View Full Version : My Mazdaspeed 3 Lemon Report
Skyhigh
09-30-2009, 02:24 PM
As some of you know I've posted my dilemma of my engine problems (see link below).
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=36046
Well, it's not over!!!
Yesterday night, after having dinner in Toronto and getting back into the MS3 to head back to Waterloo my MS3 decided not to start. Even though all the lights were working properly (battery seemed fine, no burnt fuses), the car would not turn over. In desperation I 'jump-started' the car and it ran. However, soon as I stopped and turned off the car it would not re-start. After 'jump-starting' the car again I drove straight back to Waterloo with no issues.
This morning, the car started with NO problems!!! I don't get it, but my car is definitely not reliable now. I think this may be caused due to a faulty starter motor.
I've decided to keep a list of issues that I'm having with this car. If anyone else has similar problems, feel free to post in the 'Lemon Report'. :) Note: My car is totally stock and has never been modified or raced.
So far what has been replaced under warranty:
-Cracked Resonator Pipe
-New Engine
-New Turbo
-New Intake
-New Catalytic Converter
-New Injector
-Starter?
Need replacing:
-Cracked Windshield
Fobio
09-30-2009, 02:45 PM
dude...I feel for ya...sounds like it could be a bad alternator.
Maybe this is your speed's way of telling you it needs to be thrown around in the corners and/or modified. =)
(Just kidding!)
You may have a bad ground somewhere?
Fobio
09-30-2009, 02:50 PM
You may have a bad ground somewhere?
+1 or even a wonky battery...
ovillems3
09-30-2009, 08:31 PM
this could be your problem:
next time it doesnt start, reach down to the starter, there is a wire with a small plastic clip connected to the starter, wiggle the clip then start it.
MRT_MS3
10-01-2009, 06:57 AM
this could be your problem:
next time it doesnt start, reach down to the starter, there is a wire with a small plastic clip connected to the starter, wiggle the clip then start it.
OR have someone lightly tap the starter while you start the car. If it starts, then its a bad starter.
Skyhigh
10-01-2009, 11:20 AM
Well, it occurred again yesterday after work. But this morning, it started fine. It's in the shop now and will post what the outcome is once I find out.
In regards to tapping the starter, we wanted to do that, but it's pretty tight down there to reach it.
Speedy2008
10-01-2009, 12:02 PM
If your issues occcured in my car, I'd get rid of it. I guess it might be more difficult to sell unless all the problems are resolved prior to sale. Sucks to read about especially since your car is a 08.5.
craigrodrigues88
10-01-2009, 12:29 PM
When I find my dealer service reports I will post all the stuff replaced on my car, like yours never modified, raced, or tracked!
Skyhigh
10-01-2009, 05:53 PM
I failed to include in my 'lemon report' the clunk I hear coming from the front left of the car (feels like it's underneath my feet). The clunk noise seems to only occur under hard braking, slow turns to the left (i.e. approaching a driveway), and sometimes when accelerating from a stop (i.e. - slowly from the traffic lights).
Funny thing is the dealership was able to recreate the problem, but they were not able to pinpoint where it was coming from. So I have to take it back in, in a couple of days.
As for the not starting part, they said the wiring harness to the starter was loose and was causing problem. :bang (glad that's resolved)
stormin84
10-01-2009, 06:10 PM
I failed to include in my 'lemon report' the clunk I hear coming from the front left of the car (feels like it's underneath my feet). The clunk noise seems to only occur under hard braking, slow turns to the left (i.e. approaching a driveway), and sometimes when accelerating from a stop (i.e. - slowly from the traffic lights).
Funny thing is the dealership was able to recreate the problem, but they were not able to pinpoint where it was coming from. So I have to take it back in, in a couple of days.
its probably the strut bearings....
i had that problem i replaced it myself and the problem went away...
Mazda3X2
10-01-2009, 06:15 PM
This is depressing to read. No way should you drive around in fear of blowing your engine in a year old car with such low kms. Sometimes I wonder.
340CID
10-01-2009, 07:34 PM
Wow, that brutal!
What are the last 4 digits of your VIN? I've got an 08.5 Metrogray but no problems yet with it.
MRT_MS3
10-02-2009, 04:58 AM
This is depressing to read. No way should you drive around in fear of blowing your engine in a year old car with such low kms. Sometimes I wonder.
+1
I really feel for ya bro. Hope everything works out..
Mazda3X2
10-02-2009, 09:26 AM
Has anyone been able to pinpiont the cause of these engine failures? You would think there would be a fairly common theme with all the cases being reported.
I know there was a list created on another forum I read of members with blown engines. But there didn't seem to be anything common between them. Modded - non-modified, 14,000kms - 80,000kms, under load - no load cruising, 2007 - 2008 etc... This is madness.:bang
alhope34
10-02-2009, 02:36 PM
- rear right shock
- entire drive axle + CV axles
- front bumper falling off (mechanic just put new screws in new holes from underneath)
- front right lower control arm (rear bushing ripped)
also, my rear motor mount has a 1.5 inch rip in it, but I didnt get it warrantied because I found out about the rip when my SU mount was installed.
Junior
10-02-2009, 02:37 PM
Shoulda kept your pro.
Just sayin'
Good luck.
Don't all Protege's rust apart?
alhope34
10-02-2009, 02:52 PM
Don't all Protege's rust apart?
From what I have seen, yes, yes they do. But '04-'05 MZ3's are now also starting to rust apart.
Zoom Zoom Boy
10-02-2009, 03:10 PM
Don't all Protege's rust apart?
From what I have seen, yes, yes they do. But '04-'05 MZ3's are now also starting to rust apart.
Maybe I was/am lucky, but the 2000 Protege I was driving before I got the MS3 was rust free on the body. A little bit of rust in the undercarriage, but not a lot for an 8 year old car and 265,000km of hard driving.
Same with our 2005 MZ3 GT Sport Hatch. Absolutely zero rust on the body, a little in the undercarriage.
I don't rust proof either.
As for the 08.5 MS3, it is 13 months old since purchase, has a little over 16,000km on the odo and not a single mechanical issue of any sort. Some squeaks and rattles that have been addressed, but that is all.
Junior
10-02-2009, 04:00 PM
I have 2 proteges from 02. Rust-free so far. 8 years later.
Skyhigh
10-02-2009, 06:05 PM
I have 2 proteges from 02. Rust-free so far. 8 years later.
Frankie!!! What's up dude?? Good to hear from you.
You're absolutely right about the Protege. It never gave me one issue, even with 315,000km on the original engine. I actually miss it.
My god, it's scary to hear other MS3 failing...
I just hope that my car would last me for another 1.5 years before my car value breaks even with my loan remaining balance, so that I can move onto a next one.
alhope34
10-02-2009, 09:21 PM
I dont think Ill break even for another 2 years or so, lol.
Mazda3X2
10-02-2009, 09:42 PM
My god, it's scary to hear other MS3 failing...
I just hope that my car would last me for another 1.5 years before my car value breaks even with my loan remaining balance, so that I can move onto a next one.
I just paid mine off a couple months ago but trade in seems around the 20k mark for my 08.5 I think. Not really worth it. I still love the car, just these things are in the back of my mind now.
alhope34
10-02-2009, 10:05 PM
I just paid mine off a couple months ago but trade in seems around the 20k mark for my 08.5 I think. Not really worth it. I still love the car, just these things are in the back of my mind now.
Lol, Im still trying to make myself believe my '08 with 68,500kms is worth in the $22k range. I still owe $28k on the finance.
Mazda3X2
10-03-2009, 08:18 AM
Lol, Im still trying to make myself believe my '08 with 68,500kms is worth in the $22k range. I still owe $28k on the finance.
Keep in mind that 20k was rough trade in value. Selling privately you could do much better I'm sure.
MRT_MS3
10-03-2009, 09:30 AM
Keep in mind that 20k was rough trade in value. Selling privately you could do much better I'm sure.
Yep. I was at Toyota looking at a Venza (4cyl w/ AWD) and I got a 18-20K trade in value with my car with only 18000KMs :bang . I woulda have closed the deal if they gave me 27000$.
It's never worth trading in.. Unless you think you will have a hard time selling privately.
Junior
10-07-2009, 01:03 PM
Frankie!!! What's up dude?? Good to hear from you.
You're absolutely right about the Protege. It never gave me one issue, even with 315,000km on the original engine. I actually miss it.
Ya man, i hear that. How's it going Jer?
Haven't seen you since we had that OG get together in April. Hope the bike is treating you better than the 3.
Skyhigh
10-07-2009, 05:26 PM
Ya man, i hear that. How's it going Jer?
Haven't seen you since we had that OG get together in April. Hope the bike is treating you better than the 3.
Bikes are running solid:
CBR250R- Running excellent, will be selling it in spring
VFR400R- Took a spill on the track, but still runs excellent (just cosmetic damage)
Looking for a third bike...dedicated track bike (looking at a 09 ZX-6R)
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