Re: 2011 Mazda 3: Heavy moisture appeared in headlight compartment on passenger side about 3 months ago. I had my local mechanic check it out today (they had to take bumper off to remove the assembly). They found water inside the electronic system and the entire headlight assembly must be replaced. The estimate is $1,800 - $2,000.
I have had many cars and none of them ever had this problem. I believe this is a factory defect, as I've seen the same complaint from other owners of Mazda 3 - moisture in headlight compartment on passenger's side.
I am going to take my Mazda 3 (with less than 38,000 miles on it) to dealer. If they refuse to repair it for free, I will take them to small claims court.
TSB #SB-09-003-13
NHTSA ID #10052160
Date Announced:
MARCH 04 2013
Additional Info:
How to Fix
Summary: MAZDA: ON VARIOUS MODEL YEARS AND MODEL VEHICLES, THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE EXCESSIVE CONDENSATION OR WATER WITHIN AND SHOULD BE CHECKED AND REPLACED, IF NECESSARY FOR CORRECT INSTALLATION. *PE
I bought the car on January 28, 2015 as a certified pre-owned vehicle from Modern Mazda in Thomaston, CT. I took it to the car wash on the first few days of good weather as the temperatures in Connecticut were extremely cold. I had it washed, came home and noticed condensation in the right headlight.
I called the dealer. I had had the car for 6 weeks. I brought it in on a Saturday, explained the problem and let them, I thought, fix it. I had an oil change as well. They had the car until 2:30. I go to pick it up and I'm told that they need to consult with my warranty coverage and order the part and would call me the following week. Well, I got the great news that they were willing to split the cost with me and that my share was to be $875. I told them that I was going to start writing letters, posting on-line reviews, pursue small claims, etc. This complaint is a part of that plan. I will pursue this until I have told every prospective customer that when test driving a vehicle from Modern Mazda that going through a car wash is needed.
I am angry and frustrated. This is not the way to do business honestly. This apparently is a known problem for this model and year. Being certified pre-owned I would think that a simple smoke test would have been done before turning this car over. After all, there is a 156 point check that is done---bull!
- Cindy S.,
Torrington, CT, US
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Re: 2011 Mazda 3: Heavy moisture appeared in headlight compartment on passenger side about 3 months ago. I had my local mechanic check it out today (they had to take bumper off to remove the assembly). They found water inside the electronic system and the entire headlight assembly must be replaced. The estimate is $1,800 - $2,000.
I have had many cars and none of them ever had this problem. I believe this is a factory defect, as I've seen the same complaint from other owners of Mazda 3 - moisture in headlight compartment on passenger's side.
I am going to take my Mazda 3 (with less than 38,000 miles on it) to dealer. If they refuse to repair it for free, I will take them to small claims court.
- Patty P., Huntington Beach, CA, US