Mazda Fuel Pump Settlement: What Owners Need to Know in 2024

If you own a Mazda vehicle affected by the ongoing fuel pump recall, you may be eligible for compensation through a class-action settlement approved in early 2024. This settlement addresses widespread issues with faulty fuel pumps that caused engine stalling, starting problems, and safety risks for drivers. Whether your car experienced sudden shutdowns on the highway or failed to start in parking lots, this guide breaks down how to file a claim, what compensation you could receive, and critical deadlines to meet. By the end, you’ll have the actionable steps to secure your part of the $45 million settlement fund—and avoid common pitfalls that could delay or deny your payment.

The Root of the Problem: Why Mazda Fuel Pumps Failed

The fuel pump issue stems from a design defect in certain 2017–2021 Mazda models. Specifically, the electric fuel pumps used in these vehicles had impellers (small rotating blades that push fuel through the system) made from substandard plastic. Over time, heat and vibration caused the plastic to warp or crack, reducing fuel pressure. When pressure drops below a safe threshold, the engine can stall unexpectedly—even while driving at highway speeds.

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) investigations began in 2020 after hundreds of complaints flooded their system. Owners reported terrifying scenarios: a 2019 CX-5 stalling on a busy freeway, a 2020 Mazda3 failing to restart in a grocery store parking lot, and a 2018 CX-9 losing power while towing a trailer. By 2022, NHTSA had documented over 1,200 complaints, including 37 crashes and 12 injuries linked to the defect.

Mazda initially resisted a large-scale recall, arguing the issue was “intermittent” and not safety-critical. But mounting evidence—including lab tests showing the plastic impellers degraded under normal operating temperatures—forced their hand. In 2023, the automaker agreed to a voluntary recall covering 287,000 vehicles. However, many owners felt the free repair (replacing the fuel pump assembly) wasn’t enough: some had already paid out-of-pocket for fixes before the recall was announced, while others faced long wait times for dealership appointments. The class-action settlement addresses these gaps by offering additional compensation.

Who’s Eligible for the Mazda Fuel Pump Settlement?

The settlement applies to owners and lessees of specific Mazda models sold in the U.S. between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021. Affected vehicles include:

• 2017–2021 Mazda CX-5

• 2018–2021 Mazda CX-9

• 2017–2021 Mazda3 (sedan and hatchback)

• 2018–2021 Mazda6

• 2019–2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Not all vehicles in these model years are included. To qualify, your car must have the defective fuel pump assembly—identified by a part number starting with “23100-XXXX” (full list available on the settlement website). Mazda will notify eligible owners via mail, but you can also check your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the official settlement portal at www.mazdafuelpumpsettlement.com.

Importantly, eligibility isn’t limited to those who experienced a stall. Even if your pump is still functioning, you may be entitled to compensation if it’s prone to failure. However, vehicles that already had the fuel pump replaced by Mazda under the recall canstill file—though their compensation will be adjusted to reflect the free repair they received.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

The $45 million settlement fund is divided into three categories, depending on your situation:

1. Reimbursement for Pre-Recall Repairs

If you paid to replace your fuel pump before Mazda’s official recall (before July 1, 2023), you can recover 100% of those costs, up to $2,500. Keep detailed receipts, invoices, and repair orders—these are required to prove your expenses.

2. Cash Payments for Inconvenience or Non-Repaired Vehicles

Owners whose vehicles haven’t been repaired (or were repaired after July 1, 2023) can receive a cash payment based on the severity of their experience:

• $500 for minor issues (e.g., occasional rough idling)

• $1,500 for significant disruptions (e.g., stalled while driving, missed work due to repairs)

• $3,000 for accidents or injuries directly caused by the fuel pump failure (requires police reports or medical records)

3. Extended Warranty Coverage

All eligible vehicles receive a 7-year/100,000-mile extended warranty on the fuel pump assembly, even if the original warranty has expired. This covers parts and labor for future failures related to the same defect.

How to File Your Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide

Filing a claim is straightforward, but timing is critical—the deadline to submit is December 31, 2024. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Visit www.mazdafuelpumpsettlement.comand enter your VIN. The portal will instantly tell you if your vehicle is covered. If not, you’ll receive a reason (e.g., wrong model year or non-defective part number).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Depending on your claim type, you’ll need:

• Proof of ownership (vehicle title, registration, or lease agreement)

• Repair records (if you paid for a fuel pump replacement pre-recall)

• Evidence of damages (photos of error codes, police reports for accidents, pay stubs for missed work)

• A signed affidavit confirming your claims are true (provided in the claim form)

Step 3: Complete the Online Claim Form

The settlement website walks you through the process. You’ll answer questions about your vehicle, any repairs, and how the defect affected you. Be honest—false claims could lead to denial or legal action.

Step 4: Submit and Wait

After submission, your claim will be reviewed by the settlement administrator (Kroll, a neutral third party). Most claims are processed within 60–90 days. If approved, you’ll receive a check or warranty documentation by mail. If denied, you’ll get a written explanation and can appeal within 30 days.

Common Questions Answered

Q: I already had my fuel pump replaced by Mazda. Can I still get money?

A: Yes—but your compensation will be reduced. The settlement subtracts the value of the free repair (about $1,800)fromyourpotentialpayout.Forexample,ifyouqualifyfor$3,000 in inconvenience damages, you’ll receive $1,200 instead.

Q: My car was in an accident because of the fuel pump. Do I need a lawyer?

A: Not necessarily. The settlement covers accident-related claims up to $3,000, provided you have police reports or witness statements linking the crash to the stall. If your damages exceed this (e.g., medical bills, vehicle total loss), consult a personal injury attorney—though the settlement likely won’t cover those larger claims.

Q: What if my vehicle was sold? Can the new owner file?

A: Yes. The settlement applies to current owners andprevious owners who paid for repairs before selling. If you sold your car, you can still file for reimbursement, but you’ll need to provide proof of sale (bill of sale, title transfer) to show you owned it when the defect existed.

Q: Is the settlement final? Can I opt out?

A: The court approved the settlement in March 2024, making it binding for all eligible owners. You can opt out only if you file a written request by May 31, 2024—but doing so means giving up your right to any compensation from this case.

Beyond the Settlement: Protecting Yourself and Future Mazda Buyers

Even if you don’t file a claim, there are steps to stay safe:

• ​Check Your Fuel Pump Status: Use OBD-II scanners to monitor fuel pressure. Low readings (below 40 PSI at idle) could indicate a failing pump.

• ​Advocate for Recalls: If your dealer delays repairs, file a complaint with NHTSA (www.nhtsa.gov). Mass complaints speed up recall processing.

• ​Research Future Models: Before buying a used Mazda, check NHTSA’s recall database and consumer reviews for recurring issues.

Final Thoughts

The Mazda fuel pump settlement is a critical opportunity for affected owners to recoup costs and hold the automaker accountable. By acting before the December 2024 deadline, you can secure compensation for repairs, inconvenience, or even accidents caused by this dangerous defect. Don’t let confusion about the process hold you back—visit the settlement website today, confirm your eligibility, and file your claim. Your safety and wallet deserve it.