Mazda Responses to security defects
 

This thread is to collect the responses from Mazda.

DO NOT DESCRIBE THE SECURITY FLAW
DO NOT DISPLAY PICTURES OF THE ENTRY METHOD

This is a requirement to post on this thread. We do not want to make this situation worse. Thank you for your discretion.

If you mistakenly do post details I will have to ask you to delete your post immediately. Or I will have to delete the entire thread. If you have questions concerning the break in method, please PM me individually and do not post a question. I will ask you some questions, before providing this information.

Thank you again for you understanding.

What can you do if your security was bypassed?
1: Phone EVERY Mazda dealership in your area and ask about this
2: Phone Mazda Canada: 1-800-263-4680 Press 4 Describe your concern.
3: Email Mazda: MCICR@mazda.ca

Do not ask in this thread "how was it bypassed" if it happened to you, you would know full well. Thanks.

From: MCI - Customer Relations [mailto:MCIC/R@mazda.ca]
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:56 AM
To: Tim Danielson
Subject: RE: Security defect found in RX8 drivers door.
Importance: High

Mr. Danielson,

Thank you providing this information and yes we agree that ending the thread is a good idea.

As far as taking action, please understand that we will review if there is a defect/flaw of any kind with the lock mechanisms in our vehicles. The fact that a vehicle can be entered does not make it defective or flawed or any of its components defective or flawed.

Best Regards,
Mazda Canada Inc.

I believe in full disclosure

Computer Security has proven full disclosure is the answer why would this be any different.

Do you really think the bad guys (those with intent) are going to be slowed down by your DO NOT POST ENTRY METHOD.

Uh, the "bang the handle" method is pretty well documented at this point, as is the "dent the door" method.
Unless you are talking about the tennis ball method (which is a hoax), I don't think anything is particularly secret about this.

:) One of my co-worker, who knows nothing about cars, was telling me about this. I don't think we're onto some little known secret here.

Well I mentioned to the guys when I picked up my car and they were just as shocked as I was (I had a Mazda3 before, 'nuff said).

Anyway I emailed Mazda Canada, no response since the 24th.

A friend of mine called me the other day to ask me about this, she said she saw it on the news and Mazda was issuing a recall since it affects several models apparently...


I cant seem to find it, hmmm might call the dealer on Monday and just ask.

It affects the 3's and the CX-7 as well. It might work on some other models.

I would imagine that Mazda uses similar door/key switches in all the models.....they need to re-design the key cylinder/door switch mechanism so that a bump doesn't actuate the door switch...and makes the keyless control module think there is a key turning the lock....and thus turning the alarm off, and opening the door.

StefanYVR found that by disabling the feedback to the module...that the bump to open thing doesn't work...with only a small decrease in functionality

Part of the problem is where the actuator rod is located in the door skin.
It transmits the vibration from the hit into the cylinder, making it "think" that the key turned it.

Definitely a poor design for sure

I just don't leave my car sitting alone anywhere if I can help it.....

So I didnt waste my time calling the dealer, but hunted around on the internet for info. No actual recall info, but found a news article on Sunday (where did I put that link) for those that have had this happen/panicked about having this happen Mazda will install a steel plate inside "said area" to help prevent this from happening upon "said impact" ;). They in no way guarantee it will prevent it from happening, just help to reinforce. The only car mentioned in the article was the 3.

So there we have it.
And if they want in, I'd rather them do this (couple hundred for PDR) versus window smashy.. as if they would want my Kleenex box, Def Leppard CD, 27 cents in the ashtray and half a litre of oil anyway. The kid I park beside at work all the time has a pop up DVD in plain view :)