2010 Mazda 5 batteries only lasting 2 years

[FBwMazda5]

The battery in my new 2010 Mazda 5 was "weak" after only 2 years - replaced under warranty.
Now 2 years later this battery is also showing "weak" on load tests (9.5volts) while cranking.
Charging system is fine (14.5V).
Suggestions/advice wanted on why the batteries are not holding the full charge after only 2 years.

 

[Vasy]

bad battery, short driving distances, weak alternator.

 

[MR6]

Yup. my van did the same thing. we carried a portable jumper battery thing in the winter months until the battery finally gave out. Procrastinated for so long that I had to buy a battery. Same exact thing happened to my MS3 but it's battery flaked in LESS than two years. I didn't hesitate this time and got it replaced under warranty. one year later and it's struggling again during cold starts. Mazda oem batteries are garbage...

 

[thaxman]

I got my 06 in 09, and it already had an Autozone battery...which died in less than 1 year. I am on battery #4 currently. I was forced to go from the Autozone red battery to their upgraded gold battery because Autozone dropped the warranty to 1 year prorated on the red batteries. Because of this, I recommend that people DO NOT look to Autozone for replacement batteries unless its a warranty replacement - ESPECIALLY on this vehicle, since batteries most likely will be dead just after the warranty expires. As an aside, Sears Die Hards are now 1/2/3 year warranties as well, even though prices are exceptionally high.
BTW, the gold battery is rated over spec, so we'll see if there is any improvement, or if I will be swapping it out next year.

 

[Vasy]

Yup. my van did the same thing. we carried a portable jumper battery thing in the winter months until the battery finally gave out. Procrastinated for so long that I had to buy a battery. Same exact thing happened to my MS3 but it's battery flaked in LESS than two years. I didn't hesitate this time and got it replaced under warranty. one year later and it's struggling again during cold starts. Mazda oem batteries are garbage...

Dunno, OEM seems to last 4-6 years. Perhaps location or driving style has lots to do with it.

 

[thaxman]

Dunno, OEM seems to last 4-6 years. Perhaps location or driving style has lots to do with it.

Says the guy with a <2 year old Mazda5.

 

[Vasy]

well, my friend has mazda 3 from 2006 and only on the 2nd battery.
mine is 2 years and no issues at all of getting low.
friend works for mazda dealer and says that they hardly have issued with batteries. an odd one here and there but does every maker.
we do have rather mild climate where it never really gets too hot or top cold, so perhaps helps to extend the life.

 

[Indelibility]

Still on my original battery, if that says anything.

 

[markuszoom5]

2010 MZ5, 3 years old, 41,000 miles, and still on original battery. Do not feel any changes or weakness when starting in AM. I live in Syracuse, NY which is #1 worst city for snow. We already had temps of 1-2 degree F, in AM and it's only Jan. But I will keep people posted if it dies. My wife's civic battery lasted 6 years, but I replaced it just for the heck, as I was worried it will leak or something after that long.

 

[MR6]

I thought of u guys tonight... I get in my MS3 at the train station and all I get are clicks when I go to start it. the gauges start dimming in and out. the interior lights are faded. It's 5pm, 10 degrees out, and my battery is stone cold dead. and this is the replacement battery the dealer put in exactly one year ago when the original died after the first year owning the car.

the dealer was amazing though. at first I called Mazda roadside assistance. the recording stated that I will be experiencing "extreme wait times" due to the severe cold and all of the calls they've been getting. so I call my dealer since they are only 4 or so miles away from the train station. I explained that the replacement battery they put in a yr ago died and that if I'm close enough, would they mind giving me a jump. I didn't even have to plead. 20 minutes later a guy shows up with a jumper box and she fires right up. I went straight to the dealer and again, I didn't have to plead. I told them what had just happened and that I needed a battery on the spot. I even offered to put it in myself. the service writer grabs a cordless screw driver and swaps my battery for me right in the lot! AMAZING Mazda service. I've never ever in all my dealer experiences been treated so well. there batteries may be s*** but the service was impeccable. hopefully this third battery is the end of my battery woes

 

[thaxman]

I'm beginning to think there is a high failure ratio to the OE battery. I wonder if the OP to my car had gone to the dealer and demanded a warranty replacement instead of going to Vatozone if I my car would be on battery #4.