Passenger Air Bag Light and other issues

[metalfab]

Just last night the Passenger Air Bag light came on constantly. Has anyone had this happen?

It's just another little issue but they seem to be mounting and I'm actually starting to lose confidence in my purchase.

1. A clear description of options for the car was not explained.
2. creaking from rear suspension from week one, took 3 hours of my time but they fixed it.
3. Gas mileage is improved over the 03 MPV but only somewhat satisfied.
4. A disagreement with the dealer which I won't get into here.
5. Wipers going crazy at random even when not on Auto.
6. Passenger air bag.
7. ...whats next?

Sure, its under warranty but this is all in 2 months and cuts into my time to get them resolved. My 03 MPV was perfect from day one, zero issues except regular maintenance. (mad)

 

[DKaz]

1. http://mazda.ca/MciWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsSpecs&vehicleCode=MZ5
2. It'll be back.
3. What did you get in your MPV? My 94 MPV was horrible, 14.3L/100km lol.
4. Before or after the sale?
5. As in when it's off or on regular? Yea the auto wipers can be very quirky but should only be quirky on auto mode.
6. I assume you mean when there is absolutely nothing on the passenger seat?
7. Tires, brakes, CEL due to loose gas cap.

On the issue with options, seriously I would've just gone for a GS with Convenience Package had I traded in my 2007 for the 2012. The only thing I would've wanted from the GT was the factory HID.

 

[metalfab]

Called Mazda service today, they asked the same thing; 'is there anything on the seat?' I have a small lumbar support for the
better half. It's always been there and the issue just started yesterday.

1. I went in person and asked Mazda about the options, they said GS and GT, nothing in between.
2. There might be a sign its already returning, might just be the cold weather as well.
3. I got about 470KM avg per 60L, so 12.5L/100 --- 3.0L V6 vs 2.5L 4cyl.
4. after... had a long talk on the phone with the manager, he was nice about it and offered me any upgrade at cost.
Would have liked to have the 'extras' (if I had known about them) right from the start, that way it would be incorporated into
the total cost.
5. When the wipers are not in auto they sometimes go nuts for X amount of time.
6. There is a small lumbar pillow.
7. Bridgestones seem great is any weather., brakes seem good, no CEL yet.

 

[DKaz]

That's why it's imperative for anyone to educate themselves on a particular car before they go into the dealer. Salespeople just want to make the sale and make you think you're getting an awesome deal, they don't really care that you're getting the best vehicle for your needs.

12.5 l/100km to 10 is significant if you ask me. If you drive 20,000km a year, that's 500 litres saved a year.

No I meant, your tires will suffer from uneven wear due to camber issues, and brakes can be an issue, think about it, your suspension and braking system is pretty much the exact same as a compact car that weights 350 lb less.

But seriously, I loved my 5. The quirks were minor, the driving experience was rewarding. Yes, eventually I did decide to get a more fuel efficient Skyactiv 3 but I don't think it was all that bad until gas prices hit $1.45 a litre. When I got my 5, gas was 90 cents a litre out in the valley.

 

[ukulele]

Can't we all just sit to a nice cold pint o' Molsen?? (canada)

What is a Mazda 5 GS?? I am going to have to go to the Mazda Canada site and educate myself on those trims because I thought you guys would have the exact same trims or trim names as we do, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.

Metalfab, it's not as serious as you think, I know what you mean, it sucks when you have to take time out of your day to address the little things, but with cars it is literally the luck of the draw dude. I had a 2008 Toyota Yaris, traded it with 77K miles, NOT ONE PROBLEM EVER. On the other hand, I had bought a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country... that was a nightmare, bought them both new.

 

[metalfab]

Can't we all just sit to a nice cold pint o' Molsen?? (canada)

What is a Mazda 5 GS?? I am going to have to go to the Mazda Canada site and educate myself on those trims because I thought you guys would have the exact same trims or trim names as we do, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.

Metalfab, it's not as serious as you think, I know what you mean, it sucks when you have to take time out of your day to address the little things, but with cars it is literally the luck of the draw dude. I had a 2008 Toyota Yaris, traded it with 77K miles, NOT ONE PROBLEM EVER. On the other hand, I had bought a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country... that was a nightmare, bought them both new.

I prefer Alexander Ketih's, from Nova Scotia, Canada (cheers)

GS is basically the base model with a 'convenience package' as an option.

Could be I was spoiled by the MPV, it really was a great van for almost 10 years. I would have shelled out the cash if the Mazda 8 van was here in NA but alas, the "SUV" is the "in" thing.

 

[ukulele]

Could be I was spoiled by the MPV, it really was a great van for almost 10 years. I would have shelled out the cash if the Mazda 8 van was here in NA but alas, the "SUV" is the "in" thing.

I know what you mean, you buy a new car, have 0 problems, you own it for a number of years, then just when you think cars are supposed to be more reliable and longer-lasting, you dive into another car and it starts to throw fits. Makes you wonder what things the guys building the cars with 0 defects are doing that the other guys aren't. I wouldn't worry too much, as far as the passenger airbag light goes, I would guess it's a faulty sensor, the one that detects the weight in the seat, I think the threshold weight is what about 90 lbs. or so?? Man these "world" cars are made with so many parts from around the world and sold in so many markets... something is bound to hiccup.

I bought a 2011 Corolla S, the one you see in my avatar, was a POS, I bought it off the lot with 2 miles, within the first 1000 miles I noticed that the steering wasn't calibrated to the point that when you drove on the highway, the steering would force you left or right, you couldn't find the center, a year later I got used to it, but that is not right. Also the transmission had a nasty kick sometimes when changing gears. Not to mention the Bluetooth never did work correctly. I had that car for a long 13 months before I traded it in for the Mazda5. Night and day my friend.... night and day. I would never buy another Toyota made in Canada or Mexico for that matter, and just so you know Toyota is suffering, the company right now is basically on par with makes like Chrysler and Hyundai, and with every passing day and every passing recall they sink lower LoL.

 

[torquelover]

I bought a 2011 Corolla S, the one you see in my avatar, was a POS, I bought it off the lot with 2 miles, within the first 1000 miles I noticed that the steering wasn't calibrated to the point that when you drove on the highway, the steering would force you left or right, you couldn't find the center, a year later I got used to it, but that is not right. Also the transmission had a nasty kick sometimes when changing gears. Not to mention the Bluetooth never did work correctly.

Aside from the Bluetooth issue, the other issues you stated were quirks inherent to that car and mentioned in magazine reviews. It really helps to read up on a new car before buying it. Tough to do with a car that has just gone on sale in a new platform I know, been there, done that.

Glad you are happier with your MZ5.

 

[ukulele]

Aside from the Bluetooth issue, the other issues you stated were quirks inherent to that car and mentioned in magazine reviews. It really helps to read up on a new car before buying it. Tough to do with a car that has just gone on sale in a new platform I know, been there, done that.

Glad you are happier with your MZ5.

Was that in Motortrend or Automobile? Because I get both and never read that those were known issues, lack of power and a legacy transmission they had mentioned. Doesn't make a difference because the Corolla has been unchanged for years, just the sheet metal. I got a poorly manufactured product. I'm willing to bet the Corollas from Japan don't have the same problems. You tell me the magazine and page number where it says these where known issues and I'll eat my hat.

 

[MarkVII88]

I had a Corolla from 2004 to 2012. Loved that thing. LE trim level with a 5spd. Extremely reliable and got really good mileage. I would not buy another one though because Toyota took away the 5spd from all but the lowest level car and they still haven't upgraded that dinosaur 4spd auto. I would not be willing to buy a small car like that without a stickshift but lack of cruise control or power windows are deal-breakers for me.

 

[ukulele]

I had a Corolla from 2004 to 2012. Loved that thing. LE trim level with a 5spd. Extremely reliable and got really good mileage. I would not buy another one though because Toyota took away the 5spd from all but the lowest level car and they still haven't upgraded that dinosaur 4spd auto. I would not be willing to buy a small car like that without a stickshift but lack of cruise control or power windows are deal-breakers for me.

Yeah... now that you mention, when my Mazda5 was in the shop with the regional tech about 2 weeks ago, they gave me a 2012 Corolla base trim as a rental, same car I had but mine was model year 2011 and I had the S (which, for Toyota, stands for another four letter word, not sport). It had the 4 speed auto but no cruise. I like the old Corollas, I've driven them in the past, very reliable and to be honest they felt a lot peppier than the crap I bought last year, my aunt has a 2003 Corolla with tons of miles, the car moves if you WOT it, I didn't get that from my old 2011, so I don't understand, if you WOT a new Corolla it feels like your really bothering the engine. I think it was reprogrammed to get maximum MPG, maybe due to the increased fuel economy standards that are going into effect. Toward the end of my tenure with the Corolla I was driving in L-2-3-D mode just to squeeze out some torque out of that old grist mill.

 

[torquelover]

Was that in Motortrend or Automobile? Because I get both and never read that those were known issues, lack of power and a legacy transmission they had mentioned. Doesn't make a difference because the Corolla has been unchanged for years, just the sheet metal. I got a poorly manufactured product. I'm willing to bet the Corollas from Japan don't have the same problems. You tell me the magazine and page number where it says these where known issues and I'll eat my hat.

It's has been a few years since I followed it. I know several people with 7th, 8th, and 9th GEN Corollas/Prizms and they are very happy. So when I got my '08 Subie I looked into it as well. Didn't even bother to test drive it after looking into it. Here are some things that popped up on a quick search:

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2009-toyota-corolla-page-7

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/RunawayToyotas/federal-officials-probe-toyota-corolla-steering-problem/story?id=9867318#.UN5mAneHHEA

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,586265,00.html

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1d0fdf

http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/2256601/2011-corolla-transmission-problem

I personally spent a lot of time in a fully loaded '03 LE and an '03 S. Only issue for me was the driving position. Pedals were way too close. Great cars otherwise. I bought an '04 Camry V6 for my wife after having my flawless '00. We traded it in before the first year was up. That car had MAJOR issues with the engine/trans DBW system. After the 3rd trip to the dealer, I think they got it right, but a deal was already made to trade the car in. Several years later when I read that the issues Toyota had with out of control cars were due to driver error or floor mat error, that experience makes me think otherwise.

I do know a few people with last GEN Camrys and they are very happy.

Also, I have to point out that I had an '03 Accord, one of the few made in Japan. That car had a few hiccups due to it being a Japan build that the Ohio build cars did not have. It was a first year model, so I gave it some slack. If it had not been hit so many times while parked, I might still be driving it today. Really liked that car.

 

[MarkVII88]

My 2004 Corolla LE was not subject to any of the recalls that Toyota released in the last several years. It had a manual transmission, not the automatic. And it did not have a drive-by-wire system as there was a cable directly connecting the pedal to the throttle body. Never had any issues with power steering or wheel alignments. I wish the car did have a telescoping steering column and also antilock brakes, which were not available on manual transmission-equipped cars. I will say that the stock Goodyear Integrity tires (195/65/15) that came on the car were utter crap and wore out to the point of hydroplaning in moderate rain in 2 years (this was with snow tires on for half the year). I replaced these with Yokohama Avid Envigor tires (205/60/15) that lasted for nearly 6 years trouble free.

 

[ukulele]

Bottom line: Before I purchased my 2011 Corolla S, the only issues any "magazine" (as in official paper magazine, not online opinions or articles dating back to 2006-10 MY) all said the same thing: Great MPG's, nice ride. Nothing negative except for an ancient transmission, which I didn't mind (so long as it worked liked it's supposed to). For years Toyota (and Honda) have enjoyed near flawless reviews of their vehicles in many car magazines. Today this is not the case anymore. Toyota is getting more smacks in the face and kicks in the balls than ever. Hondas are being recalled like never before.

Owning a 2008 Yaris made in Japan with no defects (and I co-signed for a 2012 Yaris for my younger brother when he graduated college, today that car has 0 defects as well) I figured even a Toyota made in Canada can't be that bad, I figured, Toyota's quality control should be the same whether built here in the US, Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else in the world. Today I am convinced, and no one can tell me different, that where the car is made has nothing to do with it's build quality. It does.

Not to say a vehicle made in Japan can't come with it's own hiccups, whether it's the first production run of a redesign or not. Just saying that you have a better chance of less or no defects in a vehicle made in Japan than one made in North America. For now. Things can always change, I can't predict the future. So far my Mazda5's only problem is the vibration and hopefully it's a tire issue and not an actual problem with the vehicle itself.

 

[torquelover]

It is too early to tell since the Mazda 5 was new for 2012, but so far, so good is what I have seen on the forums. Some minor issues with bushings, and the vibration, but that's it. We are at 17k miles of heavy family hauling duty and so far, so good. The driveline is shared with uplevel Mazda 3s and the only thing I see there is motor mount issues and auto trans fluid interval issues.

Overall I am pretty hopeful here. My biggest concern being in the rust belt and in a heavy salt-using area is rust. Mazdas in the family and with friends in the past have had rust issues. I am going to keep an active eye out for this one, and try to keep up with keeping the door seams, wheel wells, rockers, etc as clean as possible.

Let us know when you get the new Toyos installed. Some tires are more vibration prone than others, either by design or manufacturing tolerances, so I hope your problem is solved soon. If it is not, you might have to change out to another brand.