A class action lawsuit has been filed against Mazda Motor of America, Inc., and Mazda North American Operations, alleging that the Mazda Connect infotainment system in several vehicle models from 2014-2023 is riddled with technical issues. These defects reportedly cause safety systems to fail and dangerously distract drivers.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed on June 28, 2024, in Kentucky federal court, claims that the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which Mazda promotes as a way to “stay connected without taking your hands off the wheel,” is flawed.
Plaintiffs argue that the system continuously reboots, freezes, becomes unresponsive, and gets stuck in boot loops, causing significant driver distraction. The suit also alleges that the system frequently drops calls, disconnects from GPS and Bluetooth, and loses backup camera functionality.
Affected Models
The vehicles purportedly affected by these infotainment issues include:
- Mazda2 (2016-2022)
- Mazda3 (2014-2018)
- Mazda6 (2016-2021)
- CX-3 (2016-2021)
- CX-5 (2016-2020)
- CX-9 (2016-2020)
- MX-5 (2016-2023)
Allegations and Issues
The plaintiffs argue that the infotainment defect can cause the head unit to fail to power on or lag significantly when the car’s engine starts or while the vehicle is in motion. This defect also impacts the navigation system, which may fail to refresh promptly and lose the vehicle’s GPS location, leading to “completely illogical routes.” Even when appearing functional, the touchscreen allegedly causes “digital skipping” between screens and radio stations without user input.
The lawsuit highlights the potential safety hazard posed by these issues, as they can significantly distract drivers. The plaintiffs further claim that Mazda has known about these problems since at least late 2016, having released several technical service bulletins addressing the touchscreen issues. Despite this, Mazda has not recalled the affected models or adequately informed or compensated the owners and lessees of these vehicles.
Legal Claims
The class action lawsuit asserts several claims against Mazda, including breach of express warranty, breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Law, violation of the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act, fraudulent concealment, and unjust enrichment.
Looking Ahead
Mazda is facing significant legal scrutiny as this class action lawsuit progresses. The plaintiffs, represented by several law firms, seek to cover all U.S. residents who purchased or leased any of the affected Mazda models equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system. As the case unfolds, affected Mazda owners are encouraged to stay informed and consider their options for addressing the defects in their vehicles.
The lawsuit, Catherine Duffy, et al. v. Mazda Motor of America Inc. d/b/a Mazda North American Operations, Case No. 3:24-cv-00388-BJB, is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.
What Owners Need To Do Next
If you own one of the affected Mazda models and have experienced issues with the infotainment system, you might be eligible for compensation. Keep an eye on updates regarding this lawsuit and consider reaching out to legal professionals like The Lemon Firm for advice on how to proceed. Your safety and satisfaction as a consumer are paramount, and legal recourse may help address these significant vehicle defects.
How Vehicle Owners Can Take Back Control
While recalls have not been announced, consumers are trying to take back control as many continue to be unhappy with the solutions provided by automakers. These problems have the potential to escalate into further legal action just like this, underlining the importance of protecting consumer rights.
If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With the dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Call 833 Lemon Firm and speak with a case analyst today!