Issues with Mazda CX-5 & Warranty

Hi OzBargainers,

Warning up front it will be a long post.
I am stuck in an argument between car dealership and the car company.

From the first day the car's driver side mirror was vibrating and car dealership told me it's a known issue and the car company are working on a fix. After one year of to and fro, the car company released a fix which was to replace the mirrors with newer model mirrors and it didn't fix the issue. So this time the dealership and the car company informed me that this time local team is working on a fix. Again after 6 months again after running after the car company & dealership, a new release was out. This was the 10th or 15th time dealership took my car but to my surprise after 3 weeks they inform me that my car doesn't need that fix as it was all normal. During all this time I was also in touch with car companye's customer support and the support staff said now someone from local car company will take a look at my car. To my surprise after the technician's check he stated that my car has no issue as it's the characteristic of the car. Obviously feeing cheated and screwed around I asked them what were they doing for 2 years? The support staff also mentioned that they agree there is vibration but this is the best they can do. Dealership also has no answers for me.
Now the car company's support staff offered me a new car of the same model to test and we agreed if that also has same issue I will take my car back but if it doesn't they will fix it. After my testing of the loan car I didn't find any such issue but company's technician is refusing to fix anything. so I gave them 3 options
Fix it
Exchange the car
Refund the monies
Now last Friday dealership's service manager called me and threaten me to return his loan car as it is his, to which I responded that as you haven't fixed my car I can't. But he's persistent that he can come and take the loan car.

On speaking with company's support staff they say it's between you and dealership.

I am really feeling like as they can't fix it so they are trying to push it under the carpet.

So now I am not sure where I stand, am I in my rights with those options or I need to just except what they saying…..

Sorry as mentioned above it was a long post, but I really need some advise here

Any help / advise is appreciated

Regards,

Harsain

Update 1

I tried contacting the customer support at Mazda, he refused to come on phone stating he is in touch with dealership and are once they have all the relaxant info he will call me back today.

Update 2

Spoke with consumer affair and they suggested it's a minor defect under Australian consumer laws and hence better let it go.
Also, spoke with dealership service manager, he had a heart change and is happy to help and requested me to come for a test ride again with him and once I show the difference he will flight for me with Mazda. But that has less chance as according to him when he drove my car he felt its normal.

So seems I will take the car and negotiate a compensation.

Poll Options

  • 14
    Fix issues under warranty
  • 70
    Exchange car as is defective
  • 3
    Refund money
  • 2
    Go to consumer court

Comments

  • +22

    return the loan car immediately.

    • Hmmm, should I also pick my car or leave it with dealership?

      • +10

        That's completely your choice. But at the moment you're holding property that doesn't belong to you and you're trying to use it as a bargaining chip. That is a super bad idea.

        As PVA said, take the loan car back immediately. It is not yours and they've demanded it back. You don't want the police involved and none of this is helping your cause.

        • Hi the-mal,

          seems i will do that itself, will hand the loan car but still not sure on my car though

    • +2

      Yeah I dont know about getting your car fixed, but if they want their car back…..give it back or risk getting into deeper problems.

  • +1

    What is the make and model of the car ?

    • +1

      Mazda CX-5 2014

  • +4

    Yep return the loan car, you're acting outside the law right now in keeping it.

    The dealership does have spare keys, don't be surprised the car just disappears 1 day if you go down that route.

    As to the issue, have you thought of trying a different dealership for a second opinion? So many times going back to the same one, surely by now you'd chance a different option?

    Fix it
    Exchange the car
    Refund the monies

    They're trying to fix it, but obviously can't see it as badly as you do
    They won't exchange a 2yo car. Won't happen
    They won't refund you. Won't happen

    • But the dealership said the issue is there, but it was for Mazda Australia to fix as it was on many cars of same model.
      Now as they tried multiple fixes, they are saying this is the best they can do.

      Well with exchange of the car as this is from first day and Mazda knew about it.

      • +2

        Yep and Mazda then needs to arrange a recall, or change the part, in order for them to fix it. They're not magicians, they can't just simply fix it.
        Sounds like the dealership have tried to rectify it, but you need to wait for Mazda to come up with a better fix, or deal with it until you sell the car

        Well with exchange of the car as this is from first day and Mazda knew about it.

        Still won't happen

        • Hi Spackbace,

          Thanks for your replies. Yes i agree with you that they are not magicians and they can't simply fix it. That's why they made me wait for 1.5 years for multiple fix releases. Now they have release in total 2 fixes and both didn't help my car's issue. So the local dealership never tried fixing as it was already with Mazda Japan for RnD.
          Now as none of the fixes worked on my car they are saying it the characteristic of the car and this is where i am feeling that I am being cheated….

        • +7

          @harsain:

          Don't have it in your mind that you're getting out of that car any time soon, not unless you trade it in.

          ACCC will work with the dealer, but the only recourse will be to trade your car in. No refund of a price you paid 2yrs ago, no free swaps, etc

          I'm being blunt because frankly, to chase a refund for a 2yo car is just plain insane!

        • +3

          @Spackbace: I appreciate the bluntness as that's what i need to know

        • @Spackbace:

          could not agree more

        • +1

          @harsain:
          Just like Spambane has said, you won't be getting a refund after 2 years (for a somewhat minor issue).
          You should voluntarily return the loan car AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
          Then ask them what is going to happen with your car.

          If the dealership says "Sorry can't help you", then don't wait a single day.
          On the same day, contact ACCC and start a complaint.
          Hand out all the information, and document as much as possible.

          You should as other's said, take the car to another dealer and see what they think.
          If they agree "this is manufacturer fault, and needs fixing", make sure to document that aswell.

          The most likely scenario I see is that:
          1) You give up, and learn to live with it
          2) ACCC pressures Mazda into fixing the problem
          3) Mazda cannot fix the problem, and instead get fined by ACCC, and issue you a reimbursement for what they agree is a "fair compensation" for the specific defect
          4) Very unlikely…a trade-in to a dealer demo car without the defect (if you're willing to accept a difference in specifics like colour, trim, and some extras.

          I did have a co-worker that had a top-of-the-line Mitsubishi Pajero with many electrical faults.
          After 9 months of no workable fixes, they did get their money back, and eventually went with a Passat.

        • @Kangal: very valid points, thanks a lot for the input

        • @Spackbace: for my Logitech headphones worths $450 I was succeeded for refund on defects, after I directly contacted US headquarter because rejected by AU office. For refund of vehicle, I don't really think so except you can prove the mirror can become a fatal issue as severe as the carpet sticking on pedals by Toyota years ago.

        • +1

          @Kangal:
          I'd personally skip the ACCC and go straight to VCAT (or equivalent state tribunal)
          ACCC - you could be waiting another 2 years!

          9 times out of 10 the dealer will stand up and listen properly (and settle out of court) when you threaten legal action like this, and it will only cost you a couple of hundred dollars to have your hearing, and a judge rule on the matter.

          It's not out of the question to return the car for a full refund IMO, especially considering the whole bunch of trouble you have gone to over two years. Don't let them get away with it, dealers are mostly crooked and only in it to take your hard earned wherever possible.

  • +4

    It's a minor problem so no chance of refund or exchange the car.

    Just get a large magnet sign to put on your car saying it's a lemon and park it in front of the dealership or Mazda head office.

    • +1

      Hahaha i remember someone doing that with Jeep…. good suggestion

    • I like that. Also with the line "CX-5 has mirror vibration issue. Don't buy!"

    • park in front of the dealer, that's who sold the car, and who is legally responsible. Great idea.

  • +4

    A mirror vibrating
    seriously something you can fix in about 30 seconds with some foam and a box cutter
    why bother with Mazda

    I bet their fixes are just as I have described inside the mirror Assy

    Personally, acting harsh about the loan car is only going to cop you with bad blood from the Stealership

    I have had no issues with my 2012 Suzki Swift Sport and its shitty CVT Gearbox, Suzki QLD screwed me around for weeks and basically claimed I stuffed it
    30 seconds and a multimeter and I fixed a dodgy wiring harness, shit technicians, pathetic service, I do all my own work and now have 107,000 on the clock and the CVT is as strong as ever, if not better than prior to taking it to them

    Moral of the story, 1.5 years to fix a simple issue is a joke, seriously fix it yourself, Yeah i know you shouldn't have to but it will save hours of anger and your sanity

    • What was the issue with the CVT? Like what was it doing?

      • Hi Mate

        Got a few issues still happening actually that seem to of cropped back up

        Revving higher than normal, doing 3000-3200 rpm at 100km used to be 2000rpm or just under
        sometimes not shifting from D,and solenoid stuck on C error on scan tool
        Jerky from cold, and shuddering

        Not the belt
        Not the oil, had it changed
        Suzuki claimed last year I put ATF fluid in it, CVT when it first happened overheated and went into limp low power mode

        I believe I need to fix the solenoid now but sometimes it runs perfectly

        I had a flat tyre changed at a shop and ever since it was in their shop my car felt differently, I don't know why but it seems co-incidal with the higher revving, like its not getting into the optimal gear

        Cricks the dealership in Nambour and Suzuki are both wasting my time and I gave up once it hit 100000km

        Won't be ever buying suzuki again though, been a horrible car with numerous issues

        *drivers carpet worn through
        *drivers power window died 3 times in warranty
        *drivers seat keeps unclipping (apparently fixed but half assed)
        *coolant smell, suzuki checked no issues
        *had it serviced and they didnt do the proper work at the 30k service

        Done it myself since then

        If you can get me a service manual I'd love to do an investigation myself and try fixing it properly.

        • +1

          Wow never had someone have those sort of issues (well that have told me)

        • @Spackbace:

          Yeah, Suzuki werent very helpful either
          basically telling me its my fault
          ironically I never touched the CVT and wouldn't expect to until at least 60000km

          had the issue since 35000km and they dragged it over months

          Next option is to get rid of it and buy a more reliable car

          Should of bought the Mazda when i did the test drive

          the stock stereo is SHIT

        • @Spackbace:

          Can you PM me in regards to service info on my car as I have lost faith in Suzuki QLD with servicing and would like the CVT point to point diagrams

        • @shawncro 222:

          the stock stereo is SHIT

          Trust me, there's worse! Cough Commodore cough
          At least the Swift has some bass

          Surprised you got the run around with it, but maybe that's the whole Suzuki QLD vs Suzuki Australia thing, might not have the same standards

          And I have nothing to do with service so would be too hard getting the info you need, sorry

        • @Spackbace:

          Mate, it would be Suzuki QLD
          they are horrible to deal with and they damaged my window tint twice and had to repair it during the electric window repair

          Not buying another suzuki thats for sure, Should of learnt buying an ex demo car was a bad idea, had 4000km on it when I got it and would of expected it to last, not sure what Bass you're talking about but mines gutless on FM

          Bluetooth seems better but yes not happy at all with the car

        • @shawncro 222: Does it clunk? Or stutter when changing gears?

        • +2

          @aussieprepper:

          CVT doesn't have gears ;)

        • @aussieprepper:

          Shudders when cold
          Sometimes locks in 2nd "shift point and wont let me out"
          Sometimes stuck in D even when I use paddles

          Its gotta be simple as the belt and oil are good

    • There first fix from Mazda Australia was to replace mirrors with the new 2015 model ones and then the second fix from local Mazda office was to put in some support bar, but when the dealership opened my car it was already there so they couldn't do anything

      Should I not even try to get a compensation? But this is so funny we let these big companies / businesses pass like this.

      You pay them 100 bucks less for the servicing, will they leave you thinking it's 100 bucks only ?

      • I dont know

        I have had a worse experience with Suzuki QLD and my gearbox
        mirrors though my friend would be the least of your issues if you can fix it yourself

        You should know dealers don't care less once you have a sale, you're just another stat on the board

        • i agree just one more sale for the team, but till now the dealership was really helpful but suddenly the service manager changed and new is not as helpful to be put in simple words

        • @harsain:

          The good ones seem to go after they make target in my opinion

        • If I paid for a brand new car hell no I ain't fixing nothing!

  • +6

    TLDR, Keep fighting the dealership and their head office customer support. IF you have taken the car in for many checks and 'repairs' keep all the records and send their HQ an email with all the dates etc and tell them you are taking this to VCAT. If they initially sent you a letter about the problem it is clear this is a manufacturing defect and they need to offer a reasonable solution. for a 2 year old car that would be a trade in to a newer model with you paying 3-4k, a bit less than standard new car depreciation as you have used the car, but not what you would expect from a new car.

    Had a similar problem with Chadstone Ford Dealership [VIC] and the 2012 Ford Focus. They were using this new CVT transmission and the car was completely stuffed. It would shudder every time at low speeds while turning. The car honestly felt like my first car at the end of its life, a 1991 nissan pintara. I had upgraded to this new car, my first ever new car and got a lemon. Honestly some of the second hand cars I had driven were better.

    Anyway, the company sent a letter saying they had identified a fault with the seals, leaking fluid on the clutch plates and to take the car in for a fix. the first fix didn't work, they then came up with another batch of seals which also didnt work. They then replaced the clutch and that too failed. They dealership kept telling me that this was the characteristic of the car and the fault was within tolerance. We were talking about a drop in about 500-800 revs, losing about 25-35% of the power with it at slower speeds and it was within spec. I complained to Ford Customer service and this was dragged out for 3 years at this stage. They advised me at one stage that their newer cars did not have this issue as they had gone back to the older transmission, so I offered to trade my car in, pay 3-4k and get the newer model but they did not budge, they wanted a standard trade in, offering 12k for my car and for me to pay 24k for a newer one to which I refused.

    One day the car suddenly shutdown right after takeoff at the intersection. The transmission control module failed and we couldn't turn the car on. Luckily car was in motion and we didn't stop in the middle of the intersection. Pulled off to the side and got car towed to dealership. They kept the car for 2-3 weeks as they replaced the module and fixed lose wiring. Warranty was expired and now they told me I no longer had warranty. Luckily the warranty on the transmission had been extended due to all these issues so I was covered.

    After this I got super pissed as could have been involved in a serious accident that day. Lots more complaining and threatening to go to VCAT as I had plenty of evidence at this stage, I was offered a upgrade to a new 2016 Focus. Turns out there was a class action by other Ford owners and thats why this 'solution' was offered. I lost about 6k on the old car trading it in, but I did use it for just over 3 years and 50K kms, although I had taken the car in over 8 times a year in the process and wasted countless hours on the phone and in person.

    • +1

      Good to read a different point of view also.
      These big can't take us for a ride like this

    • Oh, I got one of those from a car rental place.. OMG, it was terrible and even mentioned to them that the gearbox was stuffed.. But they said that it was normal for those cars, and they were all shit, and were in the process of getting rid of them.

      • It is a piece of crap. Biggest mistake buying it. should've stuck to second hand cars that drive better. The 2016 focus is ok, but I have been put off all Fords, especially given their customer service. Happy with Hyundai so far so will probably go for them in the future. Ford don't realise how much revenue they have lost from me and my family as none of us will buy one again.

      • had the same experience with a fiesta with the same gearbox. Was boned, yardie at the rental company laughed and said they're all stuffed, as soon as they're out of warranty they're getting sent to the auctions

  • +2

    Wow all that over 18 months for only a defective mirror? I hope you didn't have that diesel issue on top of that as well!

    Mazda CX-5 is one of my future cars to be considered, I can cross that off my list now. Only if I know which dealership…

    Return the car.
    Find out who is responsible. The dealer or car maker.
    Take it from there. Repair or exchange.

    • Hi DarkOz,

      Don't cut it off your list it's a good car, maybe i was unlucky

      Your suggestion is what i am gonna do exactly now…

      • Don't think you are unlucky. Our Mazda 2 has so many little issues that I am starting to find Mazda as an unreliable car. We got it brand new 7 years ago and it's now 100k.
        The interior light failed to react to the door.
        Electric mirror button is 50% faulty.
        Boot door button failed.
        Interior roof loud vibration
        Now the engine is humming and vibrates like a sports car on start up. It runs smoothly after being warmed up. Not sure that's a bad thing because it hums like a sports car. lolz!
        One of our Mazda dealer friend even told us that it's not a reliable car as he doesn't even want to drive one himself. I never paid much attention to that but I am starting to believe him.
        Good luck with you getting your car fixed.

  • +3

    Receptionist at work has a cx5 and she has to return it constantly because of gearbox problems.

    I think only just mirrors causing you issues is a win.

  • +4

    at first, after reading your post, I was like "is this guy for real?!?!?"
    then I thought about it for a while and i was like "he's got a point" upon reflection.

  • None of the above!
    If the issue is not that noticeable that they think is of an acceptable vibrating and not dangerous, then 2 years wasting of your life that could be put into a good investment is enough. Move on. All cars have a bit of vibration to some extent. Fix something else in your life!

    • Vibration noise at 110 on the highway, annoying as hell! !

      • I have a loud whistle at high speed, from around the mirror position but it was the wind blowing through a tiny gap between the genuine weather shield and window frame. The staff installed it has bad hands.

  • +1

    Hi, so sorry to hear your bad experience. It is frustrating when you buy a brand new car only to have silly issues like these that spoil it for you.

    Since it is a manufacturer's issue, the dealerahip really has nothing to do with it, go easy on them and return their car.

    The dealership however is the only way you can come face to face with Mazda, so you would expect them to take responsibility.

    I do not think you are unreasonable asking for it to be fixed. The other good suggestion from the thread is to ask for an exchange with a newer model for a smaller price.

    Good luck, don't give up.

    • Hi BestofOZB,

      Now today will be speaking with both dealership and the car company support staff to see what they have decided

      • Exactly. When we bought our 2014 Mazda 3, we got the window protectors on driver and passenger side. They are very poorly designed and at the front use a little metal clip to hold them in place. The screw that holds this clip in tends to come loose and once this happens the glue for the protector starts to lift. The vibration on these even at 60 is annoying. You can imagine what its like at 110. Had them replaced 3 times in 2 years now.

        • Window protectors? You mean weather shields?

        • I find weathershields bit of a useless 80's fad but each to their own. The technology hasn't changed either by the sounds of it. Just use a bit of loctite on the screws. Easy fix.

  • +2

    What a drag I am sorry you have this.
    Is the vibration bad enough you cannot see objects in the mirror?
    If so then this surely is a safety issue and may give you another avenue to get something done!
    Does it move more easily than the other one if pushing with hand?
    Have you taken it to a local mechanic for a quick look?
    Is there a Mazda cx5 forum site?
    Also is it the entire mirror assembly or just the glass panel?

    • Hi dlf73,

      On freeway it's worse and on top if there are high winds it seriously vibrates but only driver side.
      Haven't tried moving it with hand though
      No local mechanic hasn't checked it only authorised Mazda dealers
      While driving it seems only the mirror is vibrating not the whole assembly

      • +2

        OK, just trying to get think outside the square(trust me it is hard for someone like me) to give you other options!
        My initial though it highly unlikely assembly has been replaced if it is just the glass panel vibrating.
        Some things to consider doing:
        1. Get a compressor and blow air into the mirror assembly all around it and try to get it in the gap between housing and glass panel to see if it produces similar error? This will help determine if wind buffeting or the like over car vibrations is causing the issue.
        2. Tap the glass panel with your finger in all edges to see if it moves, etc. May give an idea of where behind the panel may be an issue.
        3. Try adjusting the mirror to be in all sorts of positions. Yes you will more than likely not see i the area you want to, but it may help!
        4. If you are happy to try, get a repair service manual online and remove mirror assembly and do your own diagnosis. see: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123828190-Mazd… or http://www.partzine.com/download-2013-mazda-cx-5-service-man…
        5. Make a small mark somewhere not obvious and capable of being removed without too much hassle, so that if at some stage in future they say bring in and we will have another go at fixing. You can then confirm if they say entire assembly has been replaced you can check for your mark. Sneaky I know but you have to do what you can to ensure you are not being lied to.
        6. Stick with the safety issue and contact immediately any relevant motoring bodies.
        7. Some law firms have first consultation free. You may be fortunate enough to get one to write a letter for free to get something happening.

        Hope this gives extra info to help you get this sorted.

        • If it's the actual mirror and not the housing vibrating, I agree it's unlikely that they replaced the mirror. I also think it's more likely they have need just dicking you around the whole time and since you are persistent they are trying a different tactic. I don't think a service manual is going to help as in my experience the mirror is treated as a nonservicable unit, so if it's broken you are supposed to get a new one. They do have parts you can take apart, but it's all plastic and clips and chances are if a part is broken you can't buy it on its own. I would mark it somewhere not obvious, go back and ask for it to be replaced and make sure it's done.

        • @Jackson: fair enough. I suggested other options as I can't help but think they will just plain fatout refuse to replace.

      • +3

        Just had another thought.

        Go to a smash repair place and see if they can offer any advice!

        • Haha out of the box thinking

        • +1

          @harsain: why not, the cogs have started turning upstairs its a new feeling for me…ha ha ha
          I have never had a new car so dont know your frustrations.
          Only trying to think of alternate ways/ideas to get this resolved as it seems a brick wall at dealership!
          Logic is they have had to fix mirrors before!!!!!!!
          :)

  • +3

    this might help
    http://mazdanation.com/cxclub/cxclub-hub/general-discussion-…

    sometimes they install the reinforcement, but not tighten it enough or use locktite.

    • Hi chenrenchun,

      I think this is the fix they tried on my car.

      • U might ask them to re tighten the fix kit, as the one who put it on might not tighten enough or the kit came loose over time and need to use locktite.

  • +1

    I have this model since new and never had this issue nor any other problem with the CX-5. Luck of the draw I guess.

    • Lucky you, so it's not on all cars

  • +3

    Not sure of the relevance, but the day I drove my brand new CX-9 out of the dealership I noticed the exact same vibration on the drivers side mirror (literally as a I drove it over the kerb to get it from the dealership to the road). It went back for tightening twice and I think replacement twice - issue still occurs. I believe it has to do with the thickness (or flimsiness) of the actual mirror plastic. After mine was replaced a few times I didn't like hearing "known issue / not faulty" either - but after 4-5 years I got used to it.

    By chance do you have low profile tyres and large rims (even if factory) - I think the CX-9 has factory 20" rims which are literal spine adjusters.

    • Yes, large trims GT model, and yes exactly same issue. I also drove back when I took the delivery.

  • My mazda 3 sp23 driver door occasionally did not close (the latch mechanism didn't work). Had it brought to the service center multiple times and I got the usual "couldn't find any problems", "we did notice it once.. but couldn't replicate to fix it.." "the air pressure in the cabin sometimes stops the doors closing" response.

    The moment I said it was a safety issue, it was fixed right away.

    • Hi thirdwill,

      Let me try that.

      Regards,

      Harsain

      • Wouldnt exactly call a mirror a safety issue though. A door falling open while driving/crashing sure. But a mirror. Its hardly a safety issue that will get fixed like this.

        • Would the police fine you or would a car pass roadworthy without one, or one that is defective?

        • @dlf73:

          A lot of bass would cause a mirror to vibrate, but a cop isn't exactly gonna pull alongside you and tell you off for a vibrating mirror ;)

        • -1

          Op could say the vibration makes him motion sickness. Therefore a safety issue for the driver.

  • You will get nowhere.

    The sunroof on one of my cars have been rattling from day 1. It has been in and out of the dealership workshop under warranty repair about six times. Everytime I bring it in, the foreman road testing it will hear the noise but half the time, the mechanic working on it will claim he cannot reproduce the noise.

    After 4 months or so, I decided to fix it myself. Dismantled the roof lining and sunroof (5 minutes), isolated all electronics and moving parts (5 minutes), cut dense foam from Spotlight (2 minutes) and shove it in all the spaces. Fixed. 12 months now, haven't had a problem.

    No idea what most of these warranty repair thing is about. I understand they can fix major issues, but minor stuff… forget it.

  • +1

    Probably going overboard but you're definitely within your legal right according to ACCC.

    https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees…

    Repairs
    If the problem with a product or service is minor, you must accept a free repair if the business offers you one.

    If the business fails to give you a free repair within a reasonable time or cannot fix your problem, you can:

    get it done elsewhere and pass on the costs to the business
    ask for a replacement
    ask for a refund
    recover compensation for the drop in value below the price paid.

    • +1

      Drop in value over a vibrating mirror
      seriously not worth the time

      • Agree. As I have previously said look at other ways of finding fault/resolving. 2 years is enough to say they either cannot or will not fix it!

    • The likely path to happiness here is to do as a previous bloke said, take it to a smash repairer, ask their advise, if they can fix it for a couple of hundred try to claim that back from the dealership of you think it's worth your time (only if you have already made sure the dealer have replaced the unit (see my comment above)

  • Hi OP, I have the same problem on my CX-5. let me know if there is a fix. I have been putting up with it

  • vibrating mirror, why don't you ask them to replace it with your loan car mirror? just try it if it works. Anyway return the loan car immediately

  • -1

    When I read options: "Exchange the car" or "Refund the monies"

    facepalm

    I want whatever your smoking if you thought either was going to happen. Since you don't have a major fault, most I'll see is that they replace your Mirror assembly and NOT the whole car.

  • +1

    So many high quality Japanese and US brands are degraded when they arrived Australia, because of the lazy dealers and customer service staff.

    Mazda is a good brand in Japan with attention to detail. Then when the models are manufactured by a few Asian countries. Then when the cars are maintained by local dealers.

    My Audi start leaking engine oils after an included 2nd warranty maintenance by mechanic of a local Toyota dealer. Even worse than a random mechanic found on yellow pages.

    If you have driven the car for 3-5 years already, I'd recommend you to sell and get a new car.

    • +1

      It's so sad that we say Australia has one of the best consumer laws in the world but it feels we are not. No where near as other countries US UK Canada etc

      • We have, but have to carry out the procedures in order to make that happen. For example, if you have telecomm conflicts, spend 5 mins to fill out the online form at TIO website. Something like that.

        It is usually waste of time debating against the dealers or sometimes the domestic headquarter.

  • Harsain….just go to ACCC/Fair Trading or related organisation in your state. Take all your records with you.

    • I spoke to consumer affairs and they said yes there are consumer laws but as this issue comes under minor issue, I can't do anything.

      • that doesnt sound right…

      • ACCC loves a fight.

        A fight with a small business or ones that are no brainers.

        Spoke to them about getting billed additional $12 for being issued a CityLink toll (so toll+12) because I didn't pay before due date. Fee is for their trouble to locate and bill me. I did pay, showed proof and I want to bill them $12 for me to dig up my archive.

        Was told I am not entitled to anything. Pretty one sided agreement. You forget, you pay. They forget, you pay again.

        • cool story

  • Hi Harsain,

    when you've spoken with Mazda the manufacturer, has their after-sales structure ever become a topic of conversation? Such as do you know who Mazda Australia's warranty claims are handled by? Do they have adjudicators or Regional Managers for Service? the reason i ask is that Mazda (the manufacturer) do not own their dealerships however, they must have some authority over the dealers to ensure brand guidelines and all that stuff are met. It very well may be worth escalating your matter above customer service to gain traction with the management of their after-sales members and discussing your matter with them as the dealership has proved fruitless.

    • This fix was not handled by the dealership. The dealership was just following guidelines sent by Mazda Australia.
      Once the dealership informed Mazda Australia that all fixes were done then Mazda Australia decided to send out their own technician who after driving my car said it's not an issue and it's a characteristic of the car.
      When asked what were they doing for 2 years they answered dealership should have checked and made a mistake.

  • +1

    Email John cadogan autoexpert.com.au ( [email protected]) and let's see what he has got to say about your issue .

  • harsain, you said " This was the 10th or 15th time dealership took my car" was wondering did you get a loan car each time ?

    • Yes each time

  • +1

    harsain harsain harsain , can you imagine how much grieve you have put this poor dealership through.
    They have given you 10 or more loan cars and wasted countless man hours.
    They replaced the mirrors with upgraded ones.(probably had to get them painted to match your colour)
    They have done everything in their power to rectify the problem. If they had a solution do you really think they would have you devaluing their loan cars every time,that they most graciously allow you to use.
    And harsein YOUR comment after all this is "obviously feeling cheated and screwed".
    Where do get the motivation from to keep pursuing this cause?
    And i just want to say i hope you don't go through your whole life with this sort of attitude, it can't be good for your health and is very un Australian.
    If i was the dealer i definitely would not have put up with your vendetta. would have went to ACCC to get you out of my life, hopefully forever.
    Please name the poor dealership, I will surely buy a car from them. They are obviously the best dealer in Australia putting up with you.
    And to all you who voted "exchange car as defective" you lot get your act together too.

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