Update: Class Action Not Proceeding
We have carefully considered the viability of the class action against Isuzu and Mazda. Following that careful consideration, we have decided to cease further investigations in relation to the potential class action.
Please note that the decision to cease further investigations does not mean that Chamberlains Law Firm have formed a view that that there are no issues relating to excessive or uneven tyre wear in vehicles sold by Isuzu and Mazda.
What Is the Isuzu and Mazda Suspension Class Action About?
Chamberlains Law Firm was seeking participants to mount a class action against Isuzu and Mazda for defects contained within the suspension of the current generation of Isuzu D-Max (RG, 2019 to present) and MU-X (RJ, 2020 to present) and the current generation of Mazda BT-50 (TF, 2020 to present).
An alleged flaw in the design of the front suspension of these vehicles is allegedly leading to ‘bump steer’, which causes excessive and premature tyre wear. Drivers of the affected vehicles are alleged to have been experiencing premature and uneven tyre wear.
What Issues Are Affected Owners Experiencing?
It was alleged that this not only results in a direct cost for the vehicle owners in having to rotate and replace tyres more frequently, but this allegedly widespread issue may also impact on the resale value of the vehicles.
It was alleged that despite this problem being apparent for a number of years, no permanent fix has been offered by Isuzu or Mazda in relation to this issue. In the meantime, independent companies are offering after-market replacement steering knuckles, at a cost of approximately $3,000 per vehicle.
Why Are the BT-50 and D-Max Both Affected?
It is understood the Mazda BT-50 is made with identical design elements in the same factory in Thailand as the Isuzu D-Max, following an arrangement made between the motoring industry heavyweights in 2016.
Mazda and Isuzu are yet to publicly comment on the alleged design flaw and whether a fix can be expected by impacted customers.
How Many Vehicles Have Been Sold?
Both the MU-X and D-Max posted record sales figures in Australia in 2023. Over 31,000 D-Max utes and over 14,000 MU-X vehicles were sold over the same period, smashing Isuzu’s historical sales figures in both those classes, gaining ground against the class leaders Ford and Toyota.
How Chamberlains Can Help
If you believe you may be affected by issues that could give rise to a class action, our Class Actions Team is available to assist. We work with individuals and groups to assess potential collective claims and help you understand your options. You can learn more about how we support clients in class action matters by visiting our Class Action services page.
If your circumstances relate instead to an injury in a public place or an incident caused by another party’s negligence, our Injury & Compensation Team can help. Our public liability lawyers can guide you through your rights, the claims process, and what steps you may be able to take. You can reach out to our team through our Public Liability services page for more information.
For more information or to advise your interest in participation in the class action, contact Michael Lalji on 02 9264 9111
