For Mazda Owners Especially The Old Model, Is It The Same As Many Complaints Reported In The US?

Mazda6 2009. (Photo: IIHS)

JAKARTA Mazda Corporation is known as a car manufacturer that offers an interesting driving experience, aesthetic design, and high reliability and even often occupies the top position in the Consumer Reports reliability rating (United States nonprofit organization) which conducts research and product testing to provide ratings and reviews to help consumers).

However, the Japanese brand turned out to be facing a number of specific issues widely reported by the owner and noted in a report by the US highway safety authority, NHTSA.

Reporting from Jalopnik, Wednesday, October 22, this problem includes various models, ranging from the sporty Mazda Miata to the CX-9. These findings present a paradox, in which the reputation of the brand's global reliability is eroded by iterated weaknesses.

Structural Problems: Corrosion And Dasbor

One of the most prominent long-term complaints is severe carat issues. This problem was mainly experienced by models of the 2000s era such as Mazda3 and Protege, but significant corrosion complaints at the bottom of the vehicle (subframe, wheel anchor, and suspension components) were also reported on models of the 2010s operating in the "salt belt" (Salt Belt) region in the northeast and central west of the United States.

For example, in 2018, Mazda withdrew thousands of units of Mazda6 produced from 2009 to 2010 due to suspension problems caused by excessive corrosion.

In addition, the models of Mazda3 and Mazda6 produced from 2009 to 2013 in hot-temperature areas also face the problem of melted dashboards. Exposure to solar and extreme heat causes dashboard plastic material to lose plasticity, turn into soft, shiny, and highly bouncing, creating serious safety hazards. Mazda has extended the warranty for up to 10 years for the replacement of the affected dashboard.

Skyactiv Technical And Transmission

Mazda's technology system also does not escape complaints. Mazda Connect's infotainment system, which was introduced to Mazda3 in 2014 with Commander Knob (turn button) as a substitute for the touch screen, is often complained of because of problems such as sudden switching off screens, connectivity problems, and the disconnection of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In the powertrain sector, although the six-speed automatic Skyactiv transmission is claimed to be revolutionary for combining automatic efficiency with manual nuances, a number of customers reported typical transmission issues: delayed dental transfer, hard dental displacement (harsh downshifts), and delayed dental activization as the car began to move from a stationary position.

In addition, Mazda3 (2006-2013) and Mazda5 (2008-2014) models were reported to have failed the transmission control module (Transmission Control Module/TCM), which resulted in erratic gear movement and the emergence of machine warning lights.

Machine Complaints And Minor Problems

Even Skyactiv-G machines, which are considered sturdy, face challenges. Direct injection machines on several high-speed Mazda3 and CX-5 tend to build carbon in the intake valve. This causes problems such as rough idling, power loss, and P0300 error code for machine misfires.

Another recorded engine problem is the failure of variable valve timing (VVT) actuators in 2.3 liters of engines in Mazda3 and the initial Mazda6 model, as well as excessive oil consumption and apex seal in legendary rotaries at Mazda RX-7.

Beyond these major problems, Mazda is also facing a significant series of recalls, including the withdrawal of nearly 120,000 cars and SUVs in 2021 due to a fuel pump failure. In addition, some owners have complained about the thin quality of paint, especially in the Soul Red Crystal flagship color which is easily peeling and scratched due to the water-based paint coating used in the company's low-environment impact program.

Overall, although Mazda is recognized for its overall advantage of driving and reliability, potential buyers are advised to examine these vulnerable areas, especially the corrosion at the bottom of the car in areas that often use road salt.