Air Bag Not Deploy problems of the 2003 Mazda Tribute

Starting in 7/2009 my 2003 Mazda Tribute's air bag light came on. Repairs included replacing the connector under the pass seat. Since then the light has come on 5 times and each time a connector kit was needed for repairs. Eventually the light burned out and cost over $200. 00 for repairs. I called Mazda and complained. I also found numerous other owners complaining of the same problem on the internet. While the light is on or burned out according to mechanics I have talked to the air bag will not deploy in the event of a accident.

Mazda Tribute, 2003. Airbag light stay illuminated. Mazda repaired it 5 times and still it is lit. Have been told by the dealer that the airbag will not deploy should I be in an accident. I bought the car new, it has not been in an accident and up to now it was covered by warranty. Now they want me to pay $400 to fix something they can't fix anyway. I feel a defect trend exists with their airbags from all that I've read. If cars are mandated by the government to have functioning airbags then why is Mazda not being held accountable for the serious safety defects in their airbag system?.

The contact owns a 2003 Mazda Tribute. The contact received recall notice # 07v157000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module). He took the vehicle to the dealer to inspect the air bags because the indicator light continued to illuminate on the instrument panel. He believes this failure is similar to the failure stated in the recall. The Mazda dealer will not do anything because the manufacturer must issue the recall. Mazda will not issue a recall unless they are pressured to do so by NHTSA. The contact has to pay $375 for the air bag indicator light. The mechanic replaced the wiring harness. When the light was illuminated, the air bags would not deploy due to the failed connection. The engine size was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 50,000.

2003 Mazda Tribute ran head on into a telephone poll at a speed of approximately 30 mph. Airbag did not deploy.

While driving about 45 mph on the highway and without warning the vehicle shut down. Steering locked/ brakes failed, and headlights were flickering on and off. Driver lost control of the vehicle, and went into a fence, causing a collision. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. Driver suffered injuries, and was transported by ambulance to the hospital.