Automatic Seatbelt Recall: Lifetime Warranty?

[Jovian2k]

SO I know that there are thousands of posts about the AT seatbelt problem and recall. Sorry to add to it, but here is my situation: Recently my DS automatic seatbelt stopped working, it is near the "closed" position so I can wear it, however the motor keeps trying to pull the stuck belt and it is very annoying and drawing large amounts of power from my already deprived RS. The previous owner has already gotten the recall in Oct. 1998. I have confirmed this with Mazda and it is also on an "Authorized Modification" tag on my doorjam. I talked to Mazda and read to them the posting on the MX-3.com homepage (http://www.mx-3.com/recalls/seatbelts.php) stating: In addition to performing this recall campaign, Mazda is extending the warranty coverage on the driver and passenger automatic shoulder belt rail and motor for the life of the vehicle. However Mazda has no documentation stating this. I looked with them at the NHTSA recall information found here http://nhthqnwws112.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/a ... 039-NN.PDF and it does not state a lifetime warranty there either. So neither Mazda nor NHTSA seems to have the lifetime warranty information found on the recall page on this website. I am wondering if anyone has delt with this situation or if anyone knows anything more about the recall warranty info (as stated on the MX-3.com recall page). If you have documentation, that would be great... I told the guy from Mazda I would fax him something if I found it.

[Jovian2k]

Anyone? I want to know before I shell out the $$ to buy a used seatbelt track & motor and replace it myself.

[Nd4SpdSe]

You'd be better off converting to manual belts instead of spending money on the automatics.

Here, found some info for ya:

http://www.protegefaq.net/tsb/72803.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(see page 4)

I think that should be saved and posted in the seatbelt recall page.

[Jovian2k]

Thank you very much Nd4Spd the statement of the lifetime warranty is on page 4 and I will be faxing/emailing this to the guy at Mazda. I will consider eventually sourcing manual belts and maybe if this doesn't work out, go that route. But in the mean time, at least my AT seatbelts may be able to be fixed at no cost

p.s. this should definitely be posted in the seat belt recall page since it is the official Mazda document

[onlytrueromeo]

I kinda like the auto belts

I've had both, and I have to say, its nice not having to reach really far for the belt. Not that I mind that much, but the girlfriend did. She likes my car better now so that's a plus!

Plus they're unique - you don't see cars with them anymore.

[Dark_Rider2k3]

same here. They are nice.

I have to go to another mazda dealership and check on mine.. I had them working for a little bit but they are stuck again..and the local dealership is a POS and won't help me at all =(.

[Mnemonic]

just take it to the dealership and tell them its a lifetime recall, if its never been done to your car then they HAVE to fix it... they will try and argue with you on this or say it will cost you money... if they do just give them a copy of the recall info and then inform them you have no problem contacting the corporate office.

[chimp]

Hey guys, new owner of a 92 GS. I just got it today and like the rest, the automatic seatbelts don't work. I put a fuse in for the belts and you can hear the passenger side motor, but not the drivers side motor. I'm guessing the passenger's will be able to be fixed for free, but not the drivers side right? I'll probably get the motor working again and then send it in. Any suggestions for the motor? Thanks in advance.

[Dark_Rider2k3]

The thing is that it has apparently been done before =/. And they said since it was done before it's not free...

[projectzemx3]

how do they know it had been done before? try finding out if theres a sticker or something, then take it to another dealership.

[chimp]

So it's a one time thing to get it fixed free? Does anyone know if Jovian2k got his fixed for free after the first one?

[Jovian2k]

I have been procrastinating because I have been pretty busy, but I have talked to a guy at Mazda who said although I did get the recall the first time, I am entitled to the mentioned "lifetime warranty" and the dealership will honor it. I called the dealership and they agreed, just havn't gotten it done yet.

[Mooneggs]

I would also argue with them that since it is a RECALL item and since it directly affects the safety of the passengers in the car they should do it. Talk to a manager and ask him that if they don't replace it and you drive out of the dealership and get in a wreck, who's fault will it be that you could not get the proper safety equipment from a RECALL...

[chimp]

OK, that makes it better. What about the motor? Can that still fall in with the recall? It could've burnt out because of it right? I will call and see, I just want to know if I should keep pushing for it if they say the motor has nothing to do with the recall for the drivers side. Thanks once again.

[Nd4SpdSe]

I would also argue with them that since it is a RECALL item and since it directly affects the safety of the passengers in the car they should do it. Talk to a manager and ask him that if they don't replace it and you drive out of the dealership and get in a wreck, who's fault will it be that you could not get the proper safety equipment from a RECALL...

Or you print out a few pages of that official Mazda PDF I linked adn highlight:

WARRANTY EXTENTION
[Recall 72803 - Automatic Shoulder Belt ]
The warranty coverage for the automatic shoulder belt rail and motor on subject vehicles has been
extended over the lifetime of the vehicle.

What engine recall? Most are only a one-time fix to a problem. The seatbelt is a safety issue, not a reliability of functionality issue. Cars wear out, they can't cover everything for the life of the vehicle, but the only ones that they'll do is safetly. Look at Toyota, they did a recall on 95-00 Tacoma's for rotting frames, giving the owner 1.5x the bluebook value, and scrapping the truck, but again, that's a safety issue.