8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
121,050 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
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problem #2

Jun 302015

Tribute ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 149,600 miles

For the past 4 months, I've had a flashing airbag light come on and then off for random durations of time. (For example: may flash anytime I'm driving for 2 weeks, isn't a problem for the next 4 days, but then comes back on for a week, then off again)

I haven't noticed any kind of pattern for when it comes on and there hasn't been any changes in the number of miles and frequency I use the car. (I drive it for about 5-10 minutes to work in less than 30 mph traffic to work each day plus errands on the way.)

I am going to post a separate complaint for this but thought I would mention it if it has anything to do with the issue. In March, I had my ABS symbol come on and I don't recall specific details as it was a whole ago but I remember there were a few small things that weren't normal when driving my car. I remember something odd happened when I made a left hand turn into the parking lot at work like the steering wheel locked up or it was like it was tugged a certain way. I really can't remember and would have to look back at my notes from then. It was something not normal though like the ABS being activated or the car accelerating or something. I just know that it made my whole car move and I immediately pulled into the parking spot I was closest to as far away from the building as I basically could get. (I didn't feel safe to continue driving it and was like whoa I've got to turn this off.)

Shortly after the Anti-Lock Break system light was coming on, I started having the airbag light begin. It started maybe 2 weeks or so after this. I also have had a terrible time with my sunroof leaking into my passenger seat side and was wondering if maybe these lights were suddenly coming on because of perhaps water damage? I've gone to a local mechanic about 3-4 times since this problem has occurred for various reasons like the sunroof drain clogged, an issue with the fuel pump, and recently the engine coil #5? when I just had it looked at, the mechanic checked the code since my emissions system light came on and my car was kind of stalling. since then, my airbag light hasn't been on. Maybe he just reset it and it will come back on again? I'll have to see...

Just about a year ago last summer, I had the local Mazda dealership update all of the recalls and I don't believe any of them have been added since then. I was recommended to come on here and at least report all of this with details JUST IN CASE there are others who have also had problems and it helps in any future recalls.

I don't think the complaint rating is that severe when considering a flashing airbag light is pretty harmless and mostly an annoyance. However, after seeing all of these news headlines for MAZDA KILLER AIRBAGS makes me think twice about whether this is a serious potential problem! I don't know about you all reading this but I'd say something like exploding shards of metal from these Takata airbags are kind of a big deal.... if I were Mazda, I would try and take all of these Airbag light issues seriously so that this isn't another death by airbag added to the growing list (what is it... Over 150 people who have died?) and another car model added to the list of other Mazdas.

- kcat, Lexington, KY, US

problem #1

Jan 112011

Tribute ES V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,500 miles

After researching the issue I found several posts on here regarding the airbag light. I have had the same problem. One day it started blinking and then would go steady, blinking, and back and forth, and still does it today. I was told by the mechanic that it was a wiring harness, but with all of the other mechanics' opinions here regarding this issue, I am not so sure anymore.

If there are this many people who found this to state the issue, I wonder how many people have not reported the problem. I thought it was something that happens, but don't think it should be. I think this is something that Mazda should investigate if they truly care about the welfare of their customers considering the problem is a recurring one.

- Darla H., Redmond, OR, US