Cracks in tailgate

[deisz001]

Hi all,

After reading a thread in a Dutch Mazda forum, I discovered two cracks in the tailgate of my Mazda5. The cracks are located near the hinges. I've attached two pictures of the cracks. I included a ruler (in cm.) to give an idea of the size. The crack on the left is about 6cm, the one on the right about 4cm.

This is a Dutch 2005 1.8 Mazda5. I've already spoken with my local Mazda dealership and they say they have seen this problem in more Mazda5's, even an almost new one. They were a bit unsure about whether or not this is covered by guarantee.

Does anyone here have the same problem with the Mazda5?

Cheers! Stefan.

 

[deisz001]

Just returned from the dealer who has taken some pictures to send to Mazda for a service request. They say Mazda does not replace the liftgate anymore as they did with previous cases with the same cracks. Instead of replacing the liftgate, they will glue it. (Which I'm not totally happy about :-( )
The dealer showed me an official service bulletin about this issue. Unfortunately I can't find this bulletin anywhere on the net. Maybe someone over here?
Another thing they told me is that this problem with the tailgate is one of the things that was improved with the recent facelift of the Mazda5. The tailgate is now made of thicker plastic. (And that is the main reason I'm not very positive about glueing the cracks: the liftgate isn't going to be stronger than before the cracks...)

Cheers! Stefan.

 

[coolmazda5]

Hello Stefan,

Here is the list of technical service bulletins (TSBs) for North America, but I don't see that one. Until now I've been realizing that Mazda actually starting selling Mazda5s as 2005 models (after replacing the 1st gen Premacy) in Europe, while in the US and Canada started selling them as 2006 models, so not sure if it applies to us. Regardless, there are a couple of guys from Europe here. I've PM'ed you their member names so drop them another PM, perhaps they know where those TSBs are for the European models

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123724110

 

[coolmazda5]

Oh, and worst case scenario, tell the dealer to get you an aftermarket spoiler at least (not sure what model you have, if it does not have the OEM spoiler that may help)

http://www.mazdastuff.com/product.cfm?ProductID=2717

 

[canadianexpress]

Yup just noticed my have the same problem. Sadly my car is approaching 4 years and most likely not covered for any work on it.

 

[coolmazda5]

Damn, so they also made it to NA. Anyone else?

 

[deisz001]

Sad to hear that it's not limited to Europe...
I think you really should try to have this fixed under warranty. I really think it's something that shouldn't happen to the tailgate. And it's a fact that there's a TSB about it (saw it at my local dealer, but unfortunately haven't got a copy), so it's a known issue. It's also a fact (at least: my dealer told me so) that the newer Mazda5's have a tailgate made of thicker plastic. Let's guess one time why they did that...
I contacted the Dutch Automobile Association (ANWB) about this issue, and they support my thinking that if my Mazda5 gets new cracks after the warranty has expired, Mazda should fix it again under warranty. (but I hope I won't have to experience that...)

Cheers! Stefan.

 

[mazdadude]

I just inspected mine and no cracks.

Perhaps this is a snow/cold weather issue?(sun)

 

[antlind]

I just inspected mine and no cracks.

Perhaps this is a snow/cold weather issue?(sun)

Perhaps not...I live in Calgary and my 06 is okay so far.

 

[Zoom5Zoom]

Yup just noticed my have the same problem. Sadly my car is approaching 4 years and most likely not covered for any work on it.

can you post pics please

 

[Captain KRM P5]

nstead of replacing the liftgate, they will glue it. (Which I'm not totally happy about :-( )
.

wow thats awful. i have not had this happen to mine but will keep an eye out for it.

 

[coolmazda5]

While driving today I saw a couple of USDM Sports with no popular package and they look rather different, so silly question to the ones with the problem, what type of tailgate do you have? The one with the OEM spoiler or the one without it? Would it be any difference in the design? (dunno)

 

[Captain KRM P5]

i don't think that it is to be honest.

 

[dfskinner]

I've got the same problem..... I believe it's from over opening the tailgate..... not sure.......

You know how the tailgate opens, then it will go just a little bit more.... once it completed that second stage I pushed it to make sure it was open all the way and I believe that's when the cracks appeared...... I've had a body shop take a look and they too believe it's stress cracks...... we're going to sand them down just a bit and repair the paint.... nothing much else can be done and mazda is sure not touching this.........

 

[canadianexpress]

I wonder if this will damage anything if left alone as rain water or even ice get in there in the winter?

 

[RCC]

I had to go outside with a flashlight and check. No cracks found.

 

[erik111]

My 06 has it bad, the pass side is small but the driver side is almost all the way from top to bottom of that section of the gate. I will be taking it in first thing Tues. morning. I will try to get pics tomorrow.

 

[SGT_OKINAWA]

None here in Japan. But still, (boom02) (boom05) I'll keep an eye for it on the Premacy.

Peace!(rei)

 

[deisz001]

Another injured 5:

Edit: Link To Another Mazda Forum

Hello there,
Forum rules do not allow posting to other Mazda forums but, Would it be possible to post a brief description of the other car (year, trim, etc?). That will help the rest here I believe

Thanks

Sorry for violating the forum rules. Wasn't aware of this rule...
The Mazda5 I mentioned is from 2006. So it is from before the facelift. I don't think the specific model is of any influence, since this is a part that is shared between all 5's from before the facelift. (Except maybe the models with an additional spoiler on top of the tailgate)

Cheers! Stefan.

 

[thaxman]

Was at the dealer for non-related reason & decided to look at the tailgate because I had heard about the cracks - and YES! Over left hinge. This is a PHX car, so cold has nothing to do with it. I am going to check if it is related to the 2nd lift position. If so, defintely a defect, I would demand coverage after warranty exp from Mazda EU, diesz001.