Mazda3iGuy

I've had a problem with the gas cap getting stuck on my 2008.5 Mazda3 i sedan since the first time I filled up. When I attempted to unscrew the gas cap, the top of the cap would just barely catch and then slip. Finally, the top of the cap sheared off in my attempt to remove it.

When I took it to the dealer to get replaced, the service advisor asked one of his associates whether he had heard of any problems with the gas cap on the Mazda3's his reply was, "Yeah, only about 20!" The advisor took my information, said he's submit the order and to come back in a week.

Well, I came back last week and the order did not come in. Apparently, the part is on back-order.

Anyone experiencing the same issues, how has the response time been for your replacement cap?

zeontuner

Here in Lexington, KY at the mazda dealership there have been several caps replaced. Someone at Mazda Japan redeisgned the cap b/c they thought that it needed it. As you can tell that was a bad idea.

Mazda3iGuy

You're telling me! How hard is it to design a working gas cap! I'm really interested to find out why and how long I have to wait for the replacements to come out of "back order" status, or if that is even true. I don't trust the dealership where I bought my car. Although I haven't had any experience with their service department until now, so time will tell.

I have found an OEM gas cap for about $50 on a web site that I'm considering buying. It doesn't state that THEY are in back-order. If they aren't and the dealership would agree to cut me a check so I can get this fixed, I would jump on it. It's been two weeks since I found out from the service rep. that the caps are on back-order, it would be nice if they at least gave me a follow up call to keep me in the loop.

Mazda3iGuy

Thanks, I appreciate it! Email is in your Inbox.

qualm

Great I just had the same thing happen to me last night on my Mazdaspeed3. I went to the gas station to get gas, could not for the life of me get the gas cap off, then all of the sudden the top of the cap broke off in my hand. Now I am driving around with a stub of a gas cap, and am having trouble finding one.

Mazda3iGuy

Bummer man! I know it sucks. Have you contacted your Mazda dealer and if so, what did they say? The dealership where I bought my car told me they were on backorder... It's been about 5 or 6 weeks since I originally brought the issue to their attention and i STILL haven't received so much as a phone call. Luckily a forum member here hooked it up for me!

For any of you southern New Mexico folks looking to buy a car: AVOID THE BORMAN AUTOPLEX!!! They are the most morally inept car dealership I have ever dealt with and so far have avoided owning up to their warranty service. They also attempted to pawn off an extremely high interest rate loan on be despite my FICO being in the "good" range and on top of that insulted me by trying to "give" me a 10 year warranty on my car, making it sound like it was included in the price. Luckily I'm smarter than the average loan officer. Go to Albuquerque, Tucson or El Paso instead to get your Mazda.

Also, for any of those unlucky enough to deal with these jerks, rate them at:

http://www.ratemydealer.com

Sorry to get off topic there, I'm just super, flaming pissed!

zeontuner

I don't know if this will help but you can call the Mazda dealership here in Lexington, KY. Paul Miller Mazda parts dept. (859) 244-4276. They may be able to help you better then some other places.

qualm

Was changing the gas cap difficult?

Just curious.

Thanks for the info zeontuner if I can't find one local I will them a call.

zeontuner

I don't know how hard they are to get out. I think that the dealership just uses a set of vicegrips to get it out.

Mike N

This is a known issue with the Mazda 3 and 5. The dealership should have no problem replacing the cap for you. If they give you any grief tell them you'd like to speak to the District Service Manager, or District Manager.

5Miata10

Mine on my MS3 broke on my second tank. The dealer had ordered 40 caps because they got a service bulletin. The shape of the threading is noticeably different.

azmazdaparts

This was an issue for Mazda. While they were redesigning the gas cap there was a national shortage. This should be corrected by now and most dealerships should have a decent stock of the new gas cap. I just check Mazda's national warehousing and they have at least 1000 between their 3 US & 1 Canadian warehouse, so any dealership that is out of stock should have no problem getting more.


Happy Holidays!

Chris

graywolf022

I've read all your issues and I've had this happen to me twice already. I have a 2008.5 Mazda 3 I sedan...When this first happened, I was on empty and the gas attendant couldn't get the cap off (In Oregon, it's against the law to pump your own gas) so the top of the cap broke. The dealership said they didn't have any in stock so I made them take one off of another Mazda 3 they had on the lot. They told me this has been a reoccuring problem with this year....They say that the gas hole is at an angle so you need to angle it downwards to get it in...which, is kinda stupid when you think about it that it's getting stuck...because most are angled, right? Then I had it happen again today..So I purposefully broke it off and pried the remaining part out to get gas....So to say the least, I'm really upset with this car....I've had other random problems....I love everything else about it though =)

zeontuner

If I were yu guys, I'd buy a bunch of caps and keep them for future cap breaks

Mike N

Seems rather wasteful to buy a cap when you can get a replacement free at the dealership under warranty?

Once you have the corrected cap ~ no more problems...