DRIVERS have just days to receive up to $1,750 and a free service from Mazda – and all they need to do is fill out a form and show a receipt.
A class action settlement has been agreed by the Japanese car giant to help reimburse out-of-pocket motorists who were left out of pocket over repairs relating to Mazda Connect infotainment systems.
A defect in the Mazda Connect infotainment system has impacted numerous drivers[/caption]
The settlement applies to individuals who owned or leased various Mazda models, including the Mazda6[/caption]
Under the settlement, eligible Mazda owners and lessees could receive up to $1,750 and also get a free 24-month warranty extension covering software updates, repairs and replacements of the connectivity master unit.
To claim, drivers simply need to fill out a form and provide proof of purchase, such as receipts or repair invoices, by the August 1, 2025 deadline.
It comes as the class action lawsuit claims the Mazda Connect infotainment systems in certain Mazda vehicles are defective, causing glitches like rebooting, freezing, boot loops and audio or video errors.
While Mazda has not admitted fault, they have agreed to settle the claims.
Those already left out of pocket on repairs or replacements, which includes the entire infotainment system or SD card, display and rear-view camera, reimbursements of up to $1,750 per vehicle are being made available.
Those eligible include current and former owners or lessees of specific Mazda vehicles – the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-5, CX-9 and MX-5 from certain model years in the US.
Eligible individuals can submit a claim form via the settlement website, but be warned, as fraudulent claims are prohibited.
Mazda Connect, designed to integrate entertainment, navigation and communication features, debuted in the Mazda3 in 2013.
It utilizes a central display screen, a multi-function commander knob and steering wheel controls for operation.
Naturally, it also supports smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Perhaps Mazda Connect’s most unique feature is the use of the aforementioned commander knob and rotary dial, which champions physical buttons for navigation and control instead of a touchscreen – considered by many to be safer and more intuitive for drivers.
The final approval hearing for the Mazda Connect infotainment settlement is scheduled for July 28, 2025.
This comes just one month after Mazda cautioned drivers over two recalls that affected nearly 200,000 of their cars – specifically the 2024 and 2025 MX-5 models, according to the recall alert.
“The Traction Control System (TCS)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicator light may not illuminate when abnormal yaw rate characteristics are detected due to a software diagnostic programming error,” the report read.
“As a result, the driver may be unaware of the malfunction, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury,” it continued.
The TCS/DSC light indicates if the system is operating correctly, if it’s turned off, or if there is a malfunction.
The light will typically flash if the system is actively working to maintain stability, and it will illuminate continuously if there’s a problem.
The TCS/DSC system activates when the system detects one or more wheels losing traction, potentially due to slick surfaces, mud, sand, or uneven surfaces.
In that case, the system works to control engine torque and brakes to reduce wheel spin and regain traction.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that 12,244 vehicles were affected by the recall.
Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Mazda dealer.
Dealers will replace the DSC unit with improved parts, free of charge.
A reimbursement program will not be offered as all vehicles are under full warranty coverage.
The recall alert mentioned that owner notification letters would be mailed on or before July 21, 2025.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
