Water in CX3 Headlights - What is the latest Situation with Mazda

Faults and Technical chat for the Mazda CX-3
Post Reply
Vincent66
Posts: 12
Joined: Thu Dec 13, 2018 11:34 am
Location: UK

Post by Vincent66 »

For my 2016 CX3:

During the summer the Cx3 has now got water in the nearside headlamp unit. The offside is just fine.

I think this is a known manufacturing fault? (from previous posts & internet)

Aside: There is the side issue that the headlamp can be damaged by minor accident damage to the bumper. I don't think that is true in my case.

Questions:
1. At what point does it fail an MOT ?(Is it a subjective point down to the tester).

I've read:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspect ... tion-4-1-1

From that think its diagram 3 that I should be looking at. I'll try a test against the garage doors in the dark. Is that sensible to do? (I think it will look ok)

I'm not clear though on all this as there appear to be lots of people on the internet worried about failing MOT because of water in the headlamps. Are they just worriers?

From common sense point of view water in the headlamps is not good - corroding bulb connections, growing mildew etc.


2. Anybody know what typical dealer costs might be to replace the failed headlamp unit? I'm guessing bumper off etc. so not cheap.

3. Anybody know if Mazda UK will still contribute to the cost of replacing the failed headlamp unit? (I think I remember they did that in the past)

4. I was shocked at the negative/angry response I got from my local dealer when I enquired about the problem. They told me it is totally normal and there is a technical note to explain water in the headlight unit is all ok, that they will send me (Not received yet). Have the dealers run out of patience with rectifying this fault then ?

5. Would it be sensible to get both headlamps changed or am I well past the downward slope of the bathtub curve failure (so just leave the good one alone). I'm just thinking of the bumper removal/refit costs here.

6. Is it worth asking a different dealer?

7. Anybody had a go at the work themselves? (I've not yet learned to jack up the Cx3 properly and didn't want to start just now)

Many thanks,

Vince
2016 Cx3 2L Petrol Auto

User avatar
jtonline
Posts: 1473
Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2015 4:26 pm
Location: Herefordshire, U.K.
Contact:

Post by jtonline »

I'm not associated with Mazda, but here are my thoughts on your questions: -

1) I don't know. I don't think water in the light is an MOT fail, but rather than guess, you would be best taking it somewhere for a pre-MOT check. For example ATS do checks for free https://www.atseuromaster.co.uk/consume ... alth-check

2) Not cheap. I think (new) the headlights are upwards of £500 ea. plus fitting.

3) If you call Mazda Customer Relations on 03457 484848 they will advise. Out of warranty goodwill claims are assessed on a case-by-case basis and usually are limited to a maximum of 5 years after car first registered. You will probably be asked to get the car inspected at a main dealer so they can rule out accidental damage to the headlight.

4) Mazda say condensation in any of the lamp units is possible and is not a fault. If you have more than condensation then that's a different matter.

5) There should be no reason to get the other headlight changed if it's dry.

6) Yes, if Customer Relations advise.

7) I've not removed a headlight from my car. Check that the rubber seals over the connections to the bulbs are seated properly.
Julian.
Sept. 2015 CX-3 Sport Nav, Dynamic Blue Mica, 1.5 Diesel, AWD, Automatic
http://www.jtonline.info
Please add year of registration, model info., and location to your CX-3 Forums profile ~ See here for help: http://bit.ly/2fQzMfd
Vincent66
Posts: 12
Joined: Thu Dec 13, 2018 11:34 am
Location: UK

Post by Vincent66 »

Many thanks Julian for some clear thinking on this headlamp issue.

I see it as water (that does not go away), not the bit of mist that clears that I've had on other cars in the past. The water was present through the hot summer.

The ATS check is a good idea.

By the dealer I've been quoted (all inc VAT) about £240 for the headlamp unit (So I guess the £500 is for a pair?) and about £120 to fit the single unit.

I'll give Mazda a ring on 03457 484848 to see if any goodwill gesture is possible towards this.

The Rubber seals check is a good idea. I can remember I've bought some spare bulbs, but can't remember if I've changed any. Anyhow I'll check the seals.

There does seem to be a ventilator bung if I can call it that. I did wonder if I should have tried removing that during the summer (The lamp has been full of water some time).
2016 Cx3 2L Petrol Auto
User avatar
jtonline
Posts: 1473
Joined: Sun Nov 22, 2015 4:26 pm
Location: Herefordshire, U.K.
Contact:

Post by jtonline »

Sorry, my mistake, the price I quoted was for the fancy LED headlight, £545 ea. w/o AFS and £836 ea. w/AFS!
Halogen ones are indeed £200 ea. + VAT (new) from Mazda.
See also...

Julian.
Sept. 2015 CX-3 Sport Nav, Dynamic Blue Mica, 1.5 Diesel, AWD, Automatic
http://www.jtonline.info
Please add year of registration, model info., and location to your CX-3 Forums profile ~ See here for help: http://bit.ly/2fQzMfd
Post Reply