Cracked Air Bag Dash
01-12-2012, 07:46 AM
#101
IYAOYAS
Just got off of the phone with he local Mazda Service department, and here is the breakdown I got: Labor $140.00, the dash $413.00.
Here is the kicker... he said for everyone to call (800) 222-5500 (Mazda Customer Assistance) and tell them about it. In his words "the squeaky wheel get the oil". wtf, it's a 800 number... I'm calling. If you want to listen to all the prompts you can but the Customer Assistance Center # is 6. The are open 9-6 PST.
Just got off of the phone with Mazda Customer Assistance. They took my VIN and told me that I would need to take it to a dealer to have them look at it before Mazda could provide any assistance with the issue. I plan to hold on to the car for a while so this may be worth it to me to do. I'll keep things up to date through this thread.
Here is the kicker... he said for everyone to call (800) 222-5500 (Mazda Customer Assistance) and tell them about it. In his words "the squeaky wheel get the oil". wtf, it's a 800 number... I'm calling. If you want to listen to all the prompts you can but the Customer Assistance Center # is 6. The are open 9-6 PST.
Just got off of the phone with Mazda Customer Assistance. They took my VIN and told me that I would need to take it to a dealer to have them look at it before Mazda could provide any assistance with the issue. I plan to hold on to the car for a while so this may be worth it to me to do. I'll keep things up to date through this thread.
Last edited by Dive Bum; 01-12-2012 at 03:05 PM. Reason: Added the prompt info and times.
01-12-2012, 09:22 PM
#103
Just got off of the phone with he local Mazda Service department, and here is the breakdown I got: Labor $140.00, the dash $413.00.
Here is the kicker... he said for everyone to call (800) 222-5500 (Mazda Customer Assistance) and tell them about it. In his words "the squeaky wheel get the oil". wtf, it's a 800 number... I'm calling. If you want to listen to all the prompts you can but the Customer Assistance Center # is 6. The are open 9-6 PST.
Just got off of the phone with Mazda Customer Assistance. They took my VIN and told me that I would need to take it to a dealer to have them look at it before Mazda could provide any assistance with the issue. I plan to hold on to the car for a while so this may be worth it to me to do. I'll keep things up to date through this thread.
Here is the kicker... he said for everyone to call (800) 222-5500 (Mazda Customer Assistance) and tell them about it. In his words "the squeaky wheel get the oil". wtf, it's a 800 number... I'm calling. If you want to listen to all the prompts you can but the Customer Assistance Center # is 6. The are open 9-6 PST.
Just got off of the phone with Mazda Customer Assistance. They took my VIN and told me that I would need to take it to a dealer to have them look at it before Mazda could provide any assistance with the issue. I plan to hold on to the car for a while so this may be worth it to me to do. I'll keep things up to date through this thread.
01-18-2012, 12:28 AM
#104
Did you ever get anything out of Mazda for your cracking? I called Mazda HQ after the dealer told me they couldn't do anything about it. HQ told me to take it back to the dealer to take a pic and send it in, which they didn't take a pic (interesting). HQ never got back to me, so I called them and they gave the run around, but basically said they wouldn't do anything since it was out of warranty.
I am interested to see what they told you guys. Frankly, I'm pissed off at Mazda. This is obviously an issue and they aren't doing anything about it. I also take great care of my 8, so I was super upset to see this happen.
I am interested to see what they told you guys. Frankly, I'm pissed off at Mazda. This is obviously an issue and they aren't doing anything about it. I also take great care of my 8, so I was super upset to see this happen.
01-24-2012, 10:51 AM
#105
Same here and unfortunately getting ready to sell my 8 soon. It's pretty pathetic how Mazda has tried to scam their way out of things, then left me with a lower resale value based on their crappy parts. I've fixed several things on the car that were sub-standard. The reality is I own two Mazdas now, and they'll probably be the last ones I'll own in my lifetime because I'm not putting up with this ****.
01-25-2012, 08:12 AM
#106
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Same here and unfortunately getting ready to sell my 8 soon. It's pretty pathetic how Mazda has tried to scam their way out of things, then left me with a lower resale value based on their crappy parts. I've fixed several things on the car that were sub-standard. The reality is I own two Mazdas now, and they'll probably be the last ones I'll own in my lifetime because I'm not putting up with this ****.
I was in the same boat as you. I sold mine and will never buy another mazda product. Mazda should of did the right thing but didn't.
01-25-2012, 01:48 PM
#107
Super Moderator
Good luck with your dynamic Korean car, I guess you should do some googling and see how many other brands have issues with cracked dashes where passenger Air Bag deploys.
And don't think their 5 year warranty will always help you...
If ANY Mazda dealer offers you "real" assistance to renew your dash then I would take it...if they don't then I guess they have their reasons because of either your attitude or that you are not the original owner...ie, bought the car second hand.
Yeah, Mazda should warrant every part of the car for the life of the car...why not.
And don't think their 5 year warranty will always help you...
If ANY Mazda dealer offers you "real" assistance to renew your dash then I would take it...if they don't then I guess they have their reasons because of either your attitude or that you are not the original owner...ie, bought the car second hand.
Yeah, Mazda should warrant every part of the car for the life of the car...why not.
01-25-2012, 04:13 PM
#108
Ash8, I see the point you are trying to make. However, I do all my checkups with my local mazda dealer, though I do most of the stuff like brakes and tires myself.
I do have a good attitude, I was quite nice with both the dealer and the Mazda HQ personnel. Even after them turning me down for any sort of help in the matter.
Though I am not an expert in quality control, I have taken quite a few collegiate classes about it, while in college. It's a tough subject, that's for sure. There are many other large scale companies that deal correctly with issues like these, ie Volkswagon, Acura, Audi.
My biggest problem with Mazda about this issue is that it is a big problem across their models, not just the RX8. I have done my research and it's the material they use. According to correct customer service and quality control actions, the company should make a recall on this relatively inexpensive item. Then fix the problem in future models by not using the same material. It seems they do not care about this problem, that is my problem with Mazda.
Also, I was at my local Mazda dealer today talking with a woman trying to get her valve cover replaced on her CX-9, which was recalled. The people treated her very condescendingly and were very unwilling to see if it indeed needed to be recalled. It indeed did. Unfortunately it was after minutes of arguing from the customer.
Do you see a pattern here? This is why my next car will not be a Mazda. Though most of the engineering on the part of the RX8 is to be applauded.
I do have a good attitude, I was quite nice with both the dealer and the Mazda HQ personnel. Even after them turning me down for any sort of help in the matter.
Though I am not an expert in quality control, I have taken quite a few collegiate classes about it, while in college. It's a tough subject, that's for sure. There are many other large scale companies that deal correctly with issues like these, ie Volkswagon, Acura, Audi.
My biggest problem with Mazda about this issue is that it is a big problem across their models, not just the RX8. I have done my research and it's the material they use. According to correct customer service and quality control actions, the company should make a recall on this relatively inexpensive item. Then fix the problem in future models by not using the same material. It seems they do not care about this problem, that is my problem with Mazda.
Also, I was at my local Mazda dealer today talking with a woman trying to get her valve cover replaced on her CX-9, which was recalled. The people treated her very condescendingly and were very unwilling to see if it indeed needed to be recalled. It indeed did. Unfortunately it was after minutes of arguing from the customer.
Do you see a pattern here? This is why my next car will not be a Mazda. Though most of the engineering on the part of the RX8 is to be applauded.
Last edited by USAFPilot11; 01-25-2012 at 04:16 PM.
01-26-2012, 09:05 AM
#110
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For me, this comes under the old addage "don't throw the baby out with the bath water". So far (knock wood), after almost 50,000 miles, this has been the highest quality, most trouble-free car I've ever owned (and I've owned dozens). It could all fall apart tomorrow, but it's been flawless so far. A dash crack is certainly not going to dampen my enthusiasm for this car.
There have been a few reasonable alternative solutions for this minor issue listed in these forums. Pick one, get it done, go on and enjoy the car.
There have been a few reasonable alternative solutions for this minor issue listed in these forums. Pick one, get it done, go on and enjoy the car.
01-27-2012, 08:43 AM
#111
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For me, this comes under the old addage "don't throw the baby out with the bath water". So far (knock wood), after almost 50,000 miles, this has been the highest quality, most trouble-free car I've ever owned (and I've owned dozens). It could all fall apart tomorrow, but it's been flawless so far. A dash crack is certainly not going to dampen my enthusiasm for this car.
There have been a few reasonable alternative solutions for this minor issue listed in these forums. Pick one, get it done, go on and enjoy the car.
There have been a few reasonable alternative solutions for this minor issue listed in these forums. Pick one, get it done, go on and enjoy the car.
Sure, you sound like the Mazda HQ. If the glove don't fit you must acquit
01-27-2012, 11:00 AM
#112
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02-01-2012, 09:32 AM
#114
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Okay PLB, 1st i had a 2005 RX-8 with a crack in the dash. I was given the run around just like many of the people posting. So how does this make me a troll? The glove thing was referring to the baby bathwater. I don't know what that has to do with a crack dashboard.
Bottom line Mazda drop the ball on this issue.
02-10-2012, 01:03 AM
#115
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LOL, apparently I'm just not meant to sell this car. Every time I get ready to sell it another part of the car takes a crap. In the last 4 months the motor mounts have gone out, crack in the dashboard just started appearing and in a months time is now 4 inches long. Coolant light keeps coming on thanks to the faulty sensor. Are these cars cursed or something? As soon as I hit 70k miles the car literally is falling apart.
02-10-2012, 08:00 AM
#116
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Mazda needs to address three issues that RX-8 owners have had that I am aware of.
Sunvisors Mine broke in my 2008 as the 2004 that I had two break.
Improperly sealed taillights
Cracking dash even when you have taken care of it
If I missed anything add to list and lets as a group hound Mazda to make these problems good. Really disappointed in Ocean Mazda.
Sunvisors Mine broke in my 2008 as the 2004 that I had two break.
Improperly sealed taillights
Cracking dash even when you have taken care of it
If I missed anything add to list and lets as a group hound Mazda to make these problems good. Really disappointed in Ocean Mazda.
02-16-2012, 11:02 AM
#118
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I also have the cracked passenger dash cover. My car is close to 90,000 miles, a little over 8 years old. All in all I've been happy with my car. I have one of the earlier production vehicles (built in August 2003). I have replaced motor mounts three times (third time went with race roots solid mounts, installed a week ago). I had water in my taillights, drilled a hole under the bulb "shelf" which fixes the problem. Headlights are holding condensation (not fixed jet). Visor cracked at seem, fixed with a small metal strap. I had a bad synchronizer in the transmission, fixed under warranty. The cat went out around 60K, replaced under warranty and Mazda replaced the muffler at no charge because pieces of the cat got in there. Coils replaced under warranty. I think that is it. My car still runs strong and handles well. I'm keeping it for as long as possible.
06-21-2012, 01:24 PM
#119
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Wow, this is depressing. I came here to post about my cracked dash thinking I would be in the minority. Sadly, I find threads like these filled with other examples. Disappointed with Mazda. I love my RX8 but Mazda needs to work on their quality. My 2007 GT has 20K miles on the clock and has been mostly garaged yet the dash is cracking?!? Give me a break, that's just crap.
I've always hated cracked dashes. When I used to buy used cars I avoided cars with a cracked dash just something that would bother me constantly. Now I have it in my well maintained, low mileage RX8. I've been thinking about replacing it because I need something bigger and this has just pushed me closer.
I'm going to try calling the dealer and see what they say but I doubt I'll get anywhere.
I've always hated cracked dashes. When I used to buy used cars I avoided cars with a cracked dash just something that would bother me constantly. Now I have it in my well maintained, low mileage RX8. I've been thinking about replacing it because I need something bigger and this has just pushed me closer.
I'm going to try calling the dealer and see what they say but I doubt I'll get anywhere.
06-23-2012, 12:12 AM
#121
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God damn Mazda quality... I have some paint bubbling off under the right headlight too, seriously, wtf? I would buy a Honda or a Toyota but their cars are so damn boring or expensive. Except for the Toyota 86 of course, sadly I've out grown that car.
I am not in the tropics and have the same problem. Has any one found a replacement cover for a decent price?
11-21-2012, 09:28 PM
#124
Good luck with your dynamic Korean car, I guess you should do some googling and see how many other brands have issues with cracked dashes where passenger Air Bag deploys.
And don't think their 5 year warranty will always help you...
If ANY Mazda dealer offers you "real" assistance to renew your dash then I would take it...if they don't then I guess they have their reasons because of either your attitude or that you are not the original owner...ie, bought the car second hand.
Yeah, Mazda should warrant every part of the car for the life of the car...why not.
And don't think their 5 year warranty will always help you...
If ANY Mazda dealer offers you "real" assistance to renew your dash then I would take it...if they don't then I guess they have their reasons because of either your attitude or that you are not the original owner...ie, bought the car second hand.
Yeah, Mazda should warrant every part of the car for the life of the car...why not.
My dash is cracked too and I bought it 3rd hand and it jumped out at me immediately and after reading this thread I have no idea how you can play "the bad attitude" card on someone who bought this at ANY point of the cars existence being that's only 8 to 9 years old at it's oldest anyways let alone only a few thousand miles into ownership, be it first, second or third owner for that matter...
The dash is junk and it should definitely be a Mazda free replacement issue, any other part regarding safety or what not in this quantity and reported so early on would surely be a recall..
In fact could it be a safety issue? Who knows? The bag is just underneath and if gets UV ray exposure which compromises the fabric's integrity or some sort of fluid into the electronics or unknowingly degrades the exposed bag it may go off prematurely or not go off at all in the event it's needed? Where will Mazda be then with a host of lawsuits? Not to mention the poor Rx8 owner or member of his family who gets decapitated from it going off unexpectedly while cleaning his dash or doesn't get protected when it fails to go off or the bag tears prematurely. I'll jump in line for sure..
Last edited by DrivingForce; 11-21-2012 at 09:38 PM.
11-21-2012, 09:48 PM
#125
Ash8, I see the point you are trying to make. However, I do all my checkups with my local mazda dealer, though I do most of the stuff like brakes and tires myself.
I do have a good attitude, I was quite nice with both the dealer and the Mazda HQ personnel. Even after them turning me down for any sort of help in the matter.
Though I am not an expert in quality control, I have taken quite a few collegiate classes about it, while in college. It's a tough subject, that's for sure. There are many other large scale companies that deal correctly with issues like these, ie Volkswagon, Acura, Audi.
My biggest problem with Mazda about this issue is that it is a big problem across their models, not just the RX8. I have done my research and it's the material they use. According to correct customer service and quality control actions, the company should make a recall on this relatively inexpensive item. Then fix the problem in future models by not using the same material. It seems they do not care about this problem, that is my problem with Mazda.
Also, I was at my local Mazda dealer today talking with a woman trying to get her valve cover replaced on her CX-9, which was recalled. The people treated her very condescendingly and were very unwilling to see if it indeed needed to be recalled. It indeed did. Unfortunately it was after minutes of arguing from the customer.
Do you see a pattern here? This is why my next car will not be a Mazda. Though most of the engineering on the part of the RX8 is to be applauded.
I do have a good attitude, I was quite nice with both the dealer and the Mazda HQ personnel. Even after them turning me down for any sort of help in the matter.
Though I am not an expert in quality control, I have taken quite a few collegiate classes about it, while in college. It's a tough subject, that's for sure. There are many other large scale companies that deal correctly with issues like these, ie Volkswagon, Acura, Audi.
My biggest problem with Mazda about this issue is that it is a big problem across their models, not just the RX8. I have done my research and it's the material they use. According to correct customer service and quality control actions, the company should make a recall on this relatively inexpensive item. Then fix the problem in future models by not using the same material. It seems they do not care about this problem, that is my problem with Mazda.
Also, I was at my local Mazda dealer today talking with a woman trying to get her valve cover replaced on her CX-9, which was recalled. The people treated her very condescendingly and were very unwilling to see if it indeed needed to be recalled. It indeed did. Unfortunately it was after minutes of arguing from the customer.
Do you see a pattern here? This is why my next car will not be a Mazda. Though most of the engineering on the part of the RX8 is to be applauded.
Don't really know what that means?
But there seems some commonality to be had here.