What is this rusty part?

[yxhjlmazda]

Hi, I live in the GTA area of Ontario. I bought a brand new 2024 CX-5 GT from a Mazda dealer last October. Today, when I opened the hood and found a rusty part (see attached pictures). What is this? Why is it so rusty on such a new car? Do I need to repair/replace it? If I do, should it be covered by the warranty? Thank you!

 

[yxhjlmazda]

Update.
I talked to the dealer and they said they noticed other owners had the same problem, mainly in late 2023 and 2024 models. Previous models didn't seem to have this problem. They suggested opening a case first and reporting it to the manufacturer to find out the cause. If replace it now, it's likely to have the same quality and the same problem. Wait and see...

 

[gtbigup]

It's possible that a corrosive cleaning agent was used. For example, high alkalinity doesn't play well with some metals.

Or Simple Green. Used to use that in the Army on helicopter hydraulic deck because it was awesome.......except it causes corrosion lol. Army banned it in Aviation

 

[Jmaz]

Or Simple Green. Used to use that in the Army on helicopter hydraulic deck because it was awesome.......except it causes corrosion lol. Army banned it in Aviation

Another cleaner, Purple Power, on a previous car attacked the finish on my aluminum wheels. Had me moving around like a madman rinsing it off. Decided to read the label(duh). Stuff was highly alkaline and do not use on aluminum.

 

[Moonlighter]

Grimy? Doesn't look out of line for going through a winter where the roads are salted/chemically treated. There's a thing called a radiator that allows air (and road dirt) to pass through the fins into the engine compartment. The aluminum end cap on the vacuum pump looks like it's been exposed to something corrosive.

In that case, I am happy that I dont live where that happens …..

 

[Jmaz]

In that case, I am happy that I dont live where that happens …..

Yes, be glad that you live such a place. I left California many years ago to return to the midwest and in addition to still missing the weather I also still miss a car that stays pretty clean and rust free underneath and above. My CX-5 gets the engine compartment washed gently 2-3 times a year. The brakes and radiator always especially when road salt weather appears. You're lucky.