Mazda's Crystal Red Paint Under Fire

Mazda has been addressing its rust problems for over a decade, but a number of people still have a poor opinion in this regard and are reluctant to buy Mazda vehicles because of that.

If you're concerned about the bodywork of a used Mazda, rest assured that you shouldn't have any problems with corrosion in cars built in the last decade and a half.

However, because there's always a but, we must issue a warning about the famous Crystal Red Metallic paint that has become Mazda's visual signature, not to say trademark.

This color is very attractive because of its rich and distinctive appearance and is the color of choice for many buyers, and rightly so, except that some have been disappointed by its lack of durability even after only a few weeks of use.

A simple online search confirms this. On various discussion forums, owners who regret their choice are not uncommon. Basically, the paint layer in question is so thin that it doesn't absorb sunlight well enough and flakes or chips off easily.

Since this is not a safety issue, Mazda has no need to issue a recall. Owners of used Mazdas with expired warranties have to pay out of their own pockets to make the necessary repairs. And it's more complicated than with other paint that only requires sanding and touch-ups, because the elaborate composition of Crystal Red makes it more difficult to correct, as this diagram demonstrates:

The good news is that it seems to affect mostly 2017-2018 models. Consumer complaints have decreased significantly since 2019.

A simple tip for anyone considering a used Mazda: if you go with this color, seriously consider having a clear protective film applied to much of the front. Of course, this doesn't solve the whole problem. Consider having it touched up by a specialist in the longer term.