Dealer installed hitch - hack-job on the bumper notch

According to the installation instructions, they were even supposed to cut out that high on the bumper. Just along the bottom edge, not up the back edge. I'd say they didnt install an OEM part. Just my .02



Jeff
 
They probably left it down a touch for the glamour shot so they didn't have to cut into a vehicle. Is the site this photo is from endorsed by or affiliated with corporate Mazda? I know it's Mazdaparts.org, but the ammo would be better if I could confirm that. :)

It's actually stolen straight from the MazdaUSA CX-5 accessories page:

http://accessories.mazdausa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=24601&categoryId=16056&parent_category_rn=16045&yearSelected=2014&modelSelected=vc254&modelName=2014+CX-5#16081

If you go to Mazdausa.com, click the CX-5 page, and click on "Accessories" under the "shopping tools" tab, it takes you to that page; and you can find the trailer hitch, with the same picture.

They are supposed to remove your muffler to install the hitch; I wonder if they put it on wrong? They aren't supposed to have to cut that high on the bumper. Honestly, that could be very dangerous. If you had your bikes on there (or were towing a jet ski...) and it fell off, someone in a car (or on a motorcycle) behind you could be killed, and you would be liable. The poor worksmanship with the bumper and the lack of wiring calls the whole job into question. Were the bolts torqued properly? The goofy cut makes you wonder if it is mounted flush or if it's cocked or something.

It's all unlikely, but they're valid concerns that a dealer wouldn't want a customer discussing with them in their showroom, with potential customers all around. A trailer hitch isn't a floor mat or radio. It can be dangerous. This is why you go to your dealer for this type of work; so it is done right and your vehicle is safe.

Actually, looking at the official mazda page, it lists the wiring harness as a separate part. But the two parts combined are still under $400, direct from Mazda...how long did they spend installing it??
 
According to the installation instructions, they were even supposed to cut out that high on the bumper. Just along the bottom edge, not up the back edge. I'd say they didnt install an OEM part. Just my .02



Jeff


You may be right, Jeff, we'll see how this plays out . I printed/trimmed out the factory install template, so there will be no refuting that it was done incorrectly.
 
It's actually stolen straight from the MazdaUSA CX-5 accessories page:

http://accessories.mazdausa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=24601&categoryId=16056&parent_category_rn=16045&yearSelected=2014&modelSelected=vc254&modelName=2014+CX-5#16081

If you go to Mazdausa.com, click the CX-5 page, and click on "Accessories" under the "shopping tools" tab, it takes you to that page; and you can find the trailer hitch, with the same picture.

They are supposed to remove your muffler to install the hitch; I wonder if they put it on wrong? They aren't supposed to have to cut that high on the bumper. Honestly, that could be very dangerous. If you had your bikes on there (or were towing a jet ski...) and it fell off, someone in a car (or on a motorcycle) behind you could be killed, and you would be liable. The poor worksmanship with the bumper and the lack of wiring calls the whole job into question. Were the bolts torqued properly? The goofy cut makes you wonder if it is mounted flush or if it's cocked or something.

It's all unlikely, but they're valid concerns that a dealer wouldn't want a customer discussing with them in their showroom, with potential customers all around. A trailer hitch isn't a floor mat or radio. It can be dangerous. This is why you go to your dealer for this type of work; so it is done right and your vehicle is safe.

Actually, looking at the official mazda page, it lists the wiring harness as a separate part. But the two parts combined are still under $400, direct from Mazda...how long did they spend installing it??

This does create many additional questions and potential safety concerns. I got the hitch, roof rails and splash guards installed together, I have to imagine the hitch job is under 2 hrs labor... no?

Thanks for the replies!
 
Or maybe, is the situation even worse...(meaning the hitch hack job wasn't even a Mazda hitch)?

I thought same thing, it doesn't even look like the same hitch shown by Mazda for the CX-5.
 
Had the Mazda fitted towbar fitted here in the UK and there is a cut to the bumper but not noticeable unless you get down on your hands and knees.
Would not be very happy with the quality of work shown.
 
Had the Mazda fitted towbar fitted here in the UK and there is a cut to the bumper but not noticeable unless you get down on your hands and knees.
Would not be very happy with the quality of work shown.

psam - would you be so kind as to post a picture so that I may bring it in as an example? Thank you!
 
I'm getting my detachable towbar fitted tomorrow.... It apparently requires a small cut (max 30mm deep) in the underside of the bumper.... The Mazda dealer has assured me it won't be visible unless looking from underneath..... I hope he is right.

I certainly would not accept what has been shown by the photos earlier in the thread.
 
Wow, were all the tech's busy, and they had a porter or detailer install it? WTF?

You arent going over board about this. Its a brand new car, and you paid more then top dollar for the part. So there's mo reason it shouldnt be installed correctly. Good luck. And if they dont fix it, spread the dealers name like wild fire. Internet chatter can REALLY hurt a dealership.
 
The US seems to get a different detachable tow bar than here in the UK.... the UK one seems a lot more visually pleasing. When the towbar is removed from my car I can see nothing, unless I get down on my hands and knees and then I can see the bottom of the swing down lighting connector..... I attach a few photos, one of them marked up to show what I mean.

IMG-20130130-00205.webpIMG-20130130-00204.webpIMG-20130130-00202.webpWORKING DIAGRAM.webp
 
The US seems to get a different detachable tow bar than here in the UK.... the UK one seems a lot more visually pleasing. When the towbar is removed from my car I can see nothing, unless I get down on my hands and knees and then I can see the bottom of the swing down lighting connector..... I attach a few photos, one of them marked up to show what I mean.

View attachment 200646View attachment 200647View attachment 200648View attachment 200649

My hitch looks exactly the same,very discrete
 
The US towbar is completely different, and has no lighting connector either. Is there a chance that either of you could post a pic of what it looks like when it is in place for use? I'm having a hard time translating those pictures into something I would expect to see as a tow hitch here in the US.
 
Any update on your follow up trip with the dealer?


Jeff

Nay, not yet, Jeff - I keep having to reschedule due to work kicking my a$$. Rescheduled for this Friday and that's it, not changing this one. I'll keep you posted. Glad I got some additional ammo, hasn't been too bad waiting...
 
The US towbar is completely different, and has no lighting connector either. Is there a chance that either of you could post a pic of what it looks like when it is in place for use? I'm having a hard time translating those pictures into something I would expect to see as a tow hitch here in the US.

Some more photos attached... hopefully these will show it better.
 

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The US towbar is completely different, and has no lighting connector either.

The US factory tow bar does include a bracket for the lighting connector. It's up and out of the way and you can't even see it unless you kind of get under and look for it.
 

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