Mazda and its B.C. dealers sued over alleged ease of auto break-ins

Port Coquitlam’s Alisha Koubi has launched a class action lawsuit against Mazda Canada Inc. and its network of B.C. auto dealers alleging that certain model years of the Mazda3 have a defective door lock mechanism that allows them to be easily broken into.

According to the statement of claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court on July 22, Koubi discovered through Internet research that a “fix” was available at least as early as October 2006, but Mazda was not undertaking a general recall or notification to Mazda3 owners about a defective door lock mechanism, but would repair it without cost to owners who complained. According to court documents, the Mazda3 model years affected are 2004 to 2007 vehicles. Effected vehicles can be easily broken into with a minimal application of force to a location above the door lock mechanism. The defect was subsequently fixed in the release of some 2007/2008 models.

She is seeking an order certifying the proceeding as a class action; damages; a declaration the defendants’ conduct constitutes a deceptive practice within the meaning of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act; and damages pursuant to the Sale of Goods Act and the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act.

A statement of defence had not been filed by press time.

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