QLD Mazda CX-9 AWD 2008-2015 Design Defect - Obligations

[Lee310]

Hi everyone, I just joined this page and this thread in the hope that I can find out if anyone had a positive outcome with their Transfer Cases in the CX9? I am currently going through this nightmare and not getting anywhere with Mazda so far. I have been quoted $6000 for the TC and box (I have a 2011 model with only 97Kms on it). Love to hear back from anyone if hvae time to reply. Many thanks Melissa

 

[Lee310]

Hi Melissa, no positive outcome here unfortunately. After spending $3200 to replace our transfer case the car was still not right. We disposed of our car (which was supposed to be our forever car) for a whole lot less $$ than it should have been worth just to be done with the whole situation.

Have you lodged a complaint with Handle My Complaint yet? They just need a few more people to add complaints before they can take Mazda on for us all in a class action lawsuit. Much harder for Mazda to ignore a lawsuit than it is to ignore individual consumers...

 

[MBrown]

Hi Less, thanks so much for replying I really appreciate that. I am booked in to get my repaired at $3400 but if its also the transmission it will be $6000. My car has such low mileage and I was intending to keep it for a long long time but may have to sell it afterwards too especially as it may reoccur. I haven't lodged with Handle My Complaint but will definitely do that tomorrow.

 

[Lee310]

Hi Less, thanks so much for replying I really appreciate that. I am booked in to get my repaired at $3400 but if its also the transmission it will be $6000. My car has such low mileage and I was intending to keep it for a long long time but may have to sell it afterwards too especially as it may reoccur. I haven't lodged with Handle My Complaint but will definitely do that tomorrow.

I totally understand how you're feeling. Definitely lodge the complaint. It takes a little time to do but the more people we have on board the better chance we have of recuperating some $$ for the costs this has incurred for us all.

 

[sayeed940]

I live in Melbourne, Australia. I got Mazda CX 9 2010 , issue with Transfer case that needs to be replaced. I bought the car from a Dealer only 2 years ago and I ran only 20,000 KM since then. Now the Odometer reading is only 134000 KM. The car has been regular serviced and only been used for office and family travel. Now I already have spent 1000 dollar just to change Wheel bearing and need to spend another 3200 dollar to change transfer case. I contacted the dealer and he was saying the car was bought 2 years and what I want them to do as they cannot give guarantee for old car. As I have been reading and doing my research for this model, it seems the issue is a manufacturer issue and there are many more similar complains. I have lodged complain as one of my friend from this forum advised link below. Hopefully I will get some feedback and refund what I spend and also want Mazda to re-check and replace in anything needs to be replaced for manufacturer issue.

Handle My Complaint - Home

Need help with your complaint? We are Australia's most trusted complaint assistance company. We can help you reach out to over 80,000 companies for FREE.

resolve.handlemycomplaint.com.au

 

[Maps]

Hi. Was your car in warranty still when Mazda fixed it?

Thanks

 

[sayeed940]

Mazda did not fix it. they were asking around 600 dollar for checking. my car is 2009 model.

 

[Maps]

Mazda did not fix it. they were asking around 600 dollar for checking. my car is 2009 model.

Thanks for your reply. Did you get someone else to fix it? If so whom and price roughly? Thanks

 

[Maps]

Hi everyone,

I would like to know if I have a case against Mazda Australia regarding this matter, potentially grounds for a class action.

Situation:
* I am the owner of a 2013 Mazda CX-9 AWD, and have owned for 2 years
* There is a component called the Transfer Case / Power Transfer Unit that takes an input from the Transmission and drives the wheels
* The Transfer Case in this generation (2008-2015, AWD variant) is classed by Mazda as 'non serviceable' and contains what Mazda call 'life time oil'. Servicing of this part does not appear on any official Mazda Maintenance Schedule for this vehicle (Mazda AU website).
* The oil in this unit degrades over time as any part with oil does and needs to have the oil replaced (confirmed by Mazda Service Manager )
* Without replacing the oil at regular intervals the oil breaks down and stops lubricating the internal parts. The internal parts then start to break apart, the oil fills with metal filings, which then break down and destroy the Transfer Case
* As the Transfer Case degrades it will start to degrade the input from the Transmission (splines) to the point where the Transmission is also destroyed
* I took my CX-9 into the Mazda Sunshine Coast service centre due to a strong 'shudder' in the drive train at certain RPMs and they happily quoted me $19,000 to replace the Transmission and Transfer Case. The friendly lady at the counter then went on to recommend I instead sell the vehicle as fast as I could, either to a dealer or privately (ethics!).
* When asked about second hand parts, Mazda happily informed me that they don't recommend them for this issue, as the majority they have seen come through their service centre show signs of the same degradation / destruction. One vehicle they told me about needed 4 separate Transfer Case + Transmissions until they found a second hand part that wasn't degraded / destroyed.
* When asked how to prevent recurrence of this issue post repairs / replacement, Mazda informed me that like any part with oil it needs to be serviced regularly (Mazda Service Manager). When I asked where it appears on the offical Maintenance Schedule (as it does not appear), they refused to answer the question.
* Looking at the various Mazda forums this is a known issue with many owners reporting similar stories for this generation. There are videos posted on how to replace the oil in the Transfer Case to prevent this issue, but it is a non standard procedure, as there is no drainage port to get the oil out. Some mechanics are reported as refusing to do the service, as Mazda does not recommend it. Mazda USA apparently extended the manufacturers warranty on the Transmission and Transfer Case on this generation to 9 years so that owners could get their defective units repaired / replaced.

My deductions / inference:
* Mazda Australia know there is a design defect with the Transfer Case
* Mazda Australia know that without regular servicing, the Transfer Case will eventually prematurely degrade / be destroyed
* Mazda Australia know that this then causes degradation / destruction of the Transmission
* Mazda Australia know that these premature failures are preventable with regular servicing of the Transfer Case. Yes, all engine parts will eventually fail, but a Tranmission and Transfer Case failing after 7.5 years and 145,000Ks is not the expected life time. And widespread failures as reported by Mazda, are not expected for a normal part.
* Mazda Australia have chosen to not update the Maintenance Schedules for this generation / variant to include the required regular servicing of the Transfer Case
* Mazda Australia are consciously preventing owners of these cars to prevent catastrophic failure and repair / replacement costs in the order of $19K
* Mazda Australia know the issue is widespread as they admit the majority of second hand parts show signs of this issue

Question for the forum:
1) How do I go about getting Mazda to pay for rectification of my own vehicle
2) How do we collectively go about get Mazda to remedy the Australian situation, inclusive of e.g. extending the Warranty on these parts as per USA practice, updating the Maintenance Schedule, providing instructions to mechanics on how to service this 'non serviceable' item, paying damages (?) to owners who provide proof they have previously had this issue.

Logic Flaws / Gaps:
A) Mazda will likely say this is 'normal wear and tear'. Rebuttal: Widespread (admitted by Mazda) degradation and destruction of Transfer Cases at 'relatively' low years / KM, which then goes on to destroy entire Transmissions, is not considered normal wear and tear. Also is countered by Mazda USA extending their warranty on these parts to 9 years due to known issues.
B) Mazda will likely say 'the owner did not look after the vehicle properly, e.g. used mis-matched tyres / towed heavy loads, etc.'. Rebuttal: The Owners Manual mentions correct patterns for rotating / replacing tyres, but the only repercussion highlighted is 'reduced traction, steerage, braking, increased wear on tyres'. If complete destruction of the Transfer Case and Transmission is a potential consequence, this needs to be communicated to owners and I would suggest reinforced by every tyre dealer. As my vehicle does not have a tow bar (and would suspect many don't) the excessive towing load can't be used as an argument for a wide spread issue.

HI.

HAs anyone had any success against Mazda in regards to transfer case?- Thanks

 

[Maps]

I was able to get Mazda Australia to replace my Transmission and Transfer Case at no cost. After Mazda Sunshine Coast quoted $19K to replace them, I did the research and complained to Mazda Australia as the 'manufacturer' under Australian Consumer Law, and that these had failed the consumer guarantee for quality and fit for use, citing the North American extended warranty that had been issued for this fault. They dragged their feet and had me take the car back into Mazda Sunshine Coast for them to inspect (potentially at my cost), but as the transfer case had also damaged the splines on the transmission, they agreed to the replacement.

Hi. Congrats for getting Mazda to fix your car. Was your car out of warranty when they fixed it? If so what do you think was the most argument for them to accept responsibilty. Thanks