Mazda class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Four plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit against Mazda Motor of America Inc., which does business as Mazda North American Operations.
- Why: Certain Mazda infotainment systems allegedly have a defect causing them to malfunction, posing a distraction to drivers.
- Where: The Mazda class action lawsuit was filed in Kentucky federal court.
A new class action lawsuit claims that certain Mazda infotainment systems malfunction and can cause drivers to become distracted.
Plaintiffs Catherine Duffy, Matthew Edlin, Lawrence Mulcahy and Paula Hall filed the Mazda class action lawsuit June 28 in Kentucky federal court on behalf of current and former owners and lessees of certain Mazda vehicles.
They claim the following vehicles are equipped with a defective Mazda infotainment system:
- 2016-2022 Mazda2
- 2014-2018 Mazda3
- 2016-2021 Mazda6
- 2016-2021 CX-3
- 2016-2020 CX-5
- 2016-2020 CX-9
- 2016-2023 MX-5
The class vehicles are reportedly equipped with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, a multimedia and video interface, located in their center consoles. The system includes a number of features, including a visual for the backup camera, radio and audio controls, the navigation system and cell phone connectivity.
Mazda touts the Connect infotainment system as a way to “stay connected without taking your hands off the wheel.” The automaker claims the system provides “seamless connectivity between your car and your smart phone,” according to the lawsuit.
However, the plaintiffs say the Mazda infotainment system is plagued by glitches that cause it to reboot, freeze, become non-responsive or otherwise malfunction. The alleged Mazda infotainment defect can even cause safety-related systems, such as the backup camera, to malfunction.
Mazda class action says automaker concealed defect from consumers
Each of the plaintiffs says their Mazda infotainment systems were affected by cycles of rebooting and freezing every few minutes while driving. They say they may not have purchased their Mazda vehicles, or would not have paid as much for them, had they known about the distracting Mazda infotainment system defect.
The automaker has long known about the Mazda infotainment defect based on warranty and repair records, pre-release testing and complaints collected by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and posted on consumer message boards, the plaintiffs claim. Despite this knowledge, Mazda has never adequately remedied the defect and has instead chosen to conceal it, the lawsuit alleges.
The Mazda class action asserts claims for breach of express warranty, breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Unfair Competition Law, the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act, fraudulent concealment and unjust enrichment.
Mazda recently reached a class action settlement over an alleged valve stem defect. Eligible class members have until Oct. 19, 2024, to submit a claim.
Do you have a vehicle affected by the alleged Mazda infotainment system defect? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by Randall S. Strause of Strause Law Group, Benjamin F. Johns and Samantha E. Holbrook of Shub & Johns LLC, Andrew W. Ferich and Robert Ahdoot of Ahdoot & Wolfson PC, Keith T. Vernon and Andrew w. Knox of Timoney Knox LLP, and Troy M. Frederick and Beth A. Frederick of Frederick Law Group PLLC.
The Mazda infotainment class action lawsuit is Catherine Duffy, et al. v. Mazda Motor of America Inc. d/b/a Mazda North American Operations, Case No. 3:24-cv-00388-BJB, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.
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88 thoughts onMazda class action claims some vehicles have defective infotainment systems
My 2020 CX 5 screen will automatically change stations, torn up the sound and turn the lighting dark on the screen. I went to the Lancaster Mazda to complain and they basically said I would have to pay $500.00. They said there is a suit against Mazda which if it goes through I could be reimbursed. It’s ridiculous
I recently visited Power Mazda in Salem, Oregon to address an issue with my 2019 Mazda CX-9’s infotainment system. I was informed by the service center that my warranty does not cover this issue, despite the fact that I purchased additional insurance for ten years through the dealer. I provided all necessary details and requested support, but was told the issue was due to a crack and was somehow my fault. Even after asking the Service Manager for assistance, I felt unfairly accused and asked to pay $189 for a reevaluation, though there is no visible internal damage.
Unfortunately, my experience with this dealership has been very disappointing. Not only did I feel unsupported regarding the class action settlement for Mazda infotainment issues, but I also felt that the staff’s approach was unhelpful and dismissive.
Class action settlements should be honored consistently by all Mazda dealerships, without exception. Every customer deserves to be treated with fairness and respect—regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or any other factor. Good customer service and integrity should be the standard for all.