: the contact stated the air bag light illuminated consistently and flashed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined upon investigation that the air bag and seatbelts were affected and needed to be replaced because the air bag would not deploy in the event of a collision.

- Tampa, FL, USA

I have a 2002 Mazda Tribute an in August 2005 the air bag light began to blink and then remained on. After a few days of trying to diagnose the issue the problem was identified, the seat belt pre-tensioner needed to be replaced. Since the part had to be shipped via ground service due to (explosive) materials contained in the part I was told I could pick up my car. I was also told by the dealership that I should not worry about the air bag deploying on its own but that if I were to get in an accident that it may not deploy. After having my car for 10 days the problem was resolved and I got my car back. Fast forward to May 2006, my air bag light came on again. Another issue with the airbag but this time on the passenger side. I am very concerned that I have been told flat out that my air bag may not work if I were to get in an accident. What is even more concerning is that this is apparently not the first issue like this and Ford escape cars in the same make year have had the same issues.

- Costa Mesa, CA, USA

After starting the vehicle air bag warning light illuminated while the vehicle was being operated. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- Oshkosh, WI, USA

Airbag light- the "trib" has been to 2 dealers 3 times for the airbag light; it will go in for the 4th time to once again get "band-aided". each time their answer was to shove the passenger side wire back under the seat. I've been told it is due to me storing things under the seat, which I am not, that is making the wire come down. I assume what is happening is that either the force of someone sitting down in the front passenger seat, or if a passenger in the back seat kicks the front passenger seat, while getting in or sitting, it will eventually make the wire come off of the seat resulting in the airbag error. I am able to & have put the wire back up under the seat approx. 4 times myself, but why should I have to keep doing this? a week ago, I was cleaning the interior listening to a cd with the motor off. When I pulled down the front passenger window, the music started going on and off (losing power). If I rolled the window up it was fine, as soon as it was partially down, it intermittently lost power again. The trib ended up losing all power & unfortunately, I didn't have a battery tester to test the battery. I decided to put a battery charger on it, and after 10 minutes I tried to start it and it turned over. I wish I did have something to test the battery to see if it was the battery or a short. I have no clue if this is related to the airbag light, but it happened at the same time. I am guessing that there is perhaps an electrical short, since it really makes no sense to me why the airbag light would go off by the wire coming off of the seat to begin with. Let me add that I love my trib, except for this annoying and possibly life threatening airbag problem.

- Browns Mills, NJ, USA

The air bag light continuously illuminated for no apparent reason. The consumer had the vehicle inspected twice, but the mechanic was unable to determine a cause.

- Muncie, IN, USA

While driving, the SRS light flashed on and remained on the dashboard.

- Norcross, GA, USA

I own a 2002 Mazda Tribute. I am continually taking the vehicle to the dealership for the air bag light. The light stays on, then goes off for a day or so, then back on. I have visited the dealership on four occassions for this problem. The last time the vehicle was in for the air bag light, they said that there was a loose wire under the driver's seat. Well, guess what? as soon as I drove it home from the dealership, the airbag light came on again. I have noticed several complaints on the same problem. I am concerned that if or when I need the airbag, it won't work. Please check into a recall on this problem.

- Columbus, OH, USA

6 months after I purchased the vehicle, the coolant light came on. After that, the check engine light kept coming on and needless to say, the biggest problem I've had has been the airbag light. This vehicle has been to the service dept. For the airbag light being on @ 7 times w/in the last year. Sometimes the airbag light comes on and off by itself w/out me having to take it to the dealer. This is an ongoing problem.

- Houston, TX, USA

The air bag light goes off in the car. The service department at the dealership informed me that meant the air bag does not work. I have had it repaired 5 times and it continues to go on.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

When slowing down or proceeding to a stop, the car completely shut down in middle of the road while the engine is still running. The brakes will freeze up and the only way to stop the car is to pull up on the hand brake. The car will restart. This has always happened in traffic and is a very dangerous situation. Brought the car into the dealership the first time on May 3, 2003. Dealer said that they replaced the idle control valve. Two weeks later, the same problem arised where the car completely died in traffic. Brought it back to the dealer on June 3, 2003, they said there was improper operation and reprogrammed the PCM. The car died down again a week later while driving slowing down in traffic on the freeway. Again brought it back to the dealer for the third time June 19, 2003. Left the car overnight and had the technician drive the car 100+ miles home, but they could not duplicate the problem and sent the car home. Car died again in traffic. Brought the car back to the dealership the fourth time on July 1, 2003, and once again dealer was unable to duplicate the car. Advised me to keep driving the car until they problem worsened. This is a very dangerous situation as the car is in motion at all times when it has died and in traffic. A potentional dangerous and fatal situation that needs to be addressed immediately! the car was purchased in June 2002, and since then it has had a master cylinder leak, air bag circuit failure, as well as fuel system electrical wiring problems. Mazda needs to be aware of the potential risk factors involved in its Tribute models and recall the cars.

- Diamond Bar, CA, USA

While driving, the air bag light illuminated on the dash board.

- Tobyhanna, PA, USA

Driver of vehicle 1 ran red light at an approximate speed of 40-45 mph and hit passenger door of vehicle 2 causing severe damage to passenger side of vehicle 2 and totally front end of vehicle 1. we own vehicle 2. it is a Mazda Tribute 4 door sports utility vehicle with dual front air bags and option air bag 2 which is front-side air bags. We have digital pictures of vehicle 2 that we can send you. Our concern is that given the violence and location of the impact to the passenger door, why did the passenger side airbag fail to activate?

- Charlotte, NC, USA