Mazda Blindsided By Dashboard Defect Class Action Lawsuit

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Two car owners have filed a new Mazda dashboard defect class action lawsuit, alleging that the company knew the materials used in the products’ construction would fail under direct sunlight.

According to the Mazda class action lawsuit, Mazda3 and Mazda6 sedans and hatchbacks for model years 2009 to 2011 all use the same material in the dashboard. They allegedly can deform under direct sunlight, even with the use of windshield cover, resulting in a highly reflective finish, cracks or brittleness.

While in most cases this would be a straight defective product class action lawsuit, it is critical for maximum damages for car owners to demonstrate that there is also an impact on safety as a result of the defect. The plaintiffs have done so by arguing that once the material on the dashboard becomes reflective, it is visible on the windshield making it harder to see out of the vehicle.

In seeking to represent a nationwide Class of current and former owners of 2009 to 2011 Mazda3 and Mazda6 models, class action attorneys for the plaintiffs note that there have been a number of reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding the potential for the material on the dashboard to deform or become reflective. That isn’t important because the first two counts of the Mazda class action lawsuit are violations of California state law. However, while Mazda is based in Irvine, Calif., without other plaintiffs who reside in the Golden State, those claims might not hold up.

In addition, the Mazda class action lawsuit cites consumer protection statutes from Florida as well as negligence. It argues that Mazda has known of the issues because of complaints from dealerships and reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The two car owners have also sent a letter requesting that Mazda rectify the problem regarding the dashboard material as required by California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act. However, the class action attorneys argue that it is unclear whether or not the company has the materials in order to effect repairs that would mitigate the problem.

They allege upon information and belief that for customers to repair the problem selves they would need to spend thousands of dollars out of pocket for aftermarket repairs. The Mazda class action lawsuit seeks to represent a class of all owners for any statutory damages as well as reimbursements for necessary repairs.

The plaintiffs are represented by Eric H. Gibbs, Dylan Hughs and Jennifer McIontosh of Girard Gibbs LLP, and Gregory F. Coleman, Adam Edwards and Lisa A. White of Greg Coleman Law PC.

The Mazda Dashboard Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Stedman, et al. v. Mazda Motor Corporation, et al., Case No. 8:14-cv-01608, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.