Tire pressure monitoring system sensor failed causing the tire to blowout and go flat on the highway. The stem of the sensor was corroded which caused the incident.

- Quincy , MA, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda 3. the contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear passenger's side valve stem and sensor was corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the valve stem was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Bayville, NJ, USA

My tire pressure light was on, I stopped at the gas station to put some air in and as I removed the plastic valve cap the valve cracked and broke off leaving me with a flat tire.

- Pawtucket, RI, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that the rear tire pressure sensors failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and it was found that the inside of the valve stems had rusted. The dealer determined that the valve stem needed to be replaced with a rubber stem instead of a metal one to prevent rust. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was not available. The current mileage was 27,000.

- East Hartford, CT, USA

On or about 4/24/2012, I had to purchase a new set of four tires at the Firestone dealership on route 36, West long branch, NJ 732-542-0995. Please also note I had my Mazda 3I for only a little over 2 years at that time. Within the last year, I have already had to replace two of those tires due to leaks/blowouts. Upon taking my car back to the self-same Firestone dealership in West long branch, NJ for closer inspection, ed gonzalez, the manager, indicated to me that the tire valve stem on the tire most recently "deceased"' (left rear) had actually fallen out of the tire and into the wheel well without ever being touched by anyone previously (I have photos of defective stems. Upon closer inspection, the tire valve stem in the right rear tire is also defective to the eye. I have both defective stems and [xxx] will attest-in writing-to the fact that they are both defective-and the original, factory-installed tire valve stems that I received on my Mazda 3I in February, 2010. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Neptune, NJ, USA

Checking tire pressure in driveway and TPMS sensor - tire valve cracked and failed in 3 of 4 tires/wheels. Two today, and the first approx. 3 months ago. Imagine what could happen if one of these valves failed while. Driving down the highway.

- Milford, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the tire pressure warning lamp illuminated and after inspecting the left rear tire, the contact noticed that the sleeve for the tire pressure sensor was corroded. The contact also noticed that both of the rear and the passenger side tire pressure sensor sleeves had developed cracks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician verified that the sensors were defective and corroded the inside of the tire. As a result, all four sensors and one of the tires needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 58,000.

- Middleville , NY, USA

Tire pressure warning light came on, so I checked the pressure of each tire. One was low, so I asked my mechanic to fix it. He found the leak was a cracked valve stem assembly, allowing air to escape along the valve stem. Fortunately it didn't damage the new tire, but still cost $150 to fix and I found this to be a common complaint for the Mazda3. For me, the safety issue is having this problem happen when my wife is driving this car on a trip, sees the warning light come on, and has to find help to fix it or to change the tire for the spare, or the leak becomes fast enough to give her a flat tire.

- Fogelsville, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving various speeds the tire pressure warning light illuminated. After checking his vehicle the following morning, the driver's side nut that holds the valve stem had fractured. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure and current mileages was approximately 40,861.

- Frankfort, KY, USA

Spontaneous failure of tire valve stem resulting in the near instantaneous decompression of the rear driver's side tire. At the time I was attempting to check the tire pressure of that wheel. The stem separated into two pieces without any prior indication of wear.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

The valve stem of my tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) had significant corrosion leading to immediate and rapid deflation of front left tire while removing air hose while tending to TPMS warning light. The rapid deflation was due to complete and immediate severance where the threaded portion of valve stem met valve cap without any torque or abnormal pressure applied. The severed edge of the valve stem shows clear evidence of corrosion 360 degrees and inward, with a thin halo (appx. 1/10 of the wall) remaining. Both the tire and valve stem showed no sign of leaking and held proper pressure while filling to recommended pressure until removal of air hose caused the stem to split horizontally between the 9th and 10th thread. Plastic valve caps were in place on all 4 tires. Spare tire also not able to be put in place due to 'stuck' lug nuts on same tire; similar corrosion is suspect, possibly caused by galvanic corrosion due to metals found in disk brakes, shoes or alloy rim. Vehicle is still under warranty and needed tow to nearest Mazda dealership for repair. When calling the service department about sending my vehicle over I addressed my concerns about the other 3 valve stems needing replacement and was told "they are $150 each so if you want to pay to have the other ones replaced you can, but the dealership isn't going to pay for it" my response: "really" I'm thankful this didn't happen on the highway, I would hope the safety of your customers would come first"..no im sorry, no we'll look into it for you, just "well can I give you the number for roadside assistance""

- Gloucester, MA, USA

There has not been a failure to date, however, adding my vehicle to the other Mazda3's in the data base where the design of the vehicle is creating uneven tire wear. As I have read in no less than 5 blogs, the manufacturer intentionally cambers the rear tires to increase the performance and handling and upon normal rotation of the tires, a "bumping" noise can be heard and felt. The tire manufacturer will do nothing and states is a design issue and Mazda states I must deal with the tire manufacturer. This uneven tire wear and vibration could lead to additional tire wear as noted by other owners. At 11,000 miles, I should not be faced with replacing the tires.

- Durham, NC, USA