Other Fuel System Pump problems of the 2004 Mazda MAZDA3

Engine light came on with evap leak code. Small leak at first then included large leak code later. Also began to notice strong gas smell outside vehicle after fueling. Turned out the fuel pump ring that holds down and seals fuel pump to fuel tank had cracked. Over time the split became larger. When tank was filled, raw fuel would leak out around pump on top of tank. Which also happens to be right under the rear seat where me kids sit. Replacement was expensive because the ring could not be removed from under the seat. It required dropping the tank to repair. Mechanic felt it was a stress crack. The fuel pump had never been worked on before. The original ring was installed at the factory.

(1) I purchased my 2004 Mazda 3s in March of 2004. I have enjoyed it virtually maintenance free (besides routine) for over 1 year. (2) in April of 2005, I turned the key to start the car. It hesitated for over 10 seconds and finally turned over. I was alarmed, and after a few more times of this happening, I called my dealership immediately. (3) it was decided by the service department that it was the fuel pump. I received a new fuel pump (under warranty) and after a week, it started doing it again. I called the dealership again, and my car went back into the shop. They cleaned the battery, and all of the connections, ruling out a possible electric problem. It was okay, then it started doing it again. I had it in for the third time, and the service manager said the fuel pump they used to replace the original must have been of the same poor quality, so fuel pump #3 went in. Well, when I started the car to drive it out of the service lot, it hesitated again! I sat in my car and cried. I went right back into the service dept. , and asked them to take care of it. They said since it ran fine, it was only the starting issue, it was okay to drive 700 miles round trip to massachusetts (my previously planned weekend trip) and they'd see me when I returned. Well, it survived the drive, and I had the chance to refill the fuel tank 3 whole times with 2 different types of gas than I normally use. It still hesitiated a lot, but was acting the same. I drove it straight to the shop that Wednesday afternoon after I returned to PA, and just received a call today that the technician from japan was looking at it, and decided it needed a new fuel pump. Yes, fuel pump #4! I am beyond fed up with this car, and I am contacting the PA lemon law attorneys to see what they can do despite the fact that my car is over 12 months and 12,000 miles old. (p. S. I am also experiencing the rotor wear problems, but I'm taking care of one problem at a time. Maybe Mazda will buy this sucker back!).

2004 Mazda 3 hatchback has problems with starting. The dealership replaced the fuel pump because it was taking upwards of 8 seconds and 2 attempts before car would start. The car had 643 miles when I took it in. The problem is that it is starting to happen again. It would take up to 4 seconds to start, which is not normal for a new car. Another problem is that there is a vibration when braking. Also there is rattle somewhere in the dash of the car.