We bought our 2016 Mazda 3 GT Sport new at VIP Mazda in... - michaeljosephcarroll
We bought our 2016 Mazda 3 GT Sport new at VIP Mazda in 2016. All of the scheduled maintenance was
done, on time, by VIP except for the last oil change. The engine seized at 114k kms. The VIP Mazda
service manger told me that the engine had thrown a rod and put a hole in the block. He also told me
that this had happened because the engine wasn’t lubricated… even though there was no “low engine
oil pressure” light warning or valve lifter noise. He then quickly went on to blame the reputable garage
where a licensed mechanic preformed the last oil change. I asked the service manager how much oil was
in the engine and was told that there was no way to know as the technician had removed the oil pan
already. VIP went on record on Facebook later saying “Our Mazda Canada Certified Master Technician
inspected the vehicle.…the technician noted that although the engine was seized the oil was 0.5L over
full.” Mmm…so which is it? I was then quoted $5780 to replace the engine with one that had 100k kms
on it. There was no offer to help or any show of good faith from VIP Mazda whatsoever. I guess, after 5
years, they figured they had gotten what they could from us.
This is an excerpt from a letter we received from Mazda Canada; “V.I.P. Mazda has advised us that they
would be happy to help the with the cost of the repairs – by giving a better price, but there would be no
involvement from the manufacturer. We thank you for the opportunity to review.”
We had another mechanic replace the engine for one with a lot less kms and less money. Upon further
inspection of the original engine, it turns out, a bolt from the crankshaft bearing cap failed. The head of
the bolt broke off and was pushed through the aluminum block by the connecting rod. Probably a poor casting but certainly a factory flaw. Clearly none
of this happened because of a lack of lubrication. It was a factory defect. Had the “Mazda Canada
Certified Master Technician” spent just 30 minutes more, he would have seen the flaw…but they
couldn’t be bothered.
This is a dealership that will absolutely turn their back on you as soon as it appears that you have
become less profitable. I find their dishonesty shocking and disgusting.
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