Okay - this is serious: Mazda will NOT honor transmission warranty in case of ...

[bmninada]

Okay, I wanted to install a trailer hitch. This forum and a lot of others spoke of the high cost of Mazda hitch and in fact at half the cost - the Curtis is better, etc., etc.

Long story short - I wanted to get the Curtis one (Class-III - hidden) and install it. Called the dealer. He told me 2 things:

1. If a trailer hitch is installed NOT in Mazda authorized dealership, in case of ANY transmission issues Mazda will NOT cover it under ANY warranty.
2. If installed at dealer then the ONLY approved hitch is the Mazda one and anything otherwise in terms of warranty - same as (1) above.

I called Mazda customer service and they confirmed that's the case.

I wanted to know if this is another one of dealer @#@$ and customer service @ Mazda: well at the end of the day, not sure how informative they are!

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

IMO: If true would be a violation of MagnusonMoss_Warranty_Act

Highly doubtful they are going to know whether I tow a small trailer or use my hitch as a bike carrier.... or just a place to put my bump step.

Sounds like dealer and Mazda just want to sell their parts and labor $$$.

Etrailer post:


"Hitch Recommendation for a 2014 Kia Forte
Question:
Will installing this trailer hitch void my warranty on my 2014 Kia Forte, even tho the manual says not designed for towing... Thanks. PS.. The rtailer I want to tow is a 4X8 utility trailer. Base weight is 340lbs.
asked by: Terry B

Expert Reply:
The Hidden Hitch part # 60335 that you referenced has been confirmed to fit your 2014 Kia Forte. When you install an aftermarket part on your vehicle like a trailer hitch in this case, you are protected by the MagnusonMoss Warranty Act. This act states, in part, that unless the installation and the part caused a problem then the warranty cannot be voided. I recommend looking it up online.

Normally we recommend that you always follow any and all towing restrictions for a vehicle that are found in the owners manual."

 

[bmninada]

Wolf hat I know. What I came to realize is Mazda provides only class 1. That means the transmission is rated up to that class only. A class 3 installed would mean the car might be pulling a load higher than class 1 and effectively it will enough ground to disqualify.

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

IMO: If true would be a violation of Magnuson–Moss_Warranty_Act

This 100%. Was my 1st thought when reading this. An owner with the knowledge of the law, will have no issues at all having things fixed under warranty. You just need to know the laws, and not be a push over for bully dealers that think Mazda owners are dumb

Wolf hat I know. What I came to realize is Mazda provides only class 1. That means the transmission is rated up to that class only. A class 3 installed would mean the car might be pulling a load higher than class 1 and effectively it will enough ground to disqualify.

So why would they say that installing a OEM Mazda one, but not having a Mazda dealership do the install will make it void? Which even that is BS. As is most everything that dealer is saying by the sounds of it.

 

[bmninada]

I agree with this part. My take it class 1 hitch is fine, installed by others should be fine too. But anything above class 1 might be trouble.

 

[Lbear]

I agree with this part. My take it class 1 hitch is fine, installed by others should be fine too. But anything above class 1 might be trouble.

Hitch class is just what the hitch is rated for. That doesn't mean some idiot will try and tow 3,000 #s of trailer with a Class 1 hitch.

I always say stronger is better and in this case the cost of a Class 3 hitch vs a Class 1 hitch is a few dollars. A Class 3 hitch is built stronger and it's always better to be overbuilt than underbuilt. Nobody ever says that they wish their cars engine or transmission was built weaker.

Once the hitch is installed it's up to the vehicle owner what they do with it. They can tow 1,000 #s with a Class 3 hitch or tow 3,000 #s with a Class 1 hitch.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

+1

Hitch class is just what the hitch is rated for. That doesn't mean some idiot will try and tow 3,000 #s of trailer with a Class 1 hitch.

I always say stronger is better and in this case the cost of a Class 3 hitch vs a Class 1 hitch is a few dollars. A Class 3 hitch is built stronger and it's always better to be overbuilt than underbuilt. Nobody ever says that they wish their cars engine or transmission was built weaker.

 

[bmninada]

I am with all of you, but look at it differently. Assume someone installed Mazda's Class 1 hitch and tried to pull something which requires (ideally) class 3. The thing breaks, something gives - dunno. But for Mazda, if you do install a Class 3 and try to pull a load which can be pulled by class 1: its fine but there's no way they can know whether you indeed pulled a small or a large load. I guess that's why the issue is. I think that's why they don't want to cover warranty on transmission if you indeed have a class 3 hitch.

I spoke with few friends who have a Audi and another guy having a BMW. They have hitches and they both said this is well known, regarding transmission warranty issues w.r.t. having trailer hitches.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Some dealers may need threat of legal action for violation of Magnuson Moss Warranty Act if they deny a claim. I imagine some service writers aren't even aware of this old act. This isn't an issue I am going to sweat...and I know I will prevail with the law behind me on this. I do not find this necessary in any way but for your own piece-of-mind you may want to go with what dealer told you.

I typically play highly ignorant around service people at dealerships for character assessment .... I have certainly met many sincere and honest individuals but a number of outright imbeciles exist as well...or just plain deceptive liars about known facts in regards to automobile warranty coverage or service needs.

 

[bmninada]

Some dealers may need threat of legal action for violation of Magnuson Moss Warranty Act if they deny a claim. I imagine some service writers aren't even aware of this old act. This isn't an issue I am going to sweat...and I know I will prevail with the law behind me on this. I do not find this necessary in any way but for your own piece-of-mind you may want to go with what dealer told you.

I typically play highly ignorant around service people at dealerships for character assessment .... I have certainly met many sincere and honest individuals but a number of outright imbeciles exist as well...or just plain deceptive liars about known facts in regards to automobile warranty coverage or service needs.

Hear! Hear!

1 Google advice I liked, if I do install a Curtis one, before servicing @ dealer (if ever) remove it and go.....

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Hear! Hear!

1 Google advice I liked, if I do install a Curtis one, before servicing @ dealer (if ever) remove it and go.....

Hitches are far easier to take off than put on

 

[Srad600]

This 100%. Was my 1st thought when reading this. An owner with the knowledge of the law, will have no issues at all having things fixed under warranty. You just need to know the laws, and not be a push over for bully dealers that think Mazda owners are dumb

A little anecdote: When I got my CX-5 I told the dealer I wanted the hitch installed. The salesman was a motorcycle rider, and we'd spent the past few days talking about bikes, as well as getting pricing together for my car, so we were pretty "chummy". When it came time to sign the paperwork, he told me that it would be pointless for them (the dealer) to install the hitch. The hitch itself would cost more, be a cheaper hitch and they'd want an arm and a leg for installation. He actually TOLD me I could do it myself on the cheap or go next door to the Thule dealer and have them do it for 1/2 the dealer price. He assured me it made NO DIFFERENCE to them or Mazda.

Sounds to me like your dealer is taking you for a ride. "Kedis" spot on that per the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the dealer would need to PROVE that the hitch caused the failure of the transmission in order to void that warranty. They cannot legally just void it simply because you have the hitch (any hitch).

EDIT: BTW my car has been into the service bay twice since I bought it. I haven't had to remove any of the items I've installed on the car, and the dealer hasn't complained or even said a word about them.

 

[inlinev]

It's BS. Car is rated to tow 2000lbs. Regardless of the hitch class.

 

[erhayes]

I understand where the dealer is coming from. I don't believe there is a good reason for wanting to put a class 2 or 3 hitch on a vehicle that is rated to pull 2K lbs. Sort of like saying, I will put a super charger on my CX5 but, will not use the extra hp. I don't know what the Mazda factory stance is on this or is it just a dealer opinion. Maybe Mazda has had enough jerks trying to pull 3-4,000 pound trailers that they have opted for this, even though we know you would never pull anything over the rated vehicle limit)

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

I understand where the dealer is coming from. I don't believe there is a good reason for wanting to put a class 2 or 3 hitch on a vehicle that is rated to pull 2K lbs. Sort of like saying, I will put a super charger on my CX5 but, will not use the extra hp. I don't know what the Mazda factory stance is on this or is it just a dealer opinion. Maybe Mazda has had enough jerks trying to pull 3-4,000 pound trailers that they have opted for this, even though we know you would never pull anything over the rated vehicle limit)

1.25" receiver on stock Mazda hitch versus 2" receiver on the Class III I have. Many..including myself already have 2" receiver accessories and would rather not use a downsize adapter or re-purchase accessories. I feel very confident using my accessories with the Hidden Hitch I have on my CX-5.... I don't believe I would feel the same with a 1.25" receiver. I utilize within published specifications as well.

 

[JonW]

When I bought my 2014 CX5 I had the dealer install the hitch. They had it done offsite by another company and it was a Drawtite hitch. I told them I wanted a class III and they said no problem.

On my 2016 I installed a Curt class III hitch myself (from eTrailer.com).

Just because you have class III hitch doesn't mean you tow up to the maximum weight for that class. I'm not a lawyer, but for Mazda to deny a claim they'd have to prove you exceeded the maximum tow weight of the vehicle if you took them to court over a denied claim.

If this is keeping you up at night then have the dealer install the Mazda approved hitch. Otherwise don't worry about it.

 

[Lbear]

Most trailers have 2" hitches. It's sort of the "common" size in trailers.

People abuse vehicles all the time without trailers and warranties cover the broken parts. To void a warranty because you have a Class 3 hitch is beyond stupid and I would find another dealership.

 

[bmninada]

Thank you all. I will talk to a different dealer next week to get their opinion. I am also leaning towards the Curtis III Hidden hitch

 

[Lbear]

I understand where the dealer is coming from. I don't believe there is a good reason for wanting to put a class 2 or 3 hitch on a vehicle that is rated to pull 2K lbs. Sort of like saying, I will put a super charger on my CX5 but, will not use the extra hp. I don't know what the Mazda factory stance is on this or is it just a dealer opinion. Maybe Mazda has had enough jerks trying to pull 3-4,000 pound trailers that they have opted for this, even though we know you would never pull anything over the rated vehicle limit)

Bad example. Putting a super charger would void the warranty on the engine and possibly transmission.

Remember, the exact same CX5 that is sold in Europe is allowed to tow 3,500 #s. The only difference is that in Europe the towing restrictions are different and the speed limit must be kept under 55MPH.

So Mazda honors the warranty for the CX5 in Europe and allows owners to tow 3,500#s.

 

[craigo]

Bad example. Putting a super charger would void the warranty on the engine and possibly transmission.

Remember, the exact same CX5 that is sold in Europe is allowed to tow 3,500 #s. The only difference is that in Europe the towing restrictions are different and the speed limit must be kept under 55MPH.

So Mazda honors the warranty for the CX5 in Europe and allows owners to tow 3,500#s.

Good point. That makes sense. Tow ratings are always a bit opaque. I recall that Jeep Wrangler 4 doors were rated higher than the 2 doors, despite having same engine/transmission/suspension and the vehicle weighing more. Speculation was because of the longer wheelbase of the 4 door, it could safely handle more of a load - but that wasn't factory verified.