Class-Action Suit Over Lack of Advertised Real-Time Traffic

[Youngweb]

Hello. First post. Just purchased a 2016 CX-5 GT with Technology & i-ActiveSense packages. So far, we are very impressed with the car.

However, on page 18 of Mazda's 2016 CX-5 brochure, it states "...an available factory-integrated navigation system with cutting-edge features such as voice command, real-time traffic alerts and advanced lane guidance." As we have now found out, Mazda does not have an active agreement with a traffic service provider so there are NO real-time traffic alerts.

Am I the only one who finds this totally unacceptable? That is false advertising.

Is there any interest in some sort of class-action suit to force Mazda to either:

1) Provide real-time traffic information as advertised/promised (preferred option)
2) Refund part of the cost of the Navigation system

There needs to be financial pressure on Mazda to get a deal in place. Without it, they will continue to say "we are working on it." That does us no good.

 

[pdlpsher]

Real-time traffic works just fine on mine. I had thought the data comes from HD radio stations (ie free data).

 

[Rickgs]

How is IT working? it comes up on your Navigation map? or are you talking about that sub app?

 

[pdlpsher]

It comes up on a separate map. Is it supposed to overlay traffic date over the navigation map? How does other car makers implement real-time traffic? Since the data is free I guess I can't complaint too much...

 

[mackworth]

Fine print at the bottom of the brochure:

PRODUCT CHANGES AND OPTIONS AVAILABILITY: Following publication of this brochure, certain changes in standard equipment, options, prices and the like—or product delays—may have occurred that would not be included in these pages. Your Mazda Dealer is your best source for up-to-date information. Mazda reserves the right to change product specifications at any time without incurring obligations. Options shown or described in this brochure are available at extra cost and may be offered only in combination with other options or subject to additional ordering requirements or limitations.

Even with traffic, the NAV would still suck though.

 

[edj_03]

Hello. First post. Just purchased a 2016 CX-5 GT with Technology & i-ActiveSense packages. So far, we are very impressed with the car.

However, on page 18 of Mazda's 2016 CX-5 brochure, it states "...an available factory-integrated navigation system with cutting-edge features such as voice command, real-time traffic alerts and advanced lane guidance." As we have now found out, Mazda does not have an active agreement with a traffic service provider so there are NO real-time traffic alerts.

Am I the only one who finds this totally unacceptable? That is false advertising.

Is there any interest in some sort of class-action suit to force Mazda to either:

1) Provide real-time traffic information as advertised/promised (preferred option)
2) Refund part of the cost of the Navigation system

There needs to be financial pressure on Mazda to get a deal in place. Without it, they will continue to say "we are working on it." That does us no good.

Rather than give your money to a lawyer, how about sending it over to the developer of this free app:

http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/...hanced-compass-application-mazda-connect.html

While still in the works, It sounds like he is offering an otherwise free GPS alternative for our CX-5.

 

[AllezDada]

I use Waze. It's probably more up-to-the-minute than most. And it's free.

 

[Dr Kev]

Hello. First post. Just purchased a 2016 CX-5 GT with Technology & i-ActiveSense packages. So far, we are very impressed with the car.

However, on page 18 of Mazda's 2016 CX-5 brochure, it states "...an available factory-integrated navigation system with cutting-edge features such as voice command, real-time traffic alerts and advanced lane guidance." As we have now found out, Mazda does not have an active agreement with a traffic service provider so there are NO real-time traffic alerts.

Am I the only one who finds this totally unacceptable? That is false advertising.

Is there any interest in some sort of class-action suit to force Mazda to either:

1) Provide real-time traffic information as advertised/promised (preferred option)
2) Refund part of the cost of the Navigation system

There needs to be financial pressure on Mazda to get a deal in place. Without it, they will continue to say "we are working on it." That does us no good.

The disclaimer at the back of the brochure would make your proposed legal action a waste of time and money.

 

[tzr916]

Real-time traffic works just fine on mine. I had thought the data comes from HD radio stations (ie free data).

What you are looking at traffic HISTORY, not real time. See:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...ffic-in-2016&p=6386980&viewfull=1#post6386980

 

[Youngweb]

Rather than give your money to a lawyer, how about sending it over to the developer of this free app:

http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/...hanced-compass-application-mazda-connect.html

While still in the works, It sounds like he is offering an otherwise free GPS alternative for our CX-5.

Thanks for this but I'm looking for Mazda to deliver the promised feature, not to get a separate app that requires a Wifi connection. When a Navigation system is advertised with real-time traffic, the expectation is that the traffic will be overlayed on the maps and that it would warn you of delays on your route.

 

[Youngweb]

Fine print at the bottom of the brochure:



Even with traffic, the NAV would still suck though.

Thanks for pointing out this disclaimer. However, you can't disclaim away all liability. As of now, at a minimum, the claim in the brochure is false.

I assume there is some sort of contract dispute with the intended traffic report provider. Mazda does not want to pay their price. Problem is we are being held hostage in this situation. We need to make noise. At a minimum, file a complaint with the FTC. Raise our voices on this forum. Complain loud enough so you when you Google the subject, it is clear to all that there is a problem. Mazda needs to reach a settlement and enable this promised feature.

 

[DBLXX]

There isn't any traffic in NY so I am all good without it

 

[Srad600]

I feel your pain, and understand the frustration. I don't think a lawsuit is the way to go though.

Personally, I made a point of stating how disappointed i was in not receiving the product I was told I was getting when I filled out the new owner survey.

EDIT: I also had to add that I still want it, and am hopeful they will either come to terms with the original provider or find another one. Where I live traffic can fluctuate wildly, so this type of service can be invaluable. I also use WAZE, but would rather have all the information in one place (navigation screen).


...sent...

 

[yrwei52]

Thanks for pointing out this disclaimer. However, you can't disclaim away all liability. As of now, at a minimum, the claim in the brochure is false.

I assume there is some sort of contract dispute with the intended traffic report provider. Mazda does not want to pay their price. Problem is we are being held hostage in this situation. We need to make noise. At a minimum, file a complaint with the FTC. Raise our voices on this forum. Complain loud enough so you when you Google the subject, it is clear to all that there is a problem. Mazda needs to reach a settlement and enable this promised feature.

I agree with you but I'm afraid most people either they don't need it or they don't care as they consider it's a minor issue which is not worth the fight.

 

[mackworth]

Thanks for this but I'm looking for Mazda to deliver the promised feature, not to get a separate app that requires a Wifi connection. When a Navigation system is advertised with real-time traffic, the expectation is that the traffic will be overlayed on the maps and that it would warn you of delays on your route.

For what its worth, I think the Mazda Connected services that offered traffic data in other markets required Wifi anyway. Our cars don't have any type of data connection, so the best it can do for traffic is to use the HD Radio traffic, which isn't great.

http://forum.mazda6club.com/newbie-section/356474-2016-mazda6-touring-navigation-live-traffic.html

This recent thread mentions that someone was told my Mazda that they are working on Live traffic, and hope to release it at some point. Hopefully its true.

 

[RG_Flyer]

Seems like infotainment causes the most angst. Another reason I enjoy my Sport MT-6 - simple driving pleasure and at that trim level, I feel like I got more than I paid for rather than less.

Stick and Rudder.

 

[MikeM.]

Our cars don't have any type of data connection, so the best it can do for traffic is to use the HD Radio traffic, which isn't great.

What is it about the HD Radio traffic that disqualifies it from being "any type of data connection"? Does this not provide live traffic updates when in HD Radio service area?

 

[pdlpsher]

The HD traffic seems fine to me. Does anyone really think a five delay is going to cause problems? Anyone who's looking for a better connected car can wait for the Google or Apple car.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

For the IT folks think of the HD Radio traffic more like a UDP broadcast...

 

[123373]

My 2014 always reports and shows real time traffic issues and offers alternate routes. I have ignored the warnings to see if it was indeed real time and have gotten stuck. I keep my NAV set to ask me instead of automatically taking me through the detours. A little annoying, but does the job very well. I would assume the new Mazda connect in the 2016 performs even better.