2007 Mazda MX-5 Seats Problems

“The passenger airbag disabled dash light remains on when the passenger seat is pushed to the rear with no one in the seat. The passenger seat belt unbuckled warning light is also lit even though no one is in the seat. Both lights turn off when the empty seat is moved forward. I am unsure if the air bag will deploy if needed. A Mazda dealer told me they had seen the problem before in other vehicles and there are discussions on the internet about the problem in other cars. …”

“The airbag warning light came on. I took the car to the dealer, dyer Mazda in vero beach, fl. The dealer told me the airbag may or may not deploy in the event of a crash. They said I needed a passenger weight sensor, a passenger seat track adjuster, and an sas unit. Approximately $2,000 just for the parts. I called the manufacturer, Mazda, and after review, the manufacturer concurred that the airbag may or may not deploy unless these 3 parts were replaced. Mazda agreed to pay for the labor only, $650, but I would be responsible for the $2,000 in parts. …”

“Failed passenger seat sensor diagnosed by local Mazda dealership - parts and labor not covered under warranty due to age of car. Parts/labor exceed $1600 for the repair. This particular vehicle is under 60k miles, and rarely has a passenger-seat occupant (so very little stress/wear on the seat) and has had no physical or water damage to the car. I believe this is a similar scenario to the GM sky/solstice vehicles - where a low volume specialty vehicle does not garner the attention. …”