If that is the case, how can I prevent it, and how can I remove it? My guess was also rain related, but... it just doesn't come off. (And I cannot feel it on the surface by touch)

That's a tough one to call without seeing it in person. Does Mazda have a corporate office in Hungary? I wouldn't mess with the dealer any more since they've already failed to resolve the issue. Too bad you didn't see this before you took delivery!

The issue was resolved for a while after they did the polishing, but a few weeks later after a car wash these remained (and I noticed it only later), especially on the trunk. I will try this before going to the dealer again: https://www.washos.com/blog/remove-water-spots/ , at least the vinegar one, and I'll hope for the best. I will try the dealer again, let's see what they say, as the official Mazda Hungary only have a contact form on their web page.

But I'm still hoping someone here saw something similar.

Try this:https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...ystal-Metallic

I doubt if you'll haven any better luck there, but who knows?

Adam, I started this thread a year ago and have since traded in my 2017 CX-5 with the Soul Red color before the paint would be beyond the point of a salable condition. The reason that spot can't be removed is because it is UNDER what little clear coat is on your car. The paint is so thin that if you stare at it to long it will chip!! That paint has become a disaster for Mazda and they know it. They tried to take a concept car color and mass produce it. A task they admit from the very beginning was formidable at the best. Mazda should repaint every one of those cars with that color but they won't. I think they feel they will make up for the customers they are loosing over this debacle.

I have a six month old CX5 with over 27 chips, some of which keep spreading. They are on the Roof, Bonnet, Bumper Bar and Windscreen Column. the paint is so bad when washing a bug off the car the paint came off with the bug. This is totally unacceptable, Mazda have a lot answer for, the experts tell me this is a colour that should be used on a perfornance show car ... not a street car. Everyone contact your dealer, Fair Trading site tells me that the dealer should see the issue through with Mazda. It is not up to the consumer. My car has fine swirls on it too. Specialist spray painter has confirmed the chips cannot be repaired on this type of paint, it must be entirely resprayed.

Hi patjoe,

How did the repaint go? Mine is being handed over to Mazda next week for a total repaint. They said it was an issue with the factory clear coat but it has been resolved and a stronger clear coat will be used.

The dealer and I found 102 chips in my 2017 with 17k miles. Most of them are on driver's side which leads me to believe passing vehicles are kicking up rocks. Every single chip has reached the metal. Mazda has been great at getting this squared away and I hope the repaint turns out to be a win. Maybe I should get a film to protect the hood and doors but im afraid it will change the appearance.

How did the soul red crystal look after the wrap? Has it help up well?