**EDITED 5/1/07**
I am currently working with an NHTSA investigator with this situation, and I need to hear from all of those who have had this happen to them! I am trying to get something BIG going on, and I need your help. PM me ASAP.
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Hi guys. What a great day!


Today, while out driving and enjoying the new amps I put in my car, I was heading to a buffet to eat and relax. I was in the right hand lane, about to take a turn, when suddenly the engine compartment erupted with clanging and metal-on-concrete scraping noises! I coasted to a stop, and shut the car down immediately, but I already knew what happened. The Driver's side motor mount sheared off, and dropped the engine out from under the engine bay. The driveshafts, exhaust, intake, wiring...yeah just about everything - is ruined.

I know that Speed 3's have this problem, I just didn't think it would happen to me. In fact, during my first oil change, I had the Mazda service shop check that bolt specifically, because I was afraid of it. I also checked it myself as soon as I heard about it, and noticed that it was tight (from where I could tell.) Apparently, I was very very wrong.

I'll keep this thread updated with how Mazda handles it. Its in their hands now.

Here's PICS!






THE BOLT SNAPPED!!!

now what?

 

my lord thats almost as bad as the weak engines they put in the MSP's.... When the dealership gets your carback to you the first thing I'd do is swap out all the mounts for aftermarket.. AWR and CPE mae mounts for the 3. That's the way I'd go with it.

 

maybe I can convince them to just give me my damn money back, so I can buy a different car...

because thats how I feel. If I would have had this happen at elevated speeds, I'd most likely have been killed. I can't tell you how uneasy it makes me feel knowing that. I used to ride motorcycles (and I'll probably buy another one), and I always made damn sure that it was in top running order, so my life wasn't going to be taken by some loose bolt or rusted chain. Same with cars.

I want out.

 

If you feel that way you should just take the next step and sue Mazda for a few million dollars. If I had my engine fall out of the car while driving down the road I'd be owning a mazda dealership ( or maybe a porsche dealership)

 

Wow, that's the most messed up thing I've heard in a really long time!! I really like the MS3's but not after hearing this. They need to at least issue a recall on that **** and get the cars that are on the road into good working order. This is a brand new car we're talking about here there's absolutely no reason for that. I dunno if I feel too confident with Mazda anymore ..

 

added pics to first post, so you can see it for yourself!

 

damn chinese bolts

no offense. I'm j/k

Does all 3's have this issue or just the speed? Man, I test drove one going ~ 100mph at one time........I can't imagine the picture if that happens at speed like that

 

sorry to hear - but keep us updated with your progress with the NHTSA investigator!

 

i was just thinking the same thing...
hehe, finally an excuse for getting stronger motor mounts :P

 

Yea, that's scarry!

I wouldn't give up on the car, see how they deal with it first. I would think they have a plan for a way to upgrade the motor mounts by now.

 

i have a 3 also and i was noticing that my motor would shake like theres no tomorrow so i took it in to mazda and sure enough the passenger side motor mount and the rear mount were broken. i love my car but ever since i got it i have had nothing but problems. so far i have had a transmission warrantied out along with a drivers side cv axle at the same time. before 20k miles. an intake manifold had to be warrantied because of a bent valve is what they told me, and finally the two motor mounts. i just rolled over to 40k miles and im just worried that once the warranty is over at 50k how much ill have to spend out of my pocket when stuff keeps braking. if anyone has any tips on if they think i have a lemon for a car let me know please.

thanks
aaron

 

so im really intersted in the ms3 is that the only problem with them and should i worry about my 05 3 2.0 motor mounts

 

Here's a copy of the repair bill, so you guys can see the new part numbers

 

So I take it you're sticking with the Speed3? How has the dealership been treating you?

Just an FYI, I don't think it's the motor mount that's the problem here - it's the bolt holding the motor mount down. Would you agree?

 

Something like a lock washer missing if I recall correctly. It's a simple fix, but for some reason Mazda hasn't issued a recall yet even though it's a safety issue I'd say.