Mazda Engine Coolant Defect: Legal Battle Over A Critical Engine Flaw

If you’re a Mazda vehicle owner that is equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine, it’s important to be aware of a class action lawsuit recently filed that could significantly impact you.

The law firm of Sauder Schelkopf filed the action Jarvis et al. v. Mazda Motor of America, Inc., et al., that alleges a defect with the engine’s cooling system may cause engine stalling and catastrophic engine failure.

According to the complaint, the alleged defect affects a range of popular Mazda models including the CX-5, CX-9, and Mazda6.

Naturally for many Mazda owners, this defect has sparked concerns over vehicle safety, reliability, and the integrity of Mazda’s engineering.

In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the alleged engine coolant defect. We’ll uncover what every Mazda owner with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine should know.

The Mazda Engine Coolant Defect Lawsuit at a Glance

This issue revolves around the engine cooling system with Mazda vehicles equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine. As one can imagine, the implications of a cooling system defect are severe.

The potential outcomes of this defect range from engine overheating, to catastrophic engine failure. Both which are not only costly to repair, but also a safety concern.

The plaintiffs, a group of affected Mazda owners, argue that Mazda failed to adequately inform owners about the defect, despite knowing its potential for harm. As a result, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Mazda Motor of America, Inc., and Mazda Motor Corporation.

The plaintiffs have taken this step to hold Mazda accountable for not only the financial burden caused by this defect, but also for the potential danger it poses to all road users.

The Core of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T Engine Coolant Defect

The engine cylinder head is an integral part of the engine structure and combustion cycle. One function of the cylinder head is to close the top of the combustion chamber.

The cylinder head is bolted to the top of the engine block thereby sealing the combustion chamber where the combustion cycle takes place.

The cylinder head also contains coolant passages–which flow significant amounts of engine coolant. A functioning coolant system is vital for maintaining safe and steady engine temperatures. Heat generated during the combustion cycle needs to be transferred away from the engine. This process prevents the engine from overheating.

The Mazda SKYACTIV-G 2.5T defect in question arises from the engine’s cylinder head area around the exhaust manifold. This is where significant structural weakness has lead to engine coolant leakage, as seen in the picture below.

The lawsuit alleges that this leakage can result in overheating, engine damage, and eventual engine failure. Simply put, this defect has a severe impact on the engine’s ability to function properly.

The lawsuit alleges that the cylinder head’s structural weakness stems from both manufacturing and design flaws. This particular area of the engine is subject to high heat and stress, which, coupled with inadequate design, leads to material fatigue and eventual failure.

According to Comsol, material fatigue is when a material gets damaged from being repeatedly stressed. This in turn eventually causes the material to fail and crack, as with the case with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T cylinder head.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that these cracks in the cylinder head develop unexpectedly over time, leading to sudden and severe consequences.

Financial and Environmental Implications of This Defect

Repairing this defect is not only expensive but also complex. In most cases, the entire engine needs to be replaced. Which is not only time consuming, but costly.

In one detailed instance from the lawsuit, a plaintiff had to pay over $6,500 for repairs after Mazda refused to cover the costs. This despite the vehicle’s relatively low mileage, and the defect’s clear ties to manufacturing issues.

Moreover, the defect leads to increased environmental harm due to the potential for coolant leaks. These leaks can lead to harmful chemicals entering the environment, further adding to the defect’s negative impact.

Mazda’s Response and Recall Ineffectiveness

Despite issuing multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) and acknowledging the need for design changes in parts such as the exhaust manifold gasket and the cylinder head, Mazda has not issued a recall that fully addresses the issue.

In fact, Mazda’s knowledge of the Engine Coolant Defect is apparent in TSBs, SAs, and SSMs as early as July 2020.

However, the TSBs issued by Mazda outline the defect and suggest repairs, yet fall short of offering a permanent solution. Making matters worst, Mazda denied covering all costs for affected vehicle owners.

The result–owners are left to deal with the financial burden themselves, as the repairs often fall outside of Mazda’s powertrain warranty coverage.

Owners Voices

2 weeks ago I noticed an oil leak 2019 cx5 . Riley Mazda of Stamford check and found a cracked on the cylinder head. The cylinder head needs to be replaced cost around $5000. luckily we noticed the leak while car was park. Imagine if the car was on the road. Dangerous things could have happened. Mazda is aware of this situation years ago. A technician Service Bulletin was released by Mazda in 2019/2021 to all dealerships technicians repair guideline and why the cylinder cracks. On the Mazda bulletin it clearly explained a design defect resulting cylinder head cracks. Also Mazda failed to warn cx5 owners about the dangerous situation. On top of everything Mazda refuse to pay the Defect cracked cylinder head that cost around $5000 . I email mazda Numerous times and decline any goodwill repair . Reason is out of warranty. Most Cylinder heads past 200,000 mile mark. Not unless your engine overheats but it not. Mazda should reimburse us owner who paid the repair cost

NHTSA Complaint Number: 11537823

Known issue in these CX-9’s. Had the issue fixed once with a brand new, Mazda, “redesigned engine.” 14 months and 30000 miles later it’s happening again. Leaking coolant due to cracked cylinder head. First repair was about 9 grand. This time my repair estimate since it’s premature was for another 6000 to replace the cylinder head versus the whole engine. That’s 15k on a used car when I could’ve almost paid it off with that amount at this point.

NHTSA Complaint Number: 11537823

Mazda has an open TSB Technical Service Bulletin for this and many other Mazda’s with the same engine- TSB-Collant Leaks at Cylinder Heads, Bulletin # – 01-013/21 issued 10/15/21 (CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS) My 2019 Mazda is right here on the list: Mazda Dealer claims I have to replace the engine at a cost estimated at $12,000 us dollars no offer or solution to repair the cylinder head which is upward of $5,000.00 us dollars. cars under there warranty are covered. Many models across the country are leaving people like myself stuck with a major engine issue and Mazda admitting they have a problem without stepping up and supporting and paying for this high repair cost to correct the issue. Enclosed is a snip of the actual TSB Mazda sent to all their Dealers. I’ve researched this Mazda engine and there’s cars out there with any where from 25k miles – 100k+ miles with this same issue Should be a Class Action Lawsuit. recall and Mazda needs to be honest with this most sensitive matter APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS US Spec.: 2019-2020 CX-5 SKYACTIV-G 2.5T vehicles with VINs lower than JM3KF830243 (produced before Jun. 9, 2020) 2016-2020 CX-9 SKYACTIV-G 2.5T vehicles with VINs lower than JM3TC422801 (produced before Jun. 9, 2020) 2018-2020 Mazda6 SKYACTIV-G 2.5T vehicles with VINs lower than JM1GL523967 (produced before Mar. 25, 2020) Same engine has a class action lawsuit against Mazda for burring engine oil they both tie together.

NHTSA Complaint Number: 11564776

Mazda Models Affected

The following models are affected by the coolant defect.

• 2019 Mazda CX-5
• 2020 Mazda CX-5
• 2016 Mazda CX-9
• 2017 Mazda CX-9
• 2018 Mazda CX-9
• 2019 Mazda CX-9
• 2020 Mazda CX-9
• 2018 Mazda6
• 2019 Mazda6
• 2020 Mazda6

Status of the Mazda SKYACTIV-G 2.5T Cooling Defect Class Action Litigation

Jarvis et al. v. Mazda Motor of America, Inc., et al., Case No. 3:24-cv-02159-RFL, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. This is an active lawsuit.

Filed by the law firms of: Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP and Sauder Schelkopf LLC.

Questions About This Lawsuit?

MyCarVoice.com is not counsel or the settlement administrator in this class action lawsuit. Our goal is to inform owners of these vehicles of the recent lawsuit. However, this post will be updated when/if new suit information is released.

Please considering subscribing to this post for critical updates.

Are you driving a Mazda CX-5, CX-9, or Mazda6 and experienced problems with the coolant system? If so, add your voice to this post in the comments below, or over at the MyCarVoice Mazda Community page.

Final Thoughts: The Ongoing Battle for Accountability

The class action lawsuit represents a critical step toward accountability, aiming to compensate affected owners and ensure that Mazda addresses the engine coolant defect.

For owners of Mazda vehicles with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine, staying informed about the progress of this lawsuit is vital. The outcome could not only influence the financial and safety aspects of owning an affected vehicle, but also set a precedent for how automotive manufacturers handle defects affecting vehicle safety and integrity.

As the legal battle unfolds, the message is clear: manufacturers must prioritize transparency and swift action when it comes to defects that compromise both the performance and safety of their vehicles.

Are you driving a Mazda and experienced an engine cooling defect with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine? If so, add your voice to this post in the comments below.