Mazda Lemon Law Lawyer in California
Mazda has earned a reputation for being one of the most reliable and affordable car makes in the country. Ever since Mazda exported over one million vehicles to the United States in 1979, the brand has grabbed the attention of budget-conscious Americans looking for a safe vehicle. But what happens when it isn’t safe?
A Mazda isn’t supposed to exhibit defects straight off the lot. If it is, you likely have a lemon. Just remember that people who unwittingly purchase lemons have rights.
Is Your Mazda a Lemon?
In California, a ‘lemon’ is classified as a car showing signs of defects or malfunctions. If your new Mazda is exhibiting performance or safety issues while still under warranty, you probably purchased a lemon. Lemons are a hazard to everyone, especially if the car has brake or acceleration defects.
Mazda models that may classify as lemons include:
- Mazda 3
- Mazda 6
- Mazda CX-3
- Mazda CX-5
- Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Mazda CX-9
Contact the Lemon Law Experts at Golden Lemon For a Free Case Evaluation
Common Lemon Law Defects in Mazdas
Unfortunately, assembly lines aren’t lemon-proof. According to California’s Department of Consumer Affairs, the lemon law covers new and used vehicles that come with the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty.
Mazda is required to give you a full refund or replacement if your car shows any of the following, but not limited to:
Defective timing chain.
The engine timing chain is what allows each cylinder to fire. Cylinders fire once every two rotations; that’s 400 times a minute. This means the timing chain has to move extremely fast to synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft. When this chain goes bad, it often emits a rattling or slapping sound.
Acceleration while braking.
Unintended acceleration is a cause for concern—especially when you’re trying to slow down. If you experience sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) after purchasing a Mazda under warranty, you have a strong case for a lemon.
Clutch failure.
Many issues can point to a failing clutch. Things like a loose clutch pedal, grinding gears, and even a burning smell can all indicate a clutch problem. Clutch and transmission problems are serious, so stop driving your vehicle as soon as you notice a problem.
Malfunctioning air conditioner.
As a new Mazda owner, you expect a fully functioning air conditioner. But, as with many lemon Mazdas, the air conditioner either malfunctions or breaks shortly after purchasing the vehicle.
Rattling noises.
Poor suspension or a bad timing chain can cause rattling noises under the hood. Other sounds to keep an ear open for include squeaks and knocks.
Check engine light illuminating.
The check engine light of your new Mazda shouldn’t illuminate after you leave the lot.
Mazda Recalls
The Takata Airbag Recall
Mazda was unfortunately part of the Takata Airbag recall, which affected 34 vehicle brands. Cars manufactured with Takata airbags were recalled due to the airbags exploding upon deployment, causing serious injuries and even deaths.
MX-5 Miata Recalls
Mazda recently issued a recall of its newest generation of MX-5 Miatas. This recall is due to faulty airbags installed in over 77,000 Mazdas manufactured from 2016 to 2023.
Mazda Lemon Law Buyback
If your vehicle is determined to be a lemon, and it’s still under warranty, Mazda is required to buy it back. This means that Mazda buys back everything, including sales tax and license and registration fees. Think your Mazda is a lemon? Get started with a free consultation from Golden Lemon by Compass Law Group, LLP.
Get Your Free Consultation With a Lemon Law Lawyer in California
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Against Mazda?
In California, the statute of limitations is four years to file a lemon law claim. However, don’t wait four years. File a claim as soon as you believe you have purchased a lemon.
The statute of limitations normally starts at the end of the written new car warranty. File early, otherwise, you risk losing maximum compensation for your Mazda lemon.
Do California Lemon Laws Apply to Used and Leased Cars?
Yes, but compensation differs. Those who leased their Mazda can expect compensation for the amount they already paid, plus a buy-out of the remainder of the lease agreement. Drivers who purchased a used Mazda can still qualify for compensation only if:
– The Mazda is still covered by its original warranty.
– The Mazda was sold with a written factory warranty.
Get Maximum Reward for Your Mazda Lemon
If you purchased a lemon, you deserve maximum compensation. We understand that purchasing a vehicle is one of the largest investments you’ll make—so if your investment turns out to be a lemon, we’re ready to help.
We’ve recovered over 100 million dollars in settlements thanks to:
- Our team of expert lemon law attorneys
- Our proven track record
- Zero fees unless we win your case
Does Your Mazda Qualify?
Find out how much a lemon law claim for your faulty Mazda could be worth by using our lemon law calculator – it only takes 2 minutes.
Mazda Lemon Law FAQs
Absolutely! In fact, the California lemon law exclusively protects vehicles still under warranty.
Yes, if you successfully pursue a lemon law claim and opt for a buy-back, you will be required to return your defective Mazda to the manufacturer.
If you believe you have a lemon law case on your hands, it’s important to keep all documentation of repair attempts, maintain records of communication between yourself and the manufacturer and/or dealer, and seek legal counsel from a lemon law attorney.
Yes, both leased and used vehicles qualify under the lemon law so long as they were leased or purchased from a certified dealer and are under warranty.
It costs you nothing to hire a lemon law attorney from Golden Lemon by Compass Law Group, LLP. That’s because we don’t charge you a penny unless we win. In California, manufacturers are legally required to cover the legal fees associated with lemon law claims. This means you can let the manufacturer pay your lawyer’s bill.
