Mazda agrees to settle valve stem seal class action lawsuit

If you own or lease a 2021-2022 Mazda3, 2021-2022 CX-30, 2021 Mazda6, 2021 CX-5, or 2021 CX-9 vehicle equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged engine, you may be eligible to claim compensation from a class action settlement.

Mazda Motor of America, Inc. has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged defective valve stem seals causing excessive oil consumption.

Can I Claim an Award?

The settlement includes all persons or entities in the United States who are current or former owners and/or lessees of a 2021-2022 Mazda CX-30, 2021 CX-5, 2021 CX-9, 2021-2022 Mazda3, and 2021 Mazda6 vehicle equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged engine with the affected valve stem seals.

To determine if you are a class member, you should check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-character number that can be found on the driver's side dashboard or the driver’s side door post. It also appears on your registration card and insurance card. You can also visit the official settlement website and use the VIN lookup tool to confirm your vehicle is included in the settlement.

The following models and VIN ranges are equipped with the affected valve stem seals:

• 2021 Mazda3 (Japan built 2.5T) with VINS from JM1BP\\\\\\315204 – 403637 (produced from October 12, 2020 to September 13, 2021)
• 2021-2022 Mazda3 (Mexico built 2.5T) with VINS starting from 3MZBP\\\\\\209389 – 307372 (produced from December 8, 2020 to June 16, 2022)
• 2021-2022 CX-30 (2.5T) with VINS starting from 3MVDM\\\\\\233598 – 437812 (produced from December 7, 2020 to June 30, 2022)
• 2021 Mazda6 (2.5T) with VINS from JM1GL\\\\\\602506 – 618909 (produced from October 6, 2020 to September 14, 2021)
• 2021 CX-5 (US/Canada spec 2.5T with 10.25" center display) with VINS from JM3KF\\\\\\320280 – 472324 (produced from October 6, 2020 to September 13, 2021)
• 2021 CX-9 (US/Canada spec 2.5T with 10.25" center display) with VINS from JM3TC\\\\\\509027 – 541070 (produced from October 6, 2020 to September 13, 2021)
• 2021 CX-5 (Canada/Mexico spec 2.5T with 8" center display) with VINS from JM3KF\\\\\\112005 – 135036 (produced from October 6, 2020 to September 1, 2021)
• 2021 CX-9 (Canada/Mexico spec 2.5T with 7" or 9" center display) with VINS from JM3TC\\\\\\451418 – 455173 (produced from October 6, 2020 to September 11, 2021)

Who is Excluded?

Excluded from the Settlement Class are:

• Anyone claiming personal injury, property damage and/or subrogation
• All current employees, officers, directors, agents and representatives of Mazda, and their family members
• Anyone acting as a used car dealer
• Anyone who purchased a Settlement Class Vehicle for the purpose of commercial resale
• Anyone who purchased a Settlement Class Vehicle with salvaged title and/or any insurance company who acquired a Settlement Class Vehicle as a result of a total loss
• Issuers of extended vehicle warranties and service contracts
• Any Settlement Class Member who, prior to the date of the Class Settlement, settled with and released Mazda or any Released Parties from any Released Claims
• Any Settlement Class Member that files a timely and proper Request for Exclusion from the Settlement Class

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

The settlement provides several benefits to class members:

• Replacement of the affected valve stem seals in included vehicles
• Extension of Mazda’s Powertrain Limited Warranty from 60 months and 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, to 84 months and 84,000 miles, whichever comes first
• Reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket costs incurred by a current or former owner or lessee of a Settlement Class Vehicle who actually incurred and paid out-of-pocket costs for an oil change performed more frequently than the normal interval of 7,500 miles or 1 year, and/or additional engine oil in between the normal interval of 7,500 miles or 1 year
• Loaner vehicles to be provided (subject to dealer availability) for the repair

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Claimants need to submit a valid Claim Form and accompanying Proof of Oil Change Expense or Additional Engine Oil Purchase to claim reimbursement. The deadline to submit a claim is October 19, 2024.

• Proof of Oil Change Expense
• Proof of Additional Engine Oil Purchase

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you can submit a claim online or by mail. You can file a claim online on the official settlement website. Alternatively, you can mail your Claim Form to:

Mazda Valve Stem Seal Settlement

c/o JND Legal Administration

PO Box 91414

Seattle, WA 98111

How do I Get Paid?

Once your claim is approved, you will receive your payment through the method specified in your Claim Form. Payments may be made via check or direct deposit.

Important Dates

• Deadline to Exclude Yourself: June 27, 2024
• Deadline to Object: June 27, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: August 5, 2024
• Deadline to File a Claim: October 19, 2024

When will Awards be Paid?

Awards will be paid after the Court approves the Settlement and any appeals are resolved.

Why is there a Class Action Settlement?

The class action settlement was reached to address allegations that some Mazda vehicles were manufactured, marketed, distributed, sold, and/or leased containing defective valve stem seals which causes excessive oil consumption. Mazda denies any wrongdoing, but the settlement was reached to avoid the costs of litigation and provide class members with relief.

Which Mazda Vehicles are Covered?

The settlement involves the following Mazda vehicles equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged engine and affected valve stem seals:

• 2021-2022 Mazda CX-30
• 2021 CX-5
• 2021 CX-9
• 2021-2022 Mazda3
• 2021 Mazda6

What Happens Next?

Next, the Court will hold a Fairness Hearing on August 5, 2024, to decide whether to approve the Settlement. If approved, class members will receive their awards after any appeals are resolved.