If you own a 2021 or 2022 Mazda, you may have seen the Mazda check engine light or the dreaded “engine light on Mazda” dashboard warning. What you might not know is that these issues are at the heart of a major Mazda class action lawsuit and a recently approved Mazda valve stem seal settlement – one of the most significant legal actions affecting Mazda owners in recent years.

The Heart of the Problem: Valve Stem Seal Defect

Thousands of Mazda owners reported that their vehicles were burning through engine oil at an alarming rate, often long before the next scheduled oil change. The culprit? Defective valve stem seals that allowed oil to leak into the combustion chamber, triggering warning lights and forcing owners to add oil between changes.

Key Facts and Numbers

• Class Size: Estimated to be over 100,000 vehicles nationwide
• Oil Consumption Threshold: Mazda considered more than 8 quarts of oil burned between changes as “excessive” – but up to 7 quarts was deemed “normal”
• Dealerships Named: 544 Mazda dealerships were included as defendants for allegedly selling vehicles with known defects and failing to disclose the problem

Vehicles Covered by the Mazda Valve Stem Seal Settlement

Wondering if your Mazda is included in the Mazda class action lawsuit and the Mazda valve stem seal settlement? Here's a quick reference:

Lawsuit and Settlement Details

How the Mazda Class Action Unfolded

The legal battle began when owners, frustrated by repeated oil top-offs and persistent Mazda check engine light warnings, filed lawsuits against Mazda and its dealer network. Plaintiffs alleged that Mazda and its dealers knew about the defect from internal bulletins and technical service bulletins (TSBs), but continued to sell and service affected vehicles without proper disclosure or a permanent fix.

Notable Lawsuits

• Guthrie v. Mazda Motor of America, Inc.: The lead case that resulted in a nationwide settlement, covering all affected 2021–2022 models
• Farina v. Mazda Motor of America, Inc.: A parallel suit that was dismissed after the plaintiff failed to opt out of the Guthrie settlement, making him ineligible for further claims

Settlement Benefits

• Extended Warranty: Powertrain warranty extended from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles
• Free Repairs: Eligible owners can receive free valve stem seal replacements if their vehicle meets the oil consumption criteria (engine oil warning light and DTC P250F:00 before 7,500 miles or one year)
• Reimbursement: Owners can claim reimbursement for extra oil and oil changes, provided they have receipts and documentation
• Loaner Vehicles: Provided during repairs
• Plaintiff Awards: Each of the eight lead plaintiffs received $2,200; attorneys were awarded $2,035,000

Real Owner Experiences

Owners on forums and Reddit shared stories of receiving class action postcards, dealing with repeated oil warnings, and being told by dealers that “nothing could be done” unless the warning light was on at the time of service. Many expressed frustration at the high threshold for “excessive” oil consumption and the lack of a recall.

“I've had my low oil light come on twice… was told there isn't anything they can do without the low oil light on.” — 2021 Mazda6 owner

“Just got a card in the mail about a class action… I've had to add oil between changes.” — Reddit user, Mazda CX-30

What This Means for Owners

If you're seeing the Mazda check engine light or have to add oil between changes, you're not alone. The Mazda class action and Mazda valve stem seal settlement offer real relief – but only if you act and document your issues.

Also, owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under the lemon law. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act.

How We Can Help

If you're in New York or New Jersey and have experienced these issues, our law office can help you navigate your options and pursue compensation. Call us today for a free consultation. Many cases are handled on contingency.*

Sources:

• Mazda Valve Stem Seal Settlement Ends Other Class Action Lawsuit
• Farina v. Mazda Motor of America, Inc. et al. - Class Action Complaint (PDF)
• Mazda Says Valve Stem Seal Settlement Should Close Other Lawsuit
• Mazda Valve Stem Seal Settlement (Final Approval)
• Guthrie v. Mazda Motor of America, Inc. (PDF)
• Mazda Valve Stem Seal Recall Lawsuit News
• Mazda Valve Stem Seal Lawsuit News 2022
• Mazda Valve Stem Class Action Settlement (Top Class Actions)
• Reddit: Low Oil Class Action/Recall Notice
• Reddit: Anyone Else Get a Postcard About a Class Action?
• Reddit: Apparently We Won a Class Action Lawsuit for the Valve Stem Seal
• Reddit: Just Got a Card in the Mail About a Class Action

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*Many of our cases are handled on a contingency basis, though outcomes cannot be guaranteed. We review each claim individually, and the details of our arrangements will be clearly outlined in a written agreement. We are always available to discuss our process and answer any questions you may have.