Mazda Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Engine Defect

Mazda faces a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of vehicle owners, alleging that the automaker intentionally concealed information about an engine valve defect and has refused to repair the problem. 

The complaint (PDF) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on August 21, seeking class action status to represent all owners of Mazda vehicles that used engines equipped with a variable valve timing (VVT) assembly.

According to allegations raised in the Mazda class action lawsuit, the variable valve timing assembly has a “propensity to fail prematurely,” which may cause the engine’s timing chain to loosen or detach, leading to partial or total engine failure.

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“Although this defect is covered under Mazda’s powertrain warranty, Mazda fails to repair the defect under warranty,” the complaint indicates. “Mazda has had actual knowledge about the VVT assembly defect since at least 2007. Unfortunately, as part of the purchase process, Mazda has concealed material facts regarding the defect from purchasers and lessors of vehicles equipped with a defective VVT assembly.”

The lawsuit claims that Mazda’s standard response to complaints about the VVT defect is to maintain that the vehicle owners failed to provide sufficient proof of engine oil changes. The automaker’s standards are subjective and designed to make sure it does not have to acknowledge or repair the defect under warranty, according to allegations raised in the class action.

Vehicles that allegedly have the defective variable valve timing (VVT) assembly include the Maza CX-7, Mazdaspeed 3, Mazda 6 (2.3L) Mazda3, Mazda5 and MX-5. None of the defective engines have been in production since 2010, according to the complaint.

Mazda allegedly attempted to cover up the engine defects to uphold its claim that its vehicles will be “free from defects,” a statement made in its warranties, the lawsuit maintains. However, class action indicates that the company has known about the problem since November 2007, when it issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) to dealers stating:

When the engine is started, some vehicles may exhibit a loud ticking noise from the variable valve timing actuator at first start for a couple of seconds. This is caused by the lock pin of the variable valve timing
actuator not fully engaging. Heat treatment has now been added around the hole of the variable valve timing rotor lock pin to prevent this from happening.

The lawsuit says that the company determined that the variable valve timing assembly problems were caused by inadequate or improper hardening of the components when they were first manufactured and attempted several times to fix the problem.

The company has also received a number of consumer complaints about variable valve timing assembly failure leading to catastrophic engine failures, according to the complaint.

In January 2012, the company launched a “Special Services Program” for owners of vehicles affected by the problem, saying it would extend the warranty coverage specifically to repair the VVT on vehicles equipped with its L3T engine. it extended the warranty one year or 10,000 miles. However, the lawsuit claims that Mazda referred to the problem as a noise concern and did not advise consumers that it could lead to catastrophic engine failure, and excluded a number of vehicles with the defective VVT from the program.

The class action lawsuit for Mazda vehicle owners indicates presents claims for fraudulent concealment, breach of warranty, and violating consumer protection laws.


229 Comments


Amanda
I have a Mazda CX 7 an it cuts off on me no matter we’re I’m at boggs out I’m so sick of this car it’s dangerous it’s my only car I’ve been late to work it’s stopped on freeway I DNT no wat to do I have no help no family I just want a good running car I spent 5000 bucks on this car now I have to save more money to fix it I been putting money in this car almost the first week I had her this is crazy

Reginald
I have a 2008 Mazda 5 the engine just froze up with no warning been sitting 2 years only had 145,000 and it was dealer maintained,?

Lauren
I couldn’t even get emissions on my vehicle actuator stuck open , had it fixed , still having code pop up on reader, oil leak ass well, then it overheated and won’t run with out spitting antifreeze every where I spent 10,000 on this 2007 Mazda cx7 2 years ago and now I have no car.

Valencia
I had a Mazda cx7 2008 car I brought it in 2012 ,when my new car was wreck,it was still under warranty ,I keep hearing a noice ,I took it back to the Mazda dealer it was the timing belt.I also got a lot of repairs done to that car in 2020 ,spent over 11000 dollars ,car recently, went through water and caught on fire,but I think Mazda had a lot of recalls on that car I need someone to check it out for me

Jennifer
I have had my Mazda cx7 for probably 2 1/2 years now and when I initially got it I thought it was going to finally be a good car for me. Due to other recall issues and where I live… rural Missouri…I had a difficult time getting in anywhere for the repairs needed and due to them not returning phone calls and emails regarding he issues(after they seemed to incessantly send me letters stating how important it was to get my car in to get the things fixed ASAP) we were not contacted. I was driving in the evening to get my son from the sitter after work and the first major issue occured and thank God it happened on gravel and not on the winding roads if literally just been driving down, my axle snapped in two. They eventually did the repairs for free and towed it to st Louis which is 100 miles away as well, but the mechanic at that Mazda dealership was rude and eventually straight up said that the CX-7 is the worst Mazda model csf they have ever made and that I needed to get a new car anyway. Many, many times he made sure to say this to me. That’s fine and dandy for him to say and all but I have no money not the credit on top of that to get another vehicle. This is my sole vehicle and I rely on it heavily so last week when out of nowhere the serpentine belt broke and I just got it back this evening only to find it is smoking even worse than ever but is also smoking out the front….something it never did before the sudden snap and the smell of burning rubber is bad and also the computer system in it doesn’t sound right nor have I heard the fan kick on to cool down the engine at all. I don’t know if the guy at a local shop didn’t put the belt on right or if it is a loose sensor and hopefully not worse…or what…but my car is so unreliable and it is something so frustrating always. Oh, and the locks suddenly stopped working properly right before the belt issues. Oh, to cap off my st Louis dealership debacle…which I am thankful they did the fix for free…I turned on my headlights to check them before driving the hundred miles home in the dark, and in repairs they worked on they dislodged completely my driver’s side head light I had just put in myself and not only left it just laying inside there but also at some point the bracket arm completely that keeps the lights in place and said nothing to me about it. I am constantly adjusting my head lights by hand trying to make sure Im able to see the road instead of a shadow reminiscent of the batman logo. To sum it up…don’t but the Mazda CX-7. The serpentine belt has made way for a headache now I just wish I could not be forced to deal with. I wish I’d read up before purchasing this and now my lesson has been learned for the future.

Teresa
I have a 2007 Mazda CX7. I bought it used in 2009 with only 18,000 miles on it second owner. As it hit 60,000 I had to have the timing chain replaced. I have the car and have maintained it with total mileage at 125,000. Last week I took it to get a tune up and my mechanic called me with the news that I need to have the timing chain replaced. This should not be happening again. Never at 65,000 and certainly not again at 125,000. I am devastated. What can I do? Mazda did not cover the cost of the first one.

Dewayne
I have a 2012 mazda 5 with a variable valve timing defect. I originally thought it was the timing chain itself

Richard
Mazda cx7 2007 retention belt busted

Clifford
I have a 07 Mazda cx7 that blown the motor over this also a Mazda 3 2008 with blown motor and I also had 3 more Mazda 3 that had same issue so this is definitely a problem

Yaritza Vega
I have the same problems when I drive it it hesitate and it has to do with the valve.

Uvaldo
Recently bought a Mazda CX 7 and on the way home started overheating. from what i was told the Intake manifold runner control stuck closed Bank 1, engine started knocking/shaking and died. It will not turn on, various issues.

Andy
My Cx7 seized after I pulled over as I was leaving the state to move. No prior problems no warning, dead on the road. Idk anything about this site but I do know it was highly irregular that my car died so fast without warning.

John
I had the same problem 2008 mazda 6

Diane
I own a 2011 Mazda CX9 over the past few weeks I have been having the following issues with this vehicle: engine seems to rev up on it’s own while driving vehicle lunges forward when sitting at a stop with the break engaged vehicle stalls while at a stop or going very slow passenger front window gets stuck back hatch will no longer open all the way.

Stacey
Wow…….why didn’t I see these in my search before purchasing a 2007 Mazda CX7. All familiar stories created sadness that any one of us are in this position due to negligence on Ford it seems as s well as Mazda considering both were aware of these issues and decided to install engines anyway. How sad in this country companies are not required to honor their word we with out dispute when there is endless evidence that proves negligence. There is no way they can prove innocence so I’m confused as to why they are fighting it anyway replace or repair is how it should have been handled from start if they had any integrity within these two companies

Wade
I have a2011 cx7 with 55,000 miles 2,3 turbo timing chain broke and engine is now junk . car was nice and fun to drive. But now to expensive to fix .

Thomas
Mazda engines have a problem if they are turbocharged the seals fail and it will suck all the oil out and burn it in the exhaust and you will either spin a bearing or bend a rod either way the engine is toast. I should know just happened November 1 to me on my 2008 cx7 with 71,000 miles.

Willie
I have a 2009 cx7 mazda 2.3 L grand touring engine and the engine for a while where loud everywhere I go people ask me why it is so loud at time I didn’t no what it was and now I no and than the engine fail and shop said it a blow by.

Becky
105,000 miles on my 2014 CX-9. Noticed the grinding sound upon startup but it quickly went away. Stopped to get gas and noticed engine light, then grinding again. Took it to the dealership and it had jumped timing for no apparent reason. Now I apparently need a $9400 engine replacement. The mechanic mentioned that he had two others in the shop for the exact same reason. We have babied this car. All oil changes and general maintenance have been done at the dealership.

Vanessa
Bought a 2013 Mazda3 Hatchback. Had it 3 months without warning the engine completely shut off with my 17 year old driving. Thank God he’s ok. Mazda Dealer said it spun a bearing. Engine must be replaced at a cost of $7600.

Amanda
I had a 2008 Mazda 6, got into a wreck someone rear ended me on the interstate and caused me to hit the car in front of me, my back bumper was basically in my backseat and my air bags never went off. After they totaled my car, I bought a 2015 Mazda 6, my car had 165,000 miles and it jumped time! I was on my way to work, stopped at a stop light and the whole car just completely quit. I still owe money on the stupid car, have to buy a new motor for it, oh yeah and I just lost my job.. what am I supposed to do now.

Stacy
My son bought a used Mazda CX=7 in July 2020. He complained about a ticking sound to the dealer when they did his oil change. They said it was just a noise issue nothing wrong with the car. 5 months later in April 2021 his engine died on his was home. Dealership said it was a total engine failure. That it appears the piston knocked to spark plug off and it ceased up the engine. We are in the process of a $6000 + engine replacement.

Karen
My son bought a 2007 Mazda 3 the engine had just been replaced when he bought it. Drove it a month and engine failed put another engine in it and 3 weeks after new engine engine failed again. Both times due to no oil but both times the oil was in the engine. The last time he toped off the oil ,started out on a trip and two hours into trip engine failed supposedly due to no oil in engine. How is that possible.

George
Does anyone know what happend with the lawsuit they had?

Quinton
Had a wreck in my Mazda 3 on Dec. 5,2020. Some how I lost control and my airbags didn’t work so I don’t know whom to talk about that but would be nice to talk to someone about it.

Dylan
I am 19 i dont know much about cars but i have a 2008 mazda 6 and here we go with this infamous ticking noise! I take it to the shop they replace my engine then jot even 2 months later here we are again with this infamous ticking noise again like all i want to know is what am i supposed to do? Cause i still owe money on it because i bought it from a huy here pay here place And all they want to do is keep giving me loans to fix it so i have to keep paying on this POS car for no reason!

Diana
My car blew going 60 on a highway with no issues pervious. I was on my way to pick up my son if we where on the highway going the other direction we would have been dead.

Karl
(2010 Mazda 3i)I’ve been battling a P0012 code ( indicating the engine control module (ECM) has determined that the intake camshaft timing for bank 1 is more retarded than what the ECM has commanded it be.) for over 6 months. I put in a new VVT solenoid,cleaned the filter screen,inspected timing chain & gears. It’s better than it was,but check engine light pops at about 100 miles when codes cleared. Engine runs sweet,but obviously there’s something not just quite right somewhere. Even purchased a new computer,and had it flashed to vehicle,with fresh updated program. No change. I’ve been a mechanic for 47 years,but this car has definitely challenged me.

J
I had a 2006 Speed6GT w/ 53,000 miles and threw a rod through the side of the block. Mazda said it would be $2,800 to $3,200 to change the motor for only it to potentially happen again! This is BS and Mazda needs to step up and honor this poorly designed engine. How many people need to experience the same exact issue for them to accept a class action suit?

Mark
Yep there first mistake with these Po’s cars is the Ford 2.3 litre motor ! They were junk when Ford came out with them in the early 80’s ! Mazda got screwed by Ford and we got screwed by Mazda , what a sick joke. ! We should be suing FORD MOTOR COMPANY also for there shit design as usual ! Henry Ford would puke if he saw what his company has became ! As for Mazda they have always been turds one way or another.

Shane
Yeah my Mazda CX-7 2007 constantly has something going on with it power shifting back and forth idling rough turbo not always working the engine upon startup makes loud clattering noise like it’s low on oil all the time engine light comes on and off a lot short in the blinkers engine not responsive on highway at times buttering seems to be bad fuel at all times hard time keeping air conditioner cool no leaks found odor smell at times and have had several key fobs both on the ignition and key pad and just doesn’t last doesn’t work only for setting the alarm not to start baking convenience uses a lot of gas and oil always since I’ve been I’ve had it I’m the second owner my sister bought it brand new and I’m the second owner and take care of it maintenance Etc even sun visors just completely just fell off or come on hands not even hardly used

Stacy
My engine blew rod. I purchased a new engine and still have issues. Issues with the turbo to. Sad the car didn’t last 1 year… Mazda should replace my money or give a car that will not break down and cost $4,500 to fix it. Cx7 2007

Bob
Own a 2009 Mazda CX-9 and regularly kept up with all the required maintenance, including oil changes. The car currently has 117,000 miles, and while driving it recently, I noticed that the car starting idling rough at which time the check engine light came on. I had the car towed to a Mazda dealership (where I always have it serviced) to be repaired. Next day I get a call that the mechanic discovered coolant had leaked into the oil, and the engine was now blown. Ironically the car was just in the shop two weeks prior to have the rear shocks replaced. New engine costs estimated at $8,500.00. Never buy another Mazda !

Diane
My Mazda cx7 has a loss of power defect plus the airbags are RECALLED I don’t have the money for a new motor can someone help me.

Richard
I’m on my third motor,the o.e.m. first,and two reman motors,they didn’t make it out of the repair shop

Robert
2008 CX-7 with the 2.3L. Same VVT timing issue. Loud rattle at startup. Called a dealer and they quoted at least $1800 plus an oil change. I’ll call another today but need this to be HALF this price for it to be worth it. Wow. Never again Mazda. If you can’t help your customers with some free labor, I’m done.

Sammy
I had a mazda atenza 2006 6 speed manual. I kept it serviced changing oil and filter every 10,000km and It started making a clicking noise whilst idling and accelerating so I got the worn pulley replaced followed by a new belt . It was good as gold for about a month .then the clicking came back.3 days ago it started making a clunking noise whilst I was on highway and it lost power started smoking like crazy and what do you know the engine was on fire. Car is a TOTAL write-off

Jennifer
I have a 2008 Mazda CX-9 that had coolant mixing with the oil. Took it to the mechanic who checked for a blown head gasket and came back fine. He determined it was the water pump so had it replaced for $1200. A week later ratteling sound when starting car and now overheating and milky oil again. Only have 130,000 miles on it and still owe 900 on it. Should the mechanic have replaced the timming chain as well when he did the water pump? Can the timming chain make a brand new water pump break? Not sure if I should complain to mechanic or is this a Mazda defect? Can’t afford to drop any money into this car. I’m so angry, how can Mazda get away with this?

Victor
We bought the car (wife @ I ) as a return lease it only had 28,000 miles on it .At about 40thousand the power train module went (transmission computer went )was replaced under warranty. At about 50 thousand motor was making a loud ticking constantly not only at start up tool it our local mazda dealer they told me the timming chain was hitting the valve cover and is about the break causing complete engine destruction bit could be fixed under the service bulletin repair free of charge if i can provide proof of regular oil changes I do all my owe oil changes went to my local part store and had them print me out a reciept showing all the times I bought the cx-7 oil filter so the cam chain was replaced free of charge at about 65 thousand miles the turbo went so we replaced the turbo me myself seeing that the warranty ended at 60 thousand at a cost of one thousand dollars at about 80 thousand miles the injectors went along with the ECM (engine controll module) one caused the other i believe injectors went shorting out the computer I did all the work at a cost of about 700.00 dollars i parts .Now at 93 thousand miles the motor has no or little compression in the number 2 cylinder sp now i have to replace the motor (engine) at a cost to purchase of 3,600 dollars that is a new motor from part store and not the cost of installation motor has consumed oil since we bought it with only 28,000 miles shame on mazda never another vehicle from them.

Robert
VVT failed 2007 CX7and now the engine is blown. I have a 1990 ford thunderbird that still runs and my 2007 cx7 17 years newer is a dead. 3000.00 to repair….

samantha
Anyone know where this lawsuit is in the process? I just found this… wish I had found it BEFORE I bought my car….

Anthony
I own a 2007 Mazda CX-7 and have gotten a Emission failure code of P0012 (A P0012 code refers to the VVT (variable valve timing) or VCT (variable camshaft timing) components and the car’s PCM (powertrain control module) or ECM (engine control module). VVT is a technology used in the engine to allow it to get greater power or efficiency at different running points.) I took it to the shop and was told I need $2000 worth of work to repair the VVT and VCT. I bought this car used 3 years ago and have replaced the Turbo, Control Arms (recall item). It a bad oil leak , needs A/C replaced. It was a bad deal gone wrong. When I took it to the Dealer for the recall on the control arms they never mentioned the bad wheel bearing.

Eva
I have a 2007 Mazda Cx7 it only has 56000 miles. I have maintained it with regular oil changes and such. I have truly babied this car. Now I am told the turbo is going. What to do? Can I join the Class Action Law Suit?

Erika
I have a 2008 Mazda Cx7 with the exact same issues. My engine is gone. I maintained it with regular oil changes. Yet my mechanic said it is not worth fixing. I stuck paying for a car I can’t use but don’t want to ruin my credit. I will never ever buy a Mazda again. They take no responsibility for ripping hard working people off. It is their engineering and parts error. They need to man up and fix their problems they created. Like their competition or the will go belly up.

Maureen
I can’t believe I’m reading MY STORY over and over again! I was googling the price of a replacement engine and this site came up. I just bought a used 2007 Mazda CX-7 2 1/2 weeks ago!! I took it to my mechanic to get it checked out, and he said it passed with flying colors!! No big problems. All I needed was an oil change, new tires, rotors, & new windshield wiper blades, and I got it painted because the clearcoat was pealing on the hood and roof! So, in addition to the purchase price (which was fair) I’ve already spent $950 getting it painted, $700 on tires, $200 on brakes, $100 on new visors (why aren’t visors made to last?), $50 on windshield wiper blades, $125 for topping off freon & the oil change because the cap had been stripped and needed a new one, and $20 on a new antenna! Oh, and it needs the ball joints replaced which are covered under a recall!! Then yesterday, As I was driving on I-95 (the highway) going about 45-50 mph all packed up, intending to evacuate for hurricane Irma (I live in south Florida) when it started to pour down rain, and all of a sudden my A/C stops working, and the engine feels sluggish. Then within 3 minutes the check engine light starts flashing and I LOSE ALL ENGINE POWER AND TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKES!!! A TOTAL Catastrophic failure on I-95 IN A DOWNPOUR THE DAY BEFORE HURRICANE IRMA!! I was packed up & heading out of town with my new tires, brakes, oil change, wiper blades, etc.!!! I was driving in the middle lane and had to get to a shoulder fast to avoid an accident, but had no power!! The car started smoking from the tailpipe and under the hood! I put on my hazards and tried to coast to a stop & finally had to use my emergency brake!! BLACK Oil was poring out of the bottom…MIND You Just 2 weeks after a synthetic oil change! I had to wait on the side of I-95 for 4 hours (because of the storm) to get towed to the mechanic who did the oil change! Needless to say, I was unable to get a rental car yesterday as they were all closed by the time I got finished at the mechanic!!! So now I’m stuck in FL in a HURRICANE because of this issue!!! A happy camper I am not!! All I can say is thank God for Uber! I’m just praying now that this engine failure doesn’t cause me bodily harm for not being ABLE to evacuate!! So much for reliable transportation!! I’ve never felt so helpless in my life!! I NEED TO JOIN THIS CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT!! This is insane!! And there’s no way I would replace that engine with another Mazda engine! IF I REPLACE IT!

Nery
I too would like to join this class suit can anyone tell me how?

Traci
Purchased a 2007 Mazda CX-7 2 years ago, was told that the timing may need to be changed but wasn’t quoted a price. A day later, the car completely shuts off, had it towed to dealership where they are now telling me it will cost $8k to replace because now its needs a new motor.

Sharon
my07 mazda cx7 died on me July 11 2017…I still owe the bank…motor prices are 4500 to 6000 and labor and parts are more…one year and four months brought at 77000 miles died at 87000…check engine light came on 7 days after.. took it back they couldn’t read it…dealership turn it off…I saw black smoke coming out when give it gas (driving).. so oil changes every 5000 miles I should only have two..I have no clue what to do..its gonna take some time to come up your money.. Are the cx7 make it to 200000 miles or what…the whole situation is making me sick…people are saying you will be alright not until its paid off

chakata
I bought my mazda cx7 brand new back in 2007 and have the same issue everyone else is having, nothing but trouble and replacement. my mazda is sitting in my garage and now debating if I should replace the engine. I’ve paid it off well over 30,000 in interest not including parts I’ve replaced. we all should be compensated for this matter. now I’m without a car and not sure if it’s a good idea to replace my motor.

Candice
I have a 2014 Mazda 5 and the tapping in my engine just started!!! I don’t know what to do, I’ve gotten oil changes on time! I’ve only had this car for 3 years! This is terrible!

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