The Mazda3 is overall an extremely reliable vehicle, but it has faced its share of issues, like clutch failure and a false airbag warning light. We review these and other common Mazda3 problems.
Mazda has offered a wide range of vehicles over the years, from the little sporty Miata MX-5 to crossover SUVs like the CX-9. When compared to the competition, they offer cars that are fairly engaging to drive for the mainstream audience.
Today’s Mazdas don’t offer Continuously Varying Transmissions (CVT), which tend to be far more efficient. However, CVTs are not as direct in terms of feel.
The automaker is synonymous with persevering with engine technologies, like its legendary Wankel Engines, or the Skyactiv technology in its most recent models. However, today, we’ll focus our attention on one of the weak links in the Mazda experience: the transmissions.
Now, that’s not to say that all of Mazda’s transmissions are bad or unreliable, but several models across many years have had issues you should know of, especially if you’re considering buying a used one.
The automaker has offered all kinds of transmissions over the years, including Manuals, CVTs, and Automatics. Mazda vehicles were notorious for their automatic transmission problems, especially vehicles from the early 2000s.
Mazda Transmission Problems You Can’t Ignore
The basic function of any transmission is to control the speed and torque of the drive wheels. A good unit must strike the right balance between providing smooth shifts, comfort, efficiency, and reliability. The final point on that list, reliability, is critical for a trouble-free motoring experience.
A faulty transmission can be expensive to fix, with a replacement unit costing anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on the model. It is therefore imperative that you check the type and kind of transmission that’s in your prospective Mazda.
The last thing you want with your purchase is a slipping transmission with a hefty bill.
Since the early 1980s, Ford and Mazda have collaborated on the development and manufacture of several automatic transmissions for cars sold in the U.S. Called Jatco transmissions, they can be found on many Mazda models. These Jatco units were particularly infamous and don’t have the best record in terms of reliability.
Mazda transmissions were used in their vehicles dating back to the 1980s. However, several transmissions suffered from problems, including gear slippage, failing to engage gears, engaging reverse, overdrive gear engagement, and shift flares during mild accelerations. As a new or used car buyer, you want to be well aware of models that suffer from such transmission problems.
Modern Day Mazda Issues: Rough Shifting to Engine Fails
Now, let’s take a look at the transmissions of some of the most popular Mazda models on the market over the past two decades.
The 2004 Mazda3 received consumer complaints about rough shifting, or not being able to hit every gear.
Produced from 2006 to 2015, the smaller Mazda5 was a fairly trouble-free vehicle with only a few transmission issues reported over the duration of its lifespan.
On the other hand, serious transmission issues reportedly plagued some 2014 Mazda6 vehicles. The transmission may start to whine and, in some cases, completely fail, requiring replacement. It reportedly happens at around 55,000 miles.
Mazda Crossovers’ Transmission Problems
Transmission problems didn’t escape the brand’s crossovers either. The Mazda CX-3’s transmission issues peaked in 2016. The transmission fluid was draining due to a leak, causing the shifter to tremble or lose speed.
We know that the CX-5, which is Mazda’s midsize SUV, looks good and drives well, but prior generations of the crossover did suffer from transmission issues. It usually happens before 50,000 miles, so watch out for it.
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 appears to have more transmission-related complaints than in previous years.
Mazda’s largest crossover, the CX-9 suffered from a number of issues between 2007 and 2013, with the majority occurring between 65,000 and 70,000 miles. 2012 appears to be the worst year for Mazda CX-9 transmissions.
Avoid Jatco, Aim for AISIN’s Transmissions
In the end, whichever model you decide to go with, your best bet is to avoid those cars that came with the Jatco units. Instead, look for those Mazda models that came with a transmission sourced from AISIN a subsidiary company that is backed by Toyota. These units are far more reliable.
In recent years, Mazda has also developed its very own in-house transmissions department to rule out this weak link in its otherwise great products. Dubbed Skyactiv, these transmissions come in both manual and automatic and are far more reliable than the old Jatco ones.
Mazda’s High Rankings, Not Recalls, are the Norm
Nowadays, you see several Mazda vehicles that can easily reach 100,000 or perhaps even 150,000 miles with no transmission problems. Again, while the faults we’ve outlined above are important, they are by no means the norm for all Mazda models.
According to the Consumer Reports‘ annual reliability study from 2020, Mazda has now surpassed longstanding favorites like Lexus and Toyota as the most-trusted automaker amongst American drivers. Today, the automaker has the highest ranking as the most dependable brand in the country.
The study included the opinions of 329,000 car customers in that reliability survey, commenting about everything from paint defects to malfunctioning transmissions. Mazda models that participated include the Mazda3 hatchback and sedans, the Mazda6 sedan, and the CX-3, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-9 crossovers.
Mazda’s success is can be attributed to the fact that they make their models enjoyable to drive and have focused on adopting lightweight build and fuel-efficient engine technology. Mazda achieves this without turning its cars into hybrids or other alternatives. Their latest Skyactiv Drive transmission combines the benefits of traditional automatic, CVT & dual-clutch transmissions.
So if you’re deciding on buying a newer Mazda model, you should be just fine as far as the transmission goes.
Last but not least, not all Mazda transmissions are made equal. If you want to buy a used Mazda, you have to follow the same rules as with buying any used car. Check if the gearbox was serviced at a timely interval. Just have a mechanic you trust give it a once-over, and give priority to the transmission if that’s really what you’re concerned with for that added peace of mind. Look for a low-mileage model, and if possible, one that still has its manufacturer’s warranty.
Regardless, buy any Mazda from the previous decade or so and the transmission ought to be just fine.
Photos: Mazda
