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Mazda5: No Traction/ Stability Control. Is this an issue?

71 messages,  Last post on Apr 07, 2009 at 11:22 AM

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#49 of 71 Retrofit DSC after the fact? NOPE by autoholic75 Aug 11, 2008 (12:15 pm)
Thought maybe I could have the dealer add DSC after the purchase. I know... I know, it was a long shot (and kinda crazy), but the parts exists and it seamed like a plausible equip. install, what with the Mz3 sharing parts. Cost (within reason) at this desperate point was not an issue for me. Officially, from Mazda the answer is: No   My original email to Mazda USA, dated 8/1/08:    I understand that DSC (dynamic stability control system) is not/will not be available for the 08-09 Mazda5. Can DSC be installed, as a dealer install option? (i.e. can it be added on/or retrofited to a car at owners cost after purchase). DSC is a must for me and I am willing to have it custom installed, if possible, so I can enjoy a new Mz5 AND have the latest in safety tech for my new family. Is this possible? I understand DSC is a factory installed option for Mz5s bound for other oversees markets (same production line...) and I know the Mz3 (the frame from which the Mz5 is developed) has DSC as an available factory option too. I only presume the parts, e-hardware and install specs exist for a qualified mechanic to make use of). If yes, where, and at what cost, can I get this installed? Please know; I am extremely dissapointed to see that that the '09 Mz5s will not come to USA with DSC. I was all set for a new GT Mz5. Outstanding niche product, with one fatal flaw.   Mazdas Official Response dated 8/11/08:   We regret that the 2008 & 2009 Mazda5 does not have Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). This is a factory-only installed option and therefore can not be installed/added-on by the dealer. We have documented your suggestion for our corporate records which are vehicle specific. These records are continuously being reviewed by our Product Planning Department in an effort to provide only the highest quality products and features to our customers for future model consideration.   Thanks again for contacting Mazda and have a great day.   Regards, XXX Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business   So that settles it for me. No Mazda5. Thought anyone else who was thinking about this possibility might like to know... Replies to this message: maltb (Aug 11, 2008 12:49 pm) jonat1x (Aug 11, 2008 4:52 pm) maltb (Aug 12, 2008 8:13 am)
#50 of 71 Re: The Post Tally on DSC [autoholic75] by chiefbongo Aug 11, 2008 (12:26 pm)
Replying to: autoholic75 (Aug 11, 2008 11:39 am) "For the other five that felt that DSC is not as critical. I would note that these five all seem to have one thing in common, they all appear to have already purchased an M5"   Not me. Unless I have a financial windfall this month so I can take advantage of deals on the '08 models, I'll probably be buying in October. Right now I have a 2002 Elantra GT (the hatchback Elantra that looks a *little* like a Saab 93) I bought back in October '01. It doesn't even have ABS, much less traction or stability control. I've driven it in the rain and occasional snow of Seattle for 7 years. The 5 will give me more weight (which means more traction off the bat) and ABS, so even though it isn't every safety feature I could want, it's a step up AND it's in my price range.   Autoholic, I'm really happy for you that you have an extra $2k+ a year to spare for gas and car payments. Is that coming out of the yacht maintenance fund or the salary of the gardener at your summer home? See, for many of us, it would be coming out of the kids' college funds, the retirement savings, or cancelling the annual Christmas trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa.   Like I said, DSC and Traction Control aren't the end-all, be-all of safety. AWD is safer than Traction Control. Armor plating your car adds safety. Staying home adds safety. At some point you decide how much "safety" is within your price range and personal tolerance range and make your decision. Replies to this message: darisgin (Nov 25, 2008 12:34 pm)
#51 of 71 Re: Retrofit DSC after the fact? NOPE [autoholic75] by maltb Aug 11, 2008 (12:49 pm)
Replying to: autoholic75 (Aug 11, 2008 12:15 pm) I find it funny that someone that claims to be an engineer by profession would even ask such a question. While you were at it, you should have asked them if the 3rd row seats from the Mazda5 would fit in a Mazda3. Replies to this message: jonat1x (Aug 11, 2008 4:52 pm) maltb (Aug 12, 2008 8:13 am)
#52 of 71 Re: The Post Tally on DSC [autoholic75] by coolmazda5 Aug 11, 2008 (4:52 pm)
Replying to: autoholic75 (Aug 11, 2008 11:39 am) Would my reply count for 2? they drive like a sporty sedan with very decent fuel economy. Best of luck with the Sienna, I rented an 08 for a week once and it is a fine people mover, but too massive IMO. Drop by from time to time and let us know how things worked out   Replies to this message: autoholic75 (Aug 15, 2008 1:47 pm)
#53 of 71 Re: Retrofit DSC after the fact? NOPE [maltb] by jonat1x Aug 11, 2008 (4:52 pm)
Replying to: maltb (Aug 11, 2008 12:49 pm) An apparently ill-informed put-down - mechanically the two vehicles are the same. If you hop on over to Car and Driver, they're currently installing the engine from a Mazdaspeed3 into a Mazda5. Now that REALLY gets my attention. Replies to this message: maltb (Aug 12, 2008 8:13 am)
#54 of 71 Re: Mazda5: No Traction/ Stability Control. Is this an issue? [cydwel] by jschner Aug 11, 2008 (5:30 pm)
Replying to: cydwel (Mar 03, 2008 12:16 pm) The safety issues that were some what in question for this vehicle a few months ago seemed to have been answered recently with the M5 doing very well in safety tests. Better than I thought it would do. I was expecting all 4s because of the small size but the M5 scored a lot of 5/5.   The subject of traction control did not matter to me when I purchased our 08 M5 GT in April. I thought about it for 2 seconds thinking it would be a cool option to have but realistically it really isn't all that necessary for where I live. So I'm rather thrilled I saved $500 on an option that I really did not need. I equate traction control being an issue about as much as the car scoring a 4.9/5 in crash tests instead of a 5/5. Really not all that significant to me.   Good luck to those who wrote or need it. Maybe 2010 is the year!   Now if I lived in a colder climate or had traction issues then yes I think it would be a great option and open more of the market up to Mazda. But the car is what it is and if traction control is a must have item then maybe something like a Rondo would work better for some people.   I applaud those who have taken the time to write Mazda and express their feelings about traction control. Maybe in the next couple years it will show up as an optional item like the DVD or navigation for those who need such a thing before it is mandated. But if it's not, then it's Mazda's loss if that is a deal breaker for some as I understand the need in some circumstances.   Good luck to those who wrote Mazda and need traction control. Maybe 2010 is the year?
#55 of 71 Re: Retrofit DSC after the fact? NOPE [jonat1x] by maltb Aug 12, 2008 (8:13 am)
Replying to: jonat1x (Aug 11, 2008 4:52 pm) "An apparently ill-informed put-down..."   Hardly: DSC is all about vehicle dynamics. The Mazda3 and Mazda5 are quite a bit different, dynamically. I'm not sure what you mean about them being mechanically the same: the rear suspension is different.
#56 of 71 Re: [coolmazda5] by autoholic75 Aug 15, 2008 (1:47 pm)
Replying to: coolmazda5 (Aug 11, 2008 4:52 pm) Thanks collmazda5... and just for the record, your posts (along with others here) provided a great info and experience background, from current owners of the Mz5... as I shopped all of the alternatives. Your posts went a long way toward generating a buzz and getting me seriously excited about, what I had hope, would be my next car. Mazda should be paying you guys for the great PR service you provide.   For so many reason the Mz5 seemed "just right", and I was really looking forward to putting in an order for an '09 Blue GT... but stability control for me was just something I couldn't compromise on. I will keep an eye on the model and check in on the forum from time to time.   Pleasant (and safe) driving.
#57 of 71 Re: The Post Tally on DSC [autoholic75] by jonk3 Sep 06, 2008 (5:39 pm)
Replying to: autoholic75 (Aug 11, 2008 11:39 am) You can add me to the "DSC is a must " camp. I'm also disappointed that the '09 model will not have it, but I might be able to wait for '10. At any rate, hasn't the NHTSA made stability control mandatory for 75% of 2010 models, 95% of 2011 models, and 100% of 2012 models? Replies to this message: coolmazda5 (Sep 06, 2008 6:15 pm) maltb (Sep 08, 2008 10:28 am) coolmazda5 (Sep 08, 2008 5:08 pm)
#58 of 71 Re: The Post Tally on DSC [jonk3] by coolmazda5 Sep 06, 2008 (6:15 pm)
Replying to: jonk3 (Sep 06, 2008 5:39 pm) It will be mandatory by 2012 but Where did you get the percentages from?   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stability_control Replies to this message: maltb (Sep 08, 2008 10:28 am) coolmazda5 (Sep 08, 2008 5:08 pm)

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