On my 2010 Mazda 5 sport, the instrument panel lights up automatically when it is dark or dim outside. On previous years of this vehicle, and on all other vehicles I have ever driven, the instrument panel lights up only when the headlights are switched on. This is what prevents people from driving with their headlights off. The service department and Mazda customer assistance both confirmed that the controls are working the way the car was designed. The result of this design change is that both myself and my wife have driven the car in the dark with the headlights off. I have told Mazda customer assistance that this design flaw will certainly result in accidents from people driving with the headlights off, but they said there is nothing they can do. I hope they will not wait for someone to have a serious accident before they take notice.

- Chevy Chase, MD, USA