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I have a NZ new 2007 Mazda6 LTD, 5 speed automatic, with just over 81000km. I took the car to a specialist transmission workshop for a routine service, and was advised that it needed major work - several thousand dollars at least. They further advised me that they frequently have the same issue with these transmissions, and that the problem was random and that it did not seem related to either age, mileage, or misuse. The local Mazda agent has confirmed this. The vehicle is outside the warranty period, but this amount of damage indicates a flaw in either the parts or the manufacture, as there should not be such an issue with a car of this age and mileage. Does anyone else have a similar experience?

I note you've posted this topic in our legal section too, asking whether we thought Mazda might assist with the repair. Here's our previous response:
As you say, the warranty has expired so without knowing a little more, it's hard to know whether Mazda would apply any post-warranty goodwill assistance. Under usual circumstances, manufacturers deem goodwill to apply both ways, ie; if you are the first owner, have always serviced the vehicle within their dealer network, have been loyal to their brand etc, they would see this as you having demonstrated goodwill towards them, so they might be inclined to reciprocate.
An automatic transmission contains moving parts and furthermore components that can be subject to wear and tear, so failures can occur, but genarally speaking, a transmission would last longer than 5 years/80,000km.
While I can't speak for Mazda, it's worth approaching them through the dealer to see if any assistance might be available to you.