and issues with Mazda engines.
Mazda Common Problems
Here are the most common problems in Mazda vehicles as reported by drivers all over:
Rust problems
One of the most common problems in Mazda is rust and corrosion. This is epically true for vehicles used in regions that experience harsh winter conditions and rely on heavy road salt usage during winter.
Rust and corrosion in Mazda tend to affect areas such as body panels, wheel wells, undercarriages, exhaust systems, and even brake and fuel lines.
Needless to say, rust will make your vehicle look unsightly while at the same time compromising its structural integrity and making the car unsafe for you to drive.
Luckily, you can keep away rust by regularly cleaning your Mazda. This is even more important during winter weather to help remove any road slats or debris that may lead to corrosion.
Other methods of preventing rust include applying rust-proofing treatment or undercoating, routine inspection of key areas mentioned above for signs of rust, and touching up those small paint scratches and chips on your vehicle to prevent rust development.
If rust has already formed on your Mazda, you may want to consult a qualified technician for the necessary repairs. This may include removing rust, surface prep, and repainting.
Mazda clutch issues
The clutch systems of some Mazda vehicles are also prone to problems. Specifically, they feature faulty release levers, also known as clutch forks, bearings, and pins.
When the Mazda develops clutch-related issues, it leads to the deterioration of pressure plates, flywheels, and clutch disks. This can lead to clutch failure in the long run.
Most of the drivers who experience this problem agree that it catches up with their vehicles prematurely; from a mileage mark as early as 37k to 70k miles.
Following a series of complaints and complaints by many Mazda vehicle owners, Mazda looked into this problem. They redesigned the clutch assembly on several occasions around 2014.
Unfortunately, this problem didn’t seem to end there and it continued to persist in the later models.
The Mazda model that has been hit heavily by this problem is the 2010 Mazda 3. Although the 20-11 model also had clutch failure, the problem was not as widespread as in the 2010 model.
Clutch issues should be addressed as soon as possible. This is because if the clutch breaks down, it can make your vehicle unsafe to drive and may lead to further damage which can be costly to fix.
Melting dashboard
The issue of melting dashboards isn’t new in Mazda vehicles, with the most affected models being Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. The cases have also been reported in several other models including CX-7.
Melting dash involves the dash becoming sticky or gummy to the touch. Sometimes it may warp or bubble. The sticky dash then develops a shiny or reflective appearance that reflects the sunlight to your eyes.
This may affect your road visibility by causing glare and distraction—leading to the risk of accidents.
According to most of the complaints we came across, this issue is more likely to occur in regions that experience high temperatures. Prolonged exposure of your vehicle to the sunlight may also make the dash melt.
Fortunately, Mazda has acknowledged this issue and even offered warranty extension and repair options.
However, this depends on the vehicle model year and the extent of this issue. Generally, if you experience this issue and your vehicle is still under warranty, Mazda may fix it at no cost to you.
Engine problems
The Mazda engines are also not 100% perfect and are prone to a variety of issues that are reported across the engines of various model vehicles.
Some of the most commonly reported engine issues across various Mazdas include engine misfires, engine stalling, oil leaks, timing chain or belt problems, variable valve timing (VVT) problems, excessive oil consumption, ignition coil failure, and cooling system issues.
However, it’s worth noting that not all Mazda engines experience these issues. The severity of these issues can also depend on several factors such as the car model, engine type, driving conditions, and vehicle maintenance history.
Regular maintenance, following the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, and addressing engine issues as soon as they arise can help mitigate engine-related problems and ensure your vehicle engine reliability and longevity.
Transmission problems
Many Mazda vehicles are also prone to transmission problems. These can range from minor issues to more complex problems that require costly repairs.
Some of the most commonly reported transmission-related problems in Mazda vehicles include transmission fluid leaks, slipping gears, rough shifting, delayed engagement, transmission noise, failure to shift, and even torque converter problems.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your vehicle’s tranny system, we advise you to take action to have the problem fixed immediately by a qualified mechanic. This will help prevent severe damage to the tranny system that may cost you more in repairs.
Regular maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer is also key in helping prevent transmission troubles in your car and extend your Mazda transmission system.
This includes regularly checking the fluid level and condition. Low and contaminated fluid issues should be addressed ASAP!
Mazda infotainment system issues
Mazda infotainment systems are also known to experience problems. One of the most commonly reported issues in the Mazda screens is the “ghost touch” problem.
This is where your vehicle infotainment touchscreen is unable to recognize your touch inputs.
Or it suddenly and randomly activates some functions on its own, e.g. deleting numbers, making calls, change of screens, continuously shutting down and rebooting on its own, screen goes blank, etc.
In simpler words, it acts as if some invisible being is operating it—hence the name ghost touch.
The Mazda CX-5 seems to be the most affected model by this issue, though it has also been reported in some other car modems such as Mazda 3 and Mazda 6.
Such an issue can turn out to be quite annoying for most drivers and at the same time distracting.
Some of the most common culprits behind this issue include moisture getting into the lens of your car’s central display, and accumulating in the touchscreen lens or even causing corrosion. Bad electric wiring and faulty touchscreen sensors are additional culprits to consider.
Mazda issued a recall for this touchscreen malfunction, so if you experience this issue, you may want to check with your dealer on whether they can fix the issue for you depending on your Mazda vehicle model.
Brake booster unit failure
Brake boost problems are also common in Mazda vehicles, specifically the Mazda CX-9 mode. The brake booster failure saw most of the CX9 owners report their vehicles failing to stop when they pressed the brakes.
The drivers noted the issue was even more common in hotter climates. Key symptoms of brake failure include loss of stopping power and a strange hissing noise coming out.
Experts traced this issue to the loss of power assist, which made the brake challenging to press. An investigation would be made later in February 2014 and established the root cause for this issue to be a torn brake booster.
As you already know, the brake system is a crucial safety feature for your vehicle. Therefore, if it fails, it can be dangerous to your vehicle.
When this happens, brake booster replacement is necessary. We advise you to address this problem promptly to restore the proper functionality of your brake system and ensure your safety on the road.
The good news is Mazda agreed to offer extended warranty for some of the vehicles under the 2014 special service program to help fix this problem.
Which Mazda models to avoid
Mazda models to avoid include the Mazda RX8, Mazda 626, and Mazda CX7. The Mazda RX8 is popular for its rotary engine but is highly prone to engine issues, flooding issues, and apex seal failure. It also has a not-so-good fuel efficiency.
The CX-7 is prone to turbocharger problems, which leads to costly repairs. Mind you, this model was discontinued in August 2012.
As for the Mazda 626, it’s probably the most boring model to ever come from Mazda. This vehicle was too small to qualify as a family vehicle yet too big for a compact car.
Some of the common problems include transmission systems. It failed badly in terms of sales and Mazda was forced to pull the plug after just 6 years.
If you’re interested in common problems in Mazda vehicles, you may also want to check out our articles on Mazda B2600 common problems and Mazda BT-50 common problems. These resources can provide valuable information for Mazda vehicle owners.Conclusion
Mazda is well known for producing vehicles that deliver performance, reliability, and value. However, like any other automaker, this brand has some known faults across its vehicles. We have just discussed the most common faults in Mazda vehicles. These include problems with Mazda engines, melting dash, rust and corrosion, brake booster failure, clutch system failure, and transmission problems.
Luckily, all these problems can be fixed to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Mazda has also offered recalls and extended warranties for some of these problems, so you should be on the lookout if they can do the repairs for you. Regular maintenance of your Mazda can go a long way in helping your vehicle stay in top condition and experience fewer problems.
