Sign In Join 



Mazda5 Suspension

221 messages,  Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 5:19 PM

You are in the Mazda Mazda5 Forum. Your Host is Karens

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA5, Van


Messages Page 22 of 23
1
...
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#205 of 221
Re: 06 Mazda 5 [mazda_5_ugh] by vicenac
Sep 24, 2009 (9:29 am)
Reply

Replying to: mazda_5_ugh (Sep 24, 2009 4:35 am)

Hey I'm just curious. Is this problem the squealing people complain about?
I saw that TSB with detailed instructions on how to fix it. I'm waiting to buy a new MZ5, so I thought I may have the same problem.
If I will, I will probably not go to the dealer the second time, since they applied the Mazda fix and did not work. I would find an independent mechanic and fix it for good with 3rd party parts. I may end up having a better vehicle. Better shocks the least.
Mazda fix may be good, but execution often lacks at these dealerships, especially for warranty repairs. They get paid no matter what.
The rubber bushings can be adapted from another vehicle and thus you can experiment. I will assume the problem is with the lithium grease and the way it is applied and also if it is retained or pushed out over time. Some kind of wrapping may help (not pretty).
And this is all speculation. I'm wondering if any of the mechanics identified what is actually making the noise. I suspect that they just apply the prescribed fix without diagnosing much.
Sorry for your troubles.
#206 of 221
Re: 06 Mazda 5 [vicenac] by riproy
Sep 28, 2009 (12:26 pm)
Reply

Replying to: vicenac (Sep 24, 2009 9:29 am)

The TSB did not address it, or it didn't address the whole problem. Or it worked for a day, a week, and then it was back. We have had ours repaired 2x since the TSB and 5 times in total, only for suspension issues. Nothing has worked to date. Ours is an 06.
#207 of 221
Re: 06 Mazda 5 [riproy] by mazda_5_ugh
Sep 29, 2009 (1:18 am)
Reply

Replying to: riproy (Sep 28, 2009 12:26 pm)

We have had bushing, sway bars and stabilizer links replaced. This week its the rear struts that have failed. The bushings have been replaced at least twice on both the fronts and rears. We were told that they use a Teflon grease on the bushings, but the parts I've seen on the internet that are designed to address the problem actually have Teflon incorporated into the bushing its self. The vehicle also chews up tires. The first set lasted 23,000 miles. We put Yokohamas (rated for 60,000 miles) on it and they only lasted 23,000 miles. Is this the cost of "zoom zoom?" My wife drives the vehicle daily and her driving is very conservative- no fast starts or stops and she does corners very slowly. I'm starting to wonder if they just took the Mazda 3 under pinnings and added a bigger top to it- thus all the suspension issues and tires (though the tire issue seems to be showing up in CX 7's too).
#208 of 221
Re: 06 Mazda 5 [mazda_5_ugh] by mazda_5_ugh
Sep 29, 2009 (2:18 am)
Reply

Replying to: mazda_5_ugh (Sep 29, 2009 1:18 am)

We have started writing letters (certified) detailing our experiences to:
Mazda USA, Inc.
7755 Irvine Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
 
We've directed the letters to two people:
Mr. Yasuo Kunita, Vice President, Customer Service Operations & Quality Assurance, Mazda USA
and
Jim O'Sullivan, President, Mazda USA
 
Our thinking is to skip the low level employees who are hired to drag out the process and discourage people, and go for the people who have the power and authority to address the issue. If enough people send letters, they'll get tired of dealing with the issue and may be do something about it. They probably have thick skins, but a single drop of water applied hundreds if not thousands of times might work. Even if they don't act, they'll know that their decision not to act is affecting a lot of decent people. Word of mouth advertising works both ways, and Mazda will never reach the level of Honda and Toyota if they don't get serious about quality. Too bad, considering they have everything else right. Nice design, good handling etc. We like the vehicle concept, but the quality issues are out weighing everything else. Mazda's trade-in on the vehicle is really low, so even the company is bailing.
#209 of 221
Re: 06 Mazda 5 [mazda_5_ugh] by vicenac
Sep 29, 2009 (7:37 am)
Reply

Replying to: mazda_5_ugh (Sep 29, 2009 1:18 am)

Hmmmm.... I have a CX-7 and no problems with the tires, although at 20k (miles) I'm getting close to having to replace them, but I have to admit that I drive from hell.
It did have an alignment the same with somebody that complained here. After a few days we saw the car was pulling left and it was hard to keep straight at high speeds.
All the adjustments were on the spot. The dealer asked Mazda and was told to play with the strut tower adjustments. The car did not drive straight for long long time. It's a 2 year lease so, I didn't care much, but after about a year or so, the problem went away by itself. Go figure.
I'm thinking they actually have a problem putting the frames together properly consistently. That leads to all kinds of alignment issues.
I'm starting to get shy of getting a 5 (after waiting for so long). I can put up with issues, but my wife will get really frustrated....
#210 of 221
Re: 06 Mazda 5 [vicenac] by coolmazda5
Sep 29, 2009 (10:27 am)
Reply

Replying to: vicenac (Sep 29, 2009 7:37 am)

I believe that is a good point, not all the owners have problems with their cars, and obviously the ones who don't have are less likely to post in a forum (or you are an enthusiast of course). I own 2 Mazda5s (an 06 and an 08) and possibly I would not have posted here if I would have only owned the 08, is it has had no problems to-date. And yes, with the 06 I've had some recalls and TSBs (1st model, 1st year, not the brightest idea) yet nothing deal breaker. I guess a good testament of that is buying a 2nd one as soon as the facelift (with all the improvements) came out.
 
As per Toyota and Honda, just take a look of their latest recalls, good quality? I have my doubts. I actually traded a Honda for my 08, much better experience so far. But anyway, I understand many people's frustrations, no doubt.
#211 of 221
Re: 06 Mazda 5 [coolmazda5] by mazda_5_ugh
Sep 30, 2009 (3:54 am)
Reply

Replying to: coolmazda5 (Sep 29, 2009 10:27 am)

I realize some people who have experienced these problems live in southern climates and say this is not just a cold weather issue, but I'm curious about what region of the country you're from? We live in a midwest state that has temps that drop to below freezing. The problem doesn't show during the Summer, but give us a cold snap and the noise comes back. It is nice to hear that the 08 is working for you. We'd really like to move to a newer model. Unfortunatly, Mazda has dragged their feet and the discounts offered when our odessey started are no longer in place. We're hopeing that Mazda will honor them, but that has yet to be seen. Over all, the dealer has been good, but the repeated quality issues have not been so pleasant.
#212 of 221
Re: 06 Mazda 5 [mazda_5_ugh] by coolmazda5
Sep 30, 2009 (7:31 am)
Reply

Replying to: mazda_5_ugh (Sep 30, 2009 3:54 am)

Mid-Atlantic, it's not as radical as the Midwest (I used to live there) but still get our share of each season. Yes, for the 06 they applied the bushings TSB. Similar case on my side, dealer has been very good. For the 06 issues things have been fixed during the dealer's service (and note that is not the same dealer I bought the 06 from), so that attention has also helped supporting the cause to get the 08.
#213 of 221
Re: 06 Mazda 5 [mazda_5_ugh] by trishr1
Sep 30, 2009 (7:05 pm)
Reply

Replying to: mazda_5_ugh (Sep 29, 2009 2:18 am)

Letter writing is a really good idea and if enough people do it they may (MAY) do something. In your letter did you ask them for some type of compensation for your time and aggravation?
I will digress for a moment and relate an experience that I had with Sears - big ticket item (mattress). I had looked at them for over a year - thought long and hard (a good night's sleep is worth it) - found it on sale - told the salesperson that I expected the mattress to be the same as what I had tried - stressed the importance of this etc. Delivered the mattress - they sent the FIRM mattress - totally not was I wanted - slept on it one night - numbness in arms etc. Immediately when back told the salesperson this was the wrong mattress - said they would send the "bed doctor" out. I said No I wanted them to refund my money and get it out. They said No I HAD to sleep on it for 30 days. I said they wouldn't want me in their store after spending 30 days on this bed. I also said (and this is what did it) that I worked in an institution of over 5,000 people who LOVE to hear stories of bad products, be it a mattress or a CAR. 5,000 people tell 10,000 people and I was immediately refunded my money and the bed was gone the next day.
I thought about putting a sign on my car "yes the noise is from my Mazda5 and they won't fix it" , I thought about wearing a lab coat at work with a message on the back of it how about "Mazda5?, think again!" or "Mazda5 Doom, Doom". I'm sure others can come up with better ones.
 
I had my rear bushings "fixed" recently, warranty expiring soon, then had the front done (metal on metal noise) - I was told " that should do it"? I seemed to have heard that before. Ever the optimist, I will wait and see.
 
I agree that the vehicle is right for me but if another manufacturer comes up with something similar, my Mazda5 is history, but after the second year of the new vehicle. I had to purchase a vehcile when I bought my Mazda5 so I couldn't wait. I now tell everyone who mentions that they are buying a new car to go to the Forums first. Never mind Phil Edmonston who hasn't written anything negative about this car as far as I can see, nor anyone else in the "car evaluation business" for some odd reason.
 
Just came across this advertising:
Stevensons LLP has brought proceedings against Hyundai Motor Corporation for defects in the sub-frame assembly of 1994 through 2004 model year Sonata automobiles. For more information please click here. I didn't copy the Hyundai but found another one against Ford.
Below is a settlement against Ford (hmmm Ford-Mazda)
http://www.classproceedings.ca/previous%20cases%20ford.htm
 
A class proceeding is a civil law suit where one or more plaintiffs act on behalf of a larger group of persons who have a common interest.
 
Further details about class actions are provided in our Frequently Asked Questions section.
It is often important to act quickly to protect and preserve your rights.
 
If you believe you have a potential class action please contact us immediately to review the issues. We can be reached at:
Stevensons LLP
Attention: Colin Stevenson
 
144 Front Street West, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2L7
Phone: 416-599-7900
- or -
7501 Keele Street, Suite 200
Vaughan, Ontario
L4K 1Y2
Phone: 905-760-2794
 
E-mail: cstevensonstevensonlaw.net
www.stevensonlaw.net
 
All it takes is one person.
 
A media event or investigation is more likely to help if you can get them interested. Consumer Affairs or like organization perhaps. A letter writing campaign - same day mailings?
#214 of 221
Interesting.... by vicenac
Sep 30, 2009 (8:28 pm)
Reply
I live in CA (lifornia). Here it takes only 4 times to fix an issue (or just 2 times for a life-threatening issue) to render the vehicle a lemon. No arbitration. Or just more than 30 days in service, non - consecutive.
Ford had to give me my money back for one of their vehicles that was damaged by dealer's negligence.
When I had trouble with my Mazda CX-7 not driving straight after the first attempt to fix it, I called Mazda CS. The guy on the phone had a somewhat smug attitude. I told him I am on his side and that I was not confident a second attempt at the problem by this dealer would bring good results. That would bring us very close to a lemon status. His tone changed to "very helpful" on the spot.
I think everybody should try BBB. They helped me promptly, when Ford refused to talk to me (socialist company with employees that don't care).
 
I think Mazda is in a tight spot. Read their history to see that they barely made it here. Also, I think they made a mistake by bringing this vehicle here. They don't sell it in enough numbers to make it economicaly feazable to deal with an unexpected high number of problems. They don't advertize it at all (MZ5). It looks like the company wishes the product did not exist.
What I do not get, is how come these problems did not surface earlier? This vehicle is new (in 06) for this market, but existed for many years in other markets.

Messages Page 22 of 23
1
...
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics

Today's Chats

Advertisement