475 messages,
Last post on May 23, 2013 at 6:25 PM
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Mazda MAZDA3, Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, Transmission, Hatchback
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#376 of 475 Re: Anybody else having problems with 2012 Skyactiv MT? [dattomcat89]
by autonomous
Mar 19, 2012 (3:05 pm)
I was considering getting a 2012 Skyactiv with manual trans, but after all the things I've been reading in this thread, I'm not so sure. Is anybody else having trouble with the new Skyactiv manual?
Actually most of this thread does not deal with the Skyactiv which is brand new for 2012. Like you, though, I was concerned ... in my case because it is new. Many reliable manufacturers, including Toyota and Honda, have had problems rolling out new models. Since Mazda has a lot "riding" on the Skyactiv technology, I expect they have done a lot of testing before incorporating it in the Mazda3, and now the CX5.
TIP: Put off your purchase until later this year / next year to see what comes out in the wash.
#377 of 475 Re: Anybody else having problems with 2012 Skyactiv MT? [autonomous]
by dattomcat89
Mar 20, 2012 (9:21 am)
I didn't say I read all the posts in this thread and that they all had to do with the Skyactiv MT; I was basing my conclusion on all the posts I DID read (meaning I only read posts that had to do with Skyactiv MT).
And thanks for the tip. I was already planning on just holding off on the purchase because I wanted to see how quickly Mazda fixes these problems (both on their new cars and ones that have already been sold) and how they respond to what I'd assume is a growing number of unsatisfied customers (especially nibroc4410, if he ever posts again).
All of this worries me greatly because I was dead-set on buying the next generation MX-5/Miata (I can barely fit in the current one, and I've heard that the next one may have slightly more room) as soon as it's released, and I don't want to end up quickly regretting my purchase or having to wait to buy it because of something like this.
#378 of 475 Re: Mazda 3 2012 skyactiv faulty Manual Transmission [mazdaman35]
by vkamnyev
Mar 20, 2012 (9:57 am)
Hello,
I actually ordered my Skyactiv with 6 speed manual from factory. Just got it a few days ago (it was manufactured on February 3, 2012). When I first got it, I had a hard time sliding the shifter into gears. I really didn't think much of it because I thought that may be it is just breaking in and the gear channels just need to smooth out. Now I have 200 miles on it and I am noticing that the shifting is starting to smooth out. I will keep my eye on it and will make another post in a few weeks.
Thank you.
#379 of 475 Mazda transmissions [dattomcat89]
by autonomous
Mar 20, 2012 (2:40 pm)
this worries me greatly because I was dead-set on buying the next generation MX-5/Miata ... I don't want to end up quickly regretting my purchase or having to wait to buy it
Understood. Reading a thread on Mazda transmission problems is bound to create some worries.
Check the latest Consumer Reports issue for its Reliability charts to see how key components (including transmissions) of various models rate in terms of long term reliability. Based on CR and as far as I have heard, the Miata/MX5 is a stellar vehicle with one of the best transmissions around and is not a risky choice.
p.s. I know what you mean about how snug the Miata is.
#380 of 475 Re: Mazda 3 2012 skyactiv faulty Manual Transmission [nibroc4410]
by dark_temp
Mar 23, 2012 (3:20 pm)
Well I have the same car and my 1st and 2nd gears are a little sticky in the cold too. (sounds like the honda si tranny problems they were having too but much worse than mazda's
) I do know that the first gear has a safety that if you are moving at a certain speeds (i think even as low as 5-15 you cant shift into first so you dont jerk your gears to hard. This because the torque ratios in first and second are much greater than like 5th or 6th (some sorta of safety mechanism kind of like you cant throw it into reverse at all unless you are not moving....good luck on your car
#381 of 475 Re: Mazda 3 2012 skyactiv faulty Manual Transmission [dark_temp]
by nibroc4410
Mar 26, 2012 (4:01 pm)
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to give another update. We are up to 4500 miles on our car now and everything has been good since we had the transmission replaced. It still sticks in first and second gear when we start it up in under 40 degree weather, but if you give it 3 minutes to warm up that doesn't happen.
I wouldn't tell people to not buy the car, because if you aren't unlucky like we were you will just have a fun car with good mileage. But as a warning if you are very unlucky and something isn't right keep bothering them until everything is fixed. They might deny anything is wrong for a while, but you aren't imagining it so keep fighting.
#382 of 475 Re: Mazda 3 2012 skyactiv faulty Manual Transmission [nibroc4410]
by dattomcat89
Mar 27, 2012 (12:37 pm)
Thanks for the update. If you could continue to keep us filled in, that would be appreciated. By the way, did you ever get a copy of the diagnosis from the Japanese engineer, or was that need-to-know only?
#383 of 475 Re: Mazda transmissions [autonomous]
by dattomcat89
Mar 27, 2012 (12:51 pm)
I'd have to wait a while for Consumer Reports to get enough data to accurately report on the reliability, as it is the next generation I'd be buying. And yes, I would hope and certainly expect the next MX-5/Miata to continue its predecessors' history of stellar reliability, seeing as how Mazda wouldn't want to screw up a car that can arguably be called an automotive icon (although, judging from rumors of small turbocharged engines and no more glove-boxes, they certainly seem to be considering doing that!). But then again they were really trumpeting this Skyactiv technology as a gamer-changer that would come to define [and, reading about their financial woes as of late, possibly end up saving] Mazda, and obviously, from what we've all learned here, it hasn't had the smoothest start.
#384 of 475 Re: Mazda 3 2012 skyactiv faulty Manual Transmission [dattomcat89]
by nibroc4410
Mar 28, 2012 (2:50 pm)
No, we never saw that. They just told us that they couldn't figure out what was wrong for a long time and "something wasn't right". Very vague.
#385 of 475 Re: Mazda 3 2012 skyactiv faulty Manual Transmission [nibroc4410]
by dattomcat89
Apr 12, 2012 (6:55 am)
Have you tried turning to the Lemon Law in your state?