Complete transmission failure due to sudden torque converter failure at 170,000 miles on a 2015 Mazda 3 igrandtouring with automatic transmission, hatchback, Japanese made. Car was perfectly maintained and cared for until the failure. It was primarily used for food delivery/gig app delivery jobs, which was the reason for the high mileage, but it was driven by a responsible adult in a conservative manner. Car was bought new and owned by one owner.
Failure was sudden and terminal. No warning lights of any kind. Stopped car, left idling while I got my mail, then when I got back in the car and proceeded to drive, the car would not get out of 1st gear and began to experience sudden, harsh halts. Immediately parked car and had towed to Aamco. Tech could not identify any problems with a scan tool. They drained fluid and it was full of metallic shavings. Car was diagnosed with torque converter failure resulting in complete transmission failure. Bill to repair was around $4,000, and new Mazda rebuilt units cost at least $5,000, including installation.
While many reviewers tout this generation of Mazda 3 SkyActiv engine cars as much more reliable than older models (and this seems to be generally true, given I had no other major problems, other than a faulty alternator, up until this), buyers/owners should be aware of the potential for catastrophic transmission failure beyond the 150,000 miles + range. Given the fact that the transmission is a sealed, "lifetime" transmission (meaning it is not meant to be serviced by owners during its life span), there is no recommended preventative maintenance that could have prevented the failure.
Complete transmission failure due to sudden torque converter failure at 170,000 miles on a 2015 Mazda 3 igrandtouring with automatic transmission, hatchback, Japanese made. Car was perfectly maintained and cared for until the failure. It was primarily used for food delivery/gig app delivery jobs, which was the reason for the high mileage, but it was driven by a responsible adult in a conservative manner. Car was bought new and owned by one owner.
Failure was sudden and terminal. No warning lights of any kind. Stopped car, left idling while I got my mail, then when I got back in the car and proceeded to drive, the car would not get out of 1st gear and began to experience sudden, harsh halts. Immediately parked car and had towed to Aamco. Tech could not identify any problems with a scan tool. They drained fluid and it was full of metallic shavings. Car was diagnosed with torque converter failure resulting in complete transmission failure. Bill to repair was around $4,000, and new Mazda rebuilt units cost at least $5,000, including installation.
While many reviewers tout this generation of Mazda 3 SkyActiv engine cars as much more reliable than older models (and this seems to be generally true, given I had no other major problems, other than a faulty alternator, up until this), buyers/owners should be aware of the potential for catastrophic transmission failure beyond the 150,000 miles + range. Given the fact that the transmission is a sealed, "lifetime" transmission (meaning it is not meant to be serviced by owners during its life span), there is no recommended preventative maintenance that could have prevented the failure.
- Raymond A., Virginia Beach, US