We have NOT assisted Mazda in any way to identify members

[jersey_emt]

Amazingly, I'm still hearing people of spreading a rumor that we (Mazda Forums) have been 'bought out' by Mazda and that we helped them identify members and their cars so they can void the warranty because of modifications.

It is a known fact that Mazda has used information publicly posted on this forum against people when it comes to getting warranty work done. And we're not the only forum where this happens. However, we had absolutely nothing to do with it -- anyone or any company can read posts made here (or on other forums for that matter).

You are of course free to believe whatever you want to believe (no matter how convoluted that belief may be), but this is slander. It needs to stop immediately.

Just in case you missed it, here is my official response to these allegations:

-----

Mazda Forums is a community run by Mazda owners and enthusiasts and for Mazda owners and enthusiasts. While just like any very large forum, we sometimes make decisions that are not popular ones, or ones that even cause a small minority of users to pack up and leave the community, even maybe for other Mazda forums, to suggest that we would help Mazda USA to void the warranties of our members by openly providing IP addresses to aid in identifying our members and their cars, is completely irrational and downright absurd (in addition to being completely disrespectful of the people who volunteer their time to keep the forums running as smoothly as possible).

Mazda Forums has not, and never will, supply Mazda USA, Mazda North American Operations, or any affiliate of Mazda with IP addresses of our members to aid in identifying members for the purpose of voiding their warranties due to modifications, 'abuse', or any other reason. The fact of the matter is that despite the laws that force Mazda to prove that an aftermarket part was the direct cause of a failure, they have voided and will continue to void warranties because of modifications or evidence of abuse. Being able to 'pay to play' is something that everyone needs to consider before they modify their car in any way, or bring it to the drag strip, autocross, or track. While the chances of getting your warranty voided due to something minor like an intake are fairly low, it isn't 0.0%.

Mazda Forums is committed to this community 100% and will continue to be committed to this community 100% in the future (despite what some members may think or any 'conspiracy theories' out there). There is only one situation where we would even think about divulging IP addresses or other personal information to Mazda or any third party for that matter -- a subpoena issued by a court with the legal power and jurisdiction to do so. Thinking anything to the contrary is simply crazy talk. And luckily for any members who live in the USA, this site is hosted on servers physically located in Canada, which means that it would be very difficult for Mazda USA to legally subpoena any private information about members. We have in fact been subpoenaed (I think) two times in the past, but did not have to actually divulge any information due to the fact that this site is Canadian.

-Justin

 

[crossbow]

Something you could do to help the community, is put a big fat bold warning on the user CP about signatures having mod lists in them.

"Be advised that dealerships and mazda reps do visit the forum, and can and will utilize your location and mod list in helping to prove that a modification could have caused a part failure, and void your warranty."

 

[Metallic36]

(2thumbs)

 

[jersey_emt]

Something you could do to help the community, is put a big fat bold warning on the user CP about signatures having mod lists in them.

"Be advised that dealerships and mazda reps do visit the forum, and can and will utilize your location and mod list in helping to prove that a modification could have caused a part failure, and void your warranty."

I think this is a good idea. I'll bring it up with my fellow admins.

 

[stockms3]

If everyone can view this forum you should make it private and people should sign up, also you could state in the agreement that assholes working for mazda USA cant use any of the information found in the forum.

 

[Darksun280]

If everyone can view this forum you should make it private and people should sign up, also you could state in the agreement that assholes working for mazda USA cant use any of the information found in the forum.

+1

 

[SuperStretch18]

How would the site attract new users if they can't see what information was available? Isn't it more reasonable that each person uses their own discretion?

If you want your information to be private, don't post it on the internet. Period.

 

[Rush]

How would the site attract new users if they can't see what information was available? Isn't it more reasonable that each person uses their own discretion?

If you want your information to be private, don't post it on the internet. Period.

Exactly. Like I said before -- use your common sense.

 

[SPEED305]

forums, they will never change.

 

[FunkyBuddha]

Exactly. Like I said before -- use your common sense.

I agree. You mod your car, you know it'll void the warranty. Your risk. Your car. The forum should not get blamed for your own actions. The forum is not responsible and shouldn't be babysitting their members. This is public site, accessed by the public. If you want secrets to remain secrets, don't say anything or don't post anything.

 

[Chris Barnett]

LOL at this entire thread. I pity the mazda dealer who attempts to void the warranty on my stock car(except for shifter bushings) based on a post I make online.

I am a supervisor in an automotive warranty claims department; guaranteed I know the law 10x better than most employees at Mazda.

For those with voided warranties, get a lawyer. Seriously. If you win, which you probably will, Mazda would have to pay your attorney fees.

Judges love siding with consumers. At my company, I could have video of someone blowing up their engine at a dragstrip, which of course we would deny. In a lawsuit? We'd probably lose.

 

[stockms3]

Well my speed3 is putting down 600whp..................

Maybe I said that to be cool on the forums? hheheehehe You never know what's true til you see it..........INTERNET LIES!

 

[sleeper3]

actually, when written, it's called libel, not slander.

 

[MS3077]

LOL at this entire thread. I pity the mazda dealer who attempts to void the warranty on my stock car(except for shifter bushings) based on a post I make online.

I am a supervisor in an automotive warranty claims department; guaranteed I know the law 10x better than most employees at Mazda.

For those with voided warranties, get a lawyer. Seriously. If you win, which you probably will, Mazda would have to pay your attorney fees.

Judges love siding with consumers. At my company, I could have video of someone blowing up their engine at a dragstrip, which of course we would deny. In a lawsuit? We'd probably lose.

+1

 

[jaydubz]

Please keep in mind guys that certain individuals on these boards are also techs or service writers that work at various dealerships, most are enthusiasts but some others cannot be trusted.

 

[Mocoso]

Im glad some are techs and service writters visit this forum.... they can see and read issues community is having and maybe just maybe serve the customer better.... if you dont want them seeing something you post dont post it....

Paranoia and secrecy dont serve a forum well

 

[Kurt07]

Mitsubishi did this several years ago on a forum that I belong to. They went as far as to show up at races and meets to try to get VIN numbers. I have a habit now of covering my VIN plate with an index card.

 

[MS3077]

Mitsubishi did this several years ago on a forum that I belong to. They went as far as to show up at races and meets to try to get VIN numbers. I have a habit now of covering my VIN plate with an index card.

That's exactly what I do.

Do you think they use your license plate # as well?

 

[Darkhorse]

I've seen this on other forums where they protect the users. They would state in the user registration a check box that states that you are not affiliated with mazda usa and no information from the site could be used against someone through the forums. Just a thought... i know alot of members are leaving and going to the new forum(providing no link) because of that. it just seems a little bit safer so that we can actually speak our minds and not have to worry about a random catastrophic problem and then pinned for a void warranty just because we say something on the internet. yeah i'm all for watching what you say on the internet but... its the damn internet... lol. cmon now. everyone has a different ego on it. lol

 

[jbiird317]

I've seen this on other forums where they protect the users. They would state in the user registration a check box that states that you are not affiliated with mazda usa and no information from the site could be used against someone through the forums. Just a thought... i know alot of members are leaving and going to the new forum(providing no link) because of that. it just seems a little bit safer so that we can actually speak our minds and not have to worry about a random catastrophic problem and then pinned for a void warranty just because we say something on the internet. yeah i'm all for watching what you say on the internet but... its the damn internet... lol. cmon now. everyone has a different ego on it. lol

im not sure that statement has any legal weight though. Just because someone says it does not make it so, i would be wary of anything you post on the internet.