191 messages,
Last post on Apr 25, 2013 at 5:25 PM
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Mazda MPV Forum.
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Mazda MPV, Transmission, Van
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#3 of 191 Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mpv]
by backy
Aug 11, 2006 (6:30 am)
It is NOT operating as designed. I have a 2002 MPV with 47k and have no such problems. No jerkiness, very smooth operation in all gears. Have you taken it "up the chain" at Mazda? Also, have you suggested to the service manager that you go for a ride in another MPV with about the same miles, back to back with yours, to see how the transmissions compare?
Wasn't there a software upgrade for the transmission awhile back? If so, has that been applied to your MPV?
#4 of 191 Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [backy]
by ksaid2002mpv
Aug 11, 2006 (9:06 am)
Thanks for responding. Yes, I have taken it up the Mazda chain I wrote to corporate and got a form letter back saying "working as designed". I went into my Mazda dealership yesterday to talk to my mechanic - I always request the same guy and he is GREAT - and he'd LOVE to replace the transmission but his hands are tied because he doesn't have the Mazda blessing. So while I was there I found out that the Mazda Representative was there. So I tracked him down and had a very "heated" discussion with him about what was "normal" and "what was unsafe!". We went for a test drive because he told me he could "recreate it" because it was a characteristic of Mazda's during specific years - but he couldn't and of course I couldn't - so he totally blew me off and said he was the "top" of the chain. And basically GOOD LUCK - SUCKER!!! That's what I feel like after spending $38,000 on this fully loaded van.
#5 of 191 Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mpv]
by backy
Aug 11, 2006 (8:48 pm)
Did you try the transmission re-flash? There are lots of posts about that in this discussion back in early 2004; you can search on "flash" to get in the neighborhood of those posts.
#6 of 191 Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [backy]
by ksaid2002mpv
Aug 14, 2006 (9:20 pm)
Yes - it is at the current version of the software N. I checked that first after reading all the other complaints but it seemed like even after they had their transmissions reflashed - they still had problems! The attorney is going to file a demand letter this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because now that I know this - I'd have to disclose it to a potential buyer or I'd be liable. What do you think that will do to the resale value......Man I've been screwed.
#7 of 191 Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mpv]
by criledo
Aug 15, 2006 (6:16 am)
Transmission "gear slamming" on MPV's is a very well known flaw. It is by no means new and many, many people have complained about it. I had it happen to us on our '03 LX. According to dealer, the the tranny de-configures it's software and has to be re-programmed. Ours was covered under warranty. Teh rpoblem with mazda is that they don't have a recall on it, they view it as an upgrade, and is therefore, chargeable. I recall seeing an $800 price sticker on it somewhere in this forum. Whatever you do, don't let the warranty run out - I can guarantee you that your dealer will then "find" the problem, once he can charge you for it.
#8 of 191 Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mpv]
by jipster
Aug 15, 2006 (12:21 pm)
Did Mazda mechanics ever replace the transmission control module? I recall reading this helped in circumstances similar to yours.
#9 of 191 Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [jipster]
by ksaid2002mpv
Aug 16, 2006 (11:21 am)
I am not sure if they ever replaced the transmission control module or not. But they had 10+ times the chance to do it. Now the attorney is dealing with them! Wish me Luck!!!
#10 of 191 Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mp
by alenabubs
Aug 16, 2006 (12:35 pm)
Let us know how it works out. I'm composing a letter with my husband tonight and we're going to send via registered mail to the Mazda customer service in CT. I almost feel like we're wasting our time, but I'm upset by all the problems we've experienced with our 2003 MPV.
Oh and the district manager finally called, but left a message for me at home without a callback number! She also said she would call me at work but never did. The secrecy annoys the crap out of me!
Anyone else have any ideas or suggestions?
#11 of 191 Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mp [alenabubs]
by ksaid2002mpv
Aug 16, 2006 (9:30 pm)
I will let everyone know what happens with this
Lemon Lawsuit. My only suggestions to you is....keep all your documentation & invoices. Make sure you are consistant with your complaint to the service department. If you think you qualify for the Lemon Law (every state is different) it is worth it to contact a lawyer that specializes in Lemon Law cases. See what they say - they told me that LOTS of people would qualify - but VERY FEW follow through. Since I signed a contingency agreement with them - I won't have to pay unless I win and the $750 will be well worth it - if I can get a big chunk of my money back. Good Luck and Stay Tuned...
#12 of 191 Re: 2002 Mazda MPV Shift Shock - Should I file Lemon Law Suit? [ksaid2002mpv]
by bpratt
Sep 24, 2006 (7:53 am)
I had a Mazda MPV also had 3 transmissions put in. Went with the Lemon Law. I won my case. It didn't cost me anything.