The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda3. The contact noticed that there was an oil leak. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with an oil filter housing crack. The dealer also offered to assist with the repair expenses. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 51,000.

- Potomac, MD, USA

Letter from congressman van hollen on behalf of constituent re safety problems (random stalling) with his 2004 Mazda3 the consumer went to sears to purchase a battery thinking that was the cause of the random stalling, but was told the battery was fine and it appeared there was an electrical problem, but they were unable to figure out what it was. The consumer then went to the dealer and was told different things were wrong with the vehicle, which was causing it to stall. The consumer paid for the repairs, but weeks later the vehicle stalled again. The consumer also stated the clutch and transmission was replaced.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda 3. since 2007, the contact heard a ticking noise in the engine. The noise intensified and the dealer stated that the intake manifold was the cause of the failure. The repair would cost $1,036. The contact attempted to call the manufacturer as well. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 82,200.

- Harvest, AL, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda 3. while attempting to merge onto the highway at 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. Prior to the failure, the vehicle began vibrating and the instrument panel lights flashed. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The failure has occurred more than three times. The current mileage was 36,000 and failure mileage was 24,000.

- San Fransico, CA, USA

While driving on a residential road, at a low speed, changing gears from 2nd to 3rd, the car stalled. Upon trying to restart the car, it wouldn't turn over. After the car was pushed off of the road, there was a puddle of oil left behind. Realizing that the car wasn't going to restart, it was towed to a local repair shop. After being put up on the lift, it was discovered that the rod slammed into the engine blocking, seizing the engine. There should have been no reason for the rod to crack on a well maintained engine, on a 2004 vehicle. In order to get this car back on the road, the engine will need to be completely replaced. I don't see any recalls on this make and model, and I truly feel that there was something compromised with the vehicle, in order for this to happen. The oil was changed just 5K miles before. There were no check engine lights on... we are very upset about this news and are hoping Mazda has experienced other problems such as this one.

- Hillsborough, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Mazda 3. while driving 15 mph, the contact heard a thumping noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact noticed that the belt on the pulley for the power had failed. The dealer stated that the pulley needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 56,000.

- Tampa, FL, USA

I am writing you to seek your assistance in reviewing a complaint that I filed with Mazda, but have yet seen no resolution. On December 27, 2005 - the oil filter housing cartridge on my 2004 Mazda3 basically fractured and all of the oil was run out of the car, and then the engine seized. My car had approximately 54,000 miles, and 5 oil changes, all with synthetic oil. I had the car towed to tom bush Mazda, where they volunteered to do some research to see if they could determine the cause, and then perhaps ask Mazda for "goodwill" on the car itself. On Tuesday, January 3rd, I went into the Mazda dealer, and was told that the "oil filter housing cartridge" had been cracked by faulty workmanship at one of the oil change locations that had changed the oil. Upon doing further research, I found that Mazda changed the design of the engine to no longer use the plastic cartridge housing, but went to a canister filter, and issued a service bulletin to all of their locations that severe damage could result if the proper tool was not used to remove the cartridge. They no longer use this design. There are several complaints via web search of similar failures occurring to this faulty design feature. It is further complicated by the fact that I had the oil changed at tom bush Mazda prior to the release of their service bulletin - it adds more confusion to who may be culpable for the problem. I am trying to be rational about the issue, and am finding that Mazda will not describe the change in design or accept responsibility in the defect of the product/design. The oil loss in question was catastrophic - not a minor leak, the entire contents of the engine emptied in 30 or less seconds. I have contacted the regional director of customer service, michael von balsom, at 904-731-4010, and have not received any return phone calls, have requested an estimate of repairs from tom bush Mazda from pam busby, and have not received an estimate.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA