For the few dollars you can save in a year after having to clean the K&N filter or using other non-Mazda filters, you are taking the chance of warranty denial. I don't believe it's worth it.
Do whatever you want after the warranty has expired. Why give them an excuse to void the warrant.

 

well the only prob with the KN filter is that it lets more dirt through your engine, sure it is within specs for oil filters but the fram is a better gaurd against dirt

 

how can an oil filter void the warranty, does Mazda make oil filters, do they produce the oil on the market, no. They can not say to use Mobil 1 oil and Fram oil filters or else that will void your warranty. That is a violation of federal law, if that was not the case, there would be no aftermarket parts available for the cars on the road. sure Mazda has certain recomendations for that type of thing, but they are just that, recomendations, not mandates. If Mazda made an oil filter and and oil, i would use that for sure, but they dont, so I am going to use what is best for my car, in my opinion. Please stop saying that an aftermarket oil filter, like K&N voids warranty, because it doesnt, not changing your oil will.

 

Mazda does make an oil filter for the 2.3. I doubt they actually 'make' it but have a supplier provide them. Do not know how they compare pricewise to an aftermarket. The filter is not the problem with a warranty claim being denied but the large green 'o' ring that seals that plastic cover to the oil filter adapter. The 'o' ring swells up a bit after use and if trying to reuse it can be pinched between the cap and metal housing when reinstalling. The resulting leak is not a huge spray but a steady drip that runs the engine dry and seizes up. Have replaced two engines to date because of this exact thing and both were not covered. Quick lube place bought one but other was owner responsibility as he had changed his own oil. Both failures were due to this problem. Mazda filter comes with not only the large 'o' ring but also the smaller one that seals the filter drain screw. Do not know if the aftermarkets come with one. Just make sure that the 'o' ring is also replaced and it does not get pinched when installing and you can use any filter you want. Will see if can get a pic of what a pinched one starts to look like as you are installing the cover so you will have a better idea.

 

I agree that Mazda does not make their own filters or oil.
But when the engine blew up or seized, I rather have receipts that say oil & filters were changed by the dealer. Otherwise, you could be fighting a uphill battle and walk while the engine is being examined by experts from Mazda or spend $ on third party experts and lawyers. Do whatever you like after the warranty period.
This is my thought and I don't have shares of Ford or Mazda.

 

I understand peoples warranty concerns, and there is alot of conflicting info out there about auto warranties. in regards to Mazda, whether you do it yourself or go to a local shop, as long as you have record showing it done within 30 days or 1,000 miles of the recommended oil change date, you are covered by the warranty. but, like babyhuey mentioned above, make sure the o-rings arereplaced every time and they do not get pinched when putting the filter or drain plug back in.

 

If you have not changed your oil yet on the 2.3 then here is a pic of the filter housing cover. Note the orange spot just between the black cover and silver housing. This is what a badly pinched up 'o' ring will look like. A minor one will be barely noticeable. I kind of exagerated the pic so you could see better. Have never had a new 'o' ring give any problems as long as a little engine oil is used to lubricate it before installing onto the cap.
Bottom is a picture of the cap with filter and 'o' ring installed as well as the OE filter and 'o' rings included. MSRP on that is $7.60 for you to compare with other brands. As long as you take a little care in insuring a good seal on the cap you should not have any problems.

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Thanks for making easy for all us novices babyhuey. Your post, as usual, answered all of my questions after reading this thread.

 

Great info babyhuey, the pictures really helped to clarify about the o-rings and the filter. one question though, is the filter pictured the same for the '06 3i w/2.0L engine, that is what i drive. and do you, since you are a Mazda mechanic, see cars come thru w/ a K&N re-usable oil filter, if you do, what do the technicians do, do they clean them out or just toss them and put in a new, non K&N filter.

 

baby huey-you are the man. Baby huey for president!