Locate an Auto Repair Shop in Bear, Delaware

I have the same problem with the key. Parts, labor and tow come to $510.00. I like the car, but it only has 47,000 on the clock So far I have had to replace one front wheel bearing, the heater blower and blower control and now this. And now the struts are starting to make noise. When ,or where, will it end? Is this the quality that made american industry the envy of the world? Not that the car is "crap", just getting too costly too soon. Anyway, I am glad to get a chance to vent. Has anyone heard of a recall for this problem?

It’s encouraging that Mazda is introducing an entirely new line of engines in 2012 and still offering a choice of manual or automatic transmissions! Mazda is marketing the engines, transmissions and related-technologies under the “SKYACTIV” name. The 2012 Mazda3 will continue with the same 2.0L (sedan) and 2.5L (5-door) MZR engines standard. Manual transmissions (5-speed with the 2.0L, 6-speed on 2.5L models) will remain standard and a 5-speed automatic will be available with either. BUT the new 2.0L SKYACTIV-G (for gas, diesel variants will follow in some (all?) markets) will be an option in the 4-door and the 5-door. It will be paired with a choice of two all-new transmission- SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic. In the sedan, it has EPA ratings of 28/40 (DRIVE A/T) and 27/39 with the MT. Here is how Mazda details the new 6-speed manual- “For SKYACTIV-MT, the goal was to achieve a shift feel that is sporty, brisk and responds to the driver. To accomplish this, not only was the shift-lever stroke shortened by about 10 percent compared to the current six-speed manual (available only in models equipped with the MZR 2.5-liter engine or MZR 2.3-liter Direct-Injection Spark Ignition turbo engine) but other technologies were applied as well: a down type system, lock ball type synchronizer, shift load canceler, slide ball bearing and locating 2nd and 3rd gears on a common shaft. By reconfiguring the current six-speed manual transmission, its weight was reduced by approximately 4.4 pounds due to the need for fewer components, while creating a quicker and crisper shift feel.” Mazda appears to be committed to manual transmissions (at least in the Mazda3), which is better than nothing... =)

Most likely tires. Even Michelin had a big problem with this a few years back. I road in a FWD GM that sounded for all the world like a rear wheel bearing going out. Sound completely disappeared with a tire swap. Don't know exactly what causes this. My Khumo are doing the same thing after 18K of very even wear. I do know that unibody (no separate frame) vehicles of all makes are more prone to this.

It's the wheel bearing. I had the same issue on my car (2002, Grand Prix, Sedan) Also, have the ball joints done right away too - or otherwsie suffer the consequences of them breaking and leaving you stranded WHEREVER it decides to break. The whole deal cost me about $400.00

False claims of profit may cause investors to lose money based on the shady accounting. Inventory has no bearing on how well the vehicle will perform for any individual. GM is desperate to appear to be successful and pushing extra inventory on to the dealers is deceptive at best. The media (including this site) is on the feel-good bandwagon in full force probably because the govt announced it was planning to sell its remaining GM stock a couple weeks back...and protection of the messiah has become a full time job. Some of us have not forgotten that billions in debt was forgiven and that GM pays no taxes on its "profits" which are being crowed about in the press.