- A class action lawsuit alleged that certain Mazda models have defective valve stem seals.
- Mazda to compensate eligible customers for oil changes and oil.
- The eight plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit will each receive $2,200.
Mazda has settled a class action lawsuit in the U.S. related to faulty valve stem seals that have resulted in excess engine oil consumption for several 2021 and 2022 models across the country.
While an exact dollar figure hasn’t been publicized for the settlement, owners of impacted vehicles who have seen a ‘Low Engine Oil Level’ warning message on the instrument cluster before an oil change interval of 7,500 miles (12,070 km) or one year may be eligible for certain benefits.
Read: Subaru Settles Fuel Pump Class Action, Lawyers Get $15.5 Million vs. $81,250 For Owners
A lawsuit filed against Mazda claims that defective valve stem seals can allow engine oil to leak into the combustion chambers and cause excessive oil consumption. It also alleges the owners must add oil between regular oil change intervals and that dealers have previously been issued technical service bulletins related to the seals. While Mazda has settled the lawsuit, it has denied all allegations and has not admitted to wrongdoing.
The class action lawsuit involves current and former owners and lessees of the following vehicles:
All impacted vehicles have Mazda’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Owners and lessees of impacted models can submit a claim to be reimbursed for certain past oil change expenses and the purchase of additional engine oil between oil change intervals. The eight plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit will each receive $2,200, while the lawyers representing Mazda customers will receive $2,035,000.
Through the settlement, Mazda will issue a technical service bulletin/campaign. If owners want to be compensated, their vehicles must have displayed an engine oil level warning light or, if the car is enrolled with the MyMazda mobile application, must have recorded a ‘Low Engine Oil Level’ alert before the regular oil change interval.
For owners who didn’t have a warning light appear but still refilled oil, they need to submit receipts or invoices documenting this. Claim forms need to be submitted by October 19, 2024. Mazda will also extend the powertrain warranty of impacted vehicles from 60 months/60,000 miles (96,560 km) to 84 months or 84,000 miles (135,185 km).
Mazda owners can see if their vehicle qualifies for the settlement on this site.
