My car was squeaking and lurching around 3/4 gear. I took it in to the Mazda dealership (Northtowne Mazda in Kansas City) and they told me it was a "well-known issue" with this year and make of a Mazda. There is a problem with the torque converter lock-up clutch which sheds iron particles into the transmission fluid. The torque converter needs to be replaced. After further research, it appears that Mazda has a well-documented manufacturing defect that is outlined in Mazda TSB 05-005/23. My car has a 60,000 mile/5 year warranty on it. It currently only has 48,600 miles on it (well under the warranty limit). I called the Mazda Corporation Customer Care and they opened a ticket but I was told today that they will not extend any assistance with this, even though it is below the warranty limit on mileage and with them knowing about this issue and publishing a bulletin about it. I asked about the Good Will extension and the Customer Service Case Manager told me it didn't qualify. Even with it being under the warranty mileage, because it's over the year limit, they won't cover it. I asked what the criteria was to qualify for the Good Will extension and he told me it was "confidential" and there is nothing they can do about it.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761957 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The front passenger side headlight is making a whirring noise whenever the light is turned on. Based on the NHTSA safety reports for this model, this indicates the fan is failing, and soon the headlight will also fail. Intact headlights are essential for driving safety at night. No warning messages have appeared on the car.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11751262 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Rear coil spring broke at ~33,000 miles under normal driving conditions. No warnings given in vehicle safety system and not included in recommended maintenence. Seen when inspected by independent service center. Cannot safely drive vehicle until replaced.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11625683 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT IS TOO SENSITIVE. WITHOUT EVEN STOPPING ABRUPTLY, THE SEAT BELT BECOMES LOCKED MAKING IT DIFFICULT IF TRYING TO LEAN FORWARD TO SEE IF TRAFFIC IS COMING AS SEAT BELT DOESN'T UNLOCK EASILY. I TYPICALLY HAVE TO UNCLIP THE SEAT BELT TO LET IT RETRACT THEN PUT IT BACK ON. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST DAILY. CAR DOESN'T HAVE TO BE IN MOTION EITHER, I CAN BE STOPPED AND NOT ALL BUT MOST TIMES IF LEANING FORWARD THE BELT BECOMES LOCKED. I'VE HAD MANY CARS, NONE WITH THIS ISSUE. HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPED AND LEANING.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11363884 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

There is a module that should connect to the hatch door to open. That module in no longer available. Without the hatch door opening, in case of side impact and being pushed into something else, there is no way to get out of the car. This poses a serious safety hazard. I have contacted the Mazda dealership and I am told that the part is "retired" and there is no replacement part at this time.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11700042 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov