2004 Mazda MAZDA3 Fuel system Problems

“There was a strong fuel smell that was occurring on both the inside and outside of my car every time I filled my car up. I took to my the mechanic and it was found my fuel tank was leaking in 2 spots. One was part of the gas tank that vents the fumes - that seal was leaking and the other was part of the locking ring that is on the gas tank itself was cracked.”

“I was filling my gas tank up and noticed fuel leaking on the ground.droped car off for repair. Garage did smoke test of fuel tank and identified that the plastic ring on fuel pump was cracked, the garage had to remove the fuel tank and replace the plastic ring and seal. My warranty did not cover this repair and it cost me out of pocket $399.96 my request is this covered under any regulations or recalls on this make and model of vehicle?”

“(1) I purchased my 2004 Mazda 3s in march of 2004. I have enjoyed it virtually maintenance free (besides routine) for over 1 year. (2) in april of 2005, I turned the key to start the car. It hesitated for over 10 seconds and finally turned over. I was alarmed, and after a few more times of this happening, I called my dealership immediately. (3) it was decided by the service department that it was the fuel pump. I received a new fuel pump (under warranty) and after a week, it started doing it again. I called the dealership again, and my car went back into the shop. …”

“My MAZDA3 is 4 months old and I have been towed 2 times in the last 3 days. Both times the check engine light went on first, then the engine started running rough and then I lost acceleration power and could only go a few miles an hour to pull over. The second time it happened was within 2 miles of the dealership after I had picked it up from getting fixed --the throttle body was replaced. Now they are telling me it was because I was low on gas (under 1/4 tank). Prior to this I was having hesitations at 30 miles an hour--most noticable when engine was cold. …”

“Engine light came on with evap leak code. Small leak at first then included large leak code later. Also began to notice strong gas smell outside vehicle after fueling. Turned out the fuel pump ring that holds down and seals fuel pump to fuel tank had cracked. Over time the split became larger. When tank was filled, raw fuel would leak out around pump on top of tank. Which also happens to be right under the rear seat where me kids sit. Replacement was expensive because the ring could not be removed from under the seat. It required dropping the tank to repair. …”