2009 Mazda3. The wheel end of the right front lower control arm snapped off. Updated 02/13/15

- Clyde, NC, USA

While driving on a straightaway portion of a state highway with no traffic or road problems (no potholes or uneven pavement), I heard what sounded like an object hit the underside of my vehicle. Upon looking in the rear view mirror, there was no evidence of any item on the road. After that happened, I started hearing metal grinding sounds under the car when driving on uneven roads. After removing all the items in the trunk, including the spare tire, the sound was still evident over uneven pavement. The mechanic discovered that a part of one of the rear coil springs had broken off and had gotten lodged under the car. The coil spring looked new on 2/3 of the spring and rusted through on the part that broke off (the other 1/3). The other rear coil spring looked like it was starting to rust in the same area and would be subject to the same type of failure. We live in the northeast, but make it a habit to clean the undercarriage during the winter season. As owners of a 2009 Suzuki and 2005 Honda Odyssey, my concern is that there is a defect in this part since this type of failure has not occurred with any of our other vehicles. The Mazda is a commuter vehicle used by one person and rarely has anything more in the trunk than groceries once in a while, so overloading is a non-issue. We are in possession of the coil springs that were removed if inspection is required.

- Cheshire, CT, USA

2009 Mazda 3; purchased new for our daughter - early on I noticed the tires were tilted, like the camber was way off. Brought it up to dealer during routine scheduled maintenance. I was given some story this was their zoom zoom suspension used on race cars. Tire wear (inside) was reaching dangerous level at under 15,000 miles with rotations done by dealership. Given excuse that harder tires would solve problem. I refused to buy tires from dealership since it sure sounded like a bunch of bs. I purchased 4 quality new tires from tire dealer with package to rotate/repair. I have them rotated every 4,500 miles. Took car in for rotation on May 9, 2013. Dealer told be tires were wearing horribly (again to the inside). I told them the dealership excuses, they suggested I go back to dealership where I purchased vehicle from. I complained and went on Saturday for them to check alignment at their expense. Everything within Mazda tolerance (surprise). This vehicle has under 40,000 miles, is driven locally to school and grocery store since purchase and is looking at third set of tires. This appears to be a major design flaw where safety is an issue with tires reaching dangerous levels well before they should. If people don't keep an eye on this situation someone will more than likely be hurt or killed. The dealer said they have been cross rotating tires to try and get better mileage or wear out of them. I showed owners manual to service manager since their book that came with car indicates standard directional rotation. Seems like everyone knows there is a problem but is making excuses so the company does not have to fix the problem.

- Wesley Chapel, FL, USA