MAzdaspeed 3 warranty issues

[WillyH]

Has anyone dealt with a shady service manager at a dealership? I have read posts about people have very minor mods (eg. SRI, exhaust), and the dealership voids their warranty as soon as anything goes wrong with the mechanical parts in the car, and blames it on the mod or the poor driving habits of the owner (eg. High revving, racing, overexerting).

Mazda is earning quite the bad rep for themselves based on numerous threads I have read. They should know that word of mouth is very powerful and it can eventually lead to their demise.

Mazda should honor their warranties, and only void a damaged part if it honestly has been damaged by a specific mod. I know, I know, they are a business and cant please everyone, but they could at least treat us with some respect when it comes to component failures,

My service manager says that he is okay with a SRI, Custom exhaust, downpipe and high pressure fuel pump. This was stated over the phone to me, so I am still cautious, and might end up getting screwed in the end if something goes wrong.

Anyways, I brought this topic in to get some stories or opinions on peoples good/bad experiences.

Thanks,

Willy.

[bman13]

So have you experienced yourself warranty issues or are complaining that people have had issues and want to hear them? Also, which dealer said they are okay with those mods...?

[taz4432]

If you're concerned they'll refuse you when you go in, get it in writing or alternatively, record the conversation with him (as long as he is both aware that it is being recorded and consents to it).

[WillyH]

I am from Calgary.

I have tried creating a paper trail using email from my service manager, but he refuses to reply to my emails. I am sure he is like most guys that don't want to ruin their career by fixing someones car that has been modded. it might set up a precedent for the company and encourage modding.

Seriously, companies that design custom parts should get on good terms with Mazda so that they would be more accepting and less shady by trying to scree us over. Cork sports, for example, would get way better sales from us if they were approved by Mazda somehow - there would be less uncertainty from car owners that want to mod.

[SKYMP3]

So, your service manager said it is ok to have those on, what are you try to complain here? I don't get your point.

[WillyH]

Over the phone.

He wouldn't respond to an email regarding the same question. He doesn't want to be liable. As it stands, it's he said this and I said that if an issue ever came up - there is no proof and he doesn't seem to want any. A paper trail would be my best friend, but at the end of the day, dealerships only want to cover/replace components that are wrecked from "normal" wear and tear; not modding issues or racing/pushing to the redline driving. Very unfortunate for us thrill seekers.

[SKYMP3]

If they deny it, go to another dealership or take away your mod then go to another one.

I have my Madaspeed CAI installed and my engine light is on last year. Dealer replaced the O2 sensor, no question asked.

[WeatherB]

Manufacturers denying warranty claims due to mods is nothing new... They all do it... BMW, Subaru, Mazda, etc... Unfortunately the fact is that a company isn't going to cover a $10,000 failure when they have an out.

As for your service manager saying he is okay with mods, don't count on it. My understanding is that the dealership needs to send pictures and information to Mazda Canada for approval when it comes to larger claims and they'll deny the claim when they see the mods.

[froggy]

the dealership has to be able to prove that something you've done is the cause of the failure, if they can't prove it then they have to warranty it. My transmission started ticking 3 months after I got it brand new out of the factory. I have a short shifter installed and the service guy tried to blame it on that. the failure was with the transmission output nothing to do with gear selection, so they had to warranty it.

[gotak]

If they deny it, go to another dealership or take away your mod then go to another one.

I have my Madaspeed CAI installed and my engine light is on last year. Dealer replaced the O2 sensor, no question asked.

You have a mazda branded mod though.

[SKYMP3]

Not installed by dealer tho.

[gotak]

Not installed by dealer tho.

True, but they don't necessarily know that :) You could have had it done at an other dealership.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

True, but they don't necessarily know that :) You could have had it done at an other dealership.

then they could pull up the service record for the install if it was at another dealership. from what i heard, the system is now linked so that you can pull up the service history for a vehicle done at any Mazda dealership.

[gotak]

then they could pull up the service record for the install if it was at another dealership. from what i heard, the system is now linked so that you can pull up the service history for a vehicle done at any Mazda dealership.

Are you sure that's the case? Cause my nissan dealer said that too but it was a lie.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Are you sure that's the case? Cause my nissan dealer said that too but it was a lie.

i heard from someone that works for Mazda, so yes, this is the case for Mazda now.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

You have a mazda branded mod though.

If you read the fine print on any of the Mazdaspeed CAI's and some other Mazdaspeed aftermarket parts, they are classified as an 'orange accessory'. Mazda doesn't offer any warranty on the part at all, whether it is installed by a Mazda dealer or not. Mazda will warranty their installation service if there is a problem with the install of the CAI, but not the CAI itself, nor will they warranty your engine if they can pinpoint the CAI as being involved in those complications, i.e. hydro lock etc.


Orange Warranty
MAZDASPEED "Orange" Performance Accessories are sold "as is" without any warranty of any kind. All implied warranties, including all warranties of merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose, are excluded. Purchaser acknowledges that no representations have been made regarding these parts, including but not limited to any representations as to their quality of performance, and purchaser shall be responsible for and bear all costs of repair of replacement due to any defect in or failure of these parts or any damage to other components. Purchaser acknowledges that vehicles equipped with MAZDASPEED "Orange" Performance Accessories shall not be operated on public highways. MAZDASPEED "Orange" Performance Accessories are intended solely for the use on vehicles participating in race/off-road competition events. Purchaser acknowledges that all Mazda vehicle/parts/accessory warranties are voided if the vehicle is used in a competitive event. Purchaser also acknowledges that there will be no warranty coverage for any part or accessory that fails as a result of the installation of a MAZDASPEED "Orange" performance part. Purchaser accepts all responsibility for all vehicle modifications and all potential risks. MAZDASPEED "Orange" Performance Accessories have been designed and are intended for race/offroad applications only. Federal and many state laws prohibit the removal, modification of, or rendering inoperative any part or vehicle system affecting emissions or safety.

What Is Not Covered
Damage or corrosion due to accidents, misuse, or alterations.
Damage or surface corrosion from the environment such as acid rain, airborne fallout (chemicals, tree sap), stones, salt road hazards, hail, wind storm, lightning, floors and other natural disaster.
Normal wear, tear or deterioration such as discoloration, fading, deformation, blurring, etc.
Replacement parts or accessories installed on any Mazda Vehicle registered or normally operated outside of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan or American Samoa.
Replacement parts, or accessories installed on a Mazda Vehicle in which the odometer has been altered, or on which the actual mileage cannot be readily determined.
Replacement parts or accessories used in applications for which they are not designed.
Replacement parts or accessories installed improperly by dealers, Importer/Distributor other than Mazda.
Any replacement part or accessory without proof of purchase or replacement date.
Non-Mazda replacement parts or accessories which Mazda Dealers may sell or install on your Mazda Vehicle.
If the vehicle has been classified a total loss and/or sold for salvage purposes or branded for any other reasons.
Removal of the vehicle from the warranty covered market for which it was produced.