A car buyer uncovered missing audio features, sparking a lawsuit over misleading window stickers on certain Mazda3 models
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- Basic Mazda3 models come with six speakers, though some are incorrectly listed with eight.
- One Mazda3 owner believed he had eight speakers before noticing two were missing in back.
- The lawsuit demands Mazda return profits earned through the use of false window stickers.
Buying a new car comes with a certain level of trust, especially when it comes to what’s printed on the window sticker. In the United States, these stickers are required on all new vehicles, offering a breakdown of features, pricing, and fuel economy. But a recent issue with some 2025 Mazda3 labels has sparked a legal backlash.
Read: Mazda Blamed Owners Until Regulators Stepped In
The automaker now faces a full-blown class action lawsuit in Illinois, alleging that some of Mazda’s Monroney stickers falsely list audio features that aren’t actually included.
Audio Claims Disputed by Owner Discovery
In particular, the lawsuit claims that certain 2.5-liter Mazda3 models are advertised as having an upgraded eight-speaker audio system and HD radio, even though they’re only equipped with the standard six-speaker setup and non-HD radio.
The lead plaintiff for the class action, Kyle Johanson, says he purchased a 2025 Mazda3 and noticed discrepancies after exploring the sound settings. His vehicle’s window sticker had listed eight speakers and HD radio, but he found two speakers missing from the rear and no trace of HD functio
According to the class action, “plaintiff and class members suffered concrete injury by paying more for their class vehicles than they were worth, or they would not have purchased or leased their class vehicle but for the misrepresentations regarding the missing features.”
In emails between Johanson and Mazda, a district sales manager reportedly acknowledged the issue, referring to them as “typos on the window label / Monroney label.”
Which Models Are Affected?
A total of 13 different 2025 Mazda3 variations are available in the United States, and this class action includes six of the more basic onrd. These are the 2.5 S Sedan, 2.5 S Hatchback, 2.5 S Select Sport Sedan, 2.5 S Select Sport Hatchback, 2.5 S Preferred Sedan, and the 2.5 S Preferred Hatchback. The complain alleges that Mazda has not taken any corrective action, “other than trying to secretly cover up its fraudulent activity.”
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The class action aims to include all impacted owners and seeks compensatory damages, statutory damages, and punitive damages, while also requesting that Mazda disgorge the revenues and profits it allegedly obtained through the use of incorrect window stickers.
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