Mazda PH recalling 2012-15 BT-50 due to rear backseat latch issue

Updated Feb 15, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The rear seats may fold down when braking due to the defective latch.

Mazda Philippines rolled out a recall for BT-50 units with model years from 2012 to 2015 as the rear backseat latch needs to be replaced. This is the second time the company addressed the issue following the recall launched in 2017.

Mazda BT-50 front view

Second-gen Mazda BT-50

According to the Japanese marque, the rear backseat latch issue poses various problems. An abnormal noise from the backseat could be heard in certain Mazda BT-50 units. Due to its defect, there’s a possibility that the rear seats may fold down when braking. Moreover, the clearance between the child restraint and backseat will become too narrow when a rear-facing child seat is installed.

For those reasons, the company relaunched the recall as part of its commitment to customer satisfaction and safety through its Special Service Campaigns. This aims to deliver a true premium ownership experience and peace of mind to the brand’s customers.

“As a demonstration of the brand’s commitment to its customers, Mazda Motor Corporation has been continuously monitoring the safety of its vehicles even years after they were sold,” said Mazda Philippines General Manager for Customer Service and Aftersales, Ramil De Vera.

Mazda Philippines Mazda BT-50 Recall

Mazda BT-50 Recall

Owners of the concerned BT-50 units are encouraged to confirm whether their pickup truck is included in the campaign via Mazda Philippines’ official website. The company said that Specific Mazda BT-50 with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) range from MM7UP*****W118317 to 462951, and built from May 2012 to June 2015 from the Mazda AAT manufacturing plant in Thailand, are included in the campaign.

To note, the replacement of the rear black seat latch will take less than two hours and is free of charge.

“Being the exclusive distributors of Mazda vehicles in the country, Mazda Philippines, through our dealerships, has also been reaching out to the owners of the vehicles included in the Proactive Special Service Campaign so that we may assist in ensuring the safe and worry-free use of their Mazda BT-50,” added De Vera.

Catch the latest updates from car brands at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Mazda BT-50 2024

Mazda BT-50

The third-generation Mazda BT-50 2024 is the latest pickup truck offering from the Japanese marque. It still remains to be a body-on-frame model, and it is based on the third-generation Isuzu D-max. 

For the Philippine market, the Mazda BT-50 for 2024 is available in three variants. These come with a price ranging from Php 1,390,000 to Php 1,908,000, with the BT-50 4x4 MT as the entry-level variant, and the BT-50 Pangolin Edition 2 4x4 AT as the top-spec variant. 

Under the hood of the BT-50 is a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX inline-4 turbodiesel engine. At maximum, it can produce up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Available transmissions include a six-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. For drivetrains, only the top-spec variant comes with 4x4. 

Size-wise, the new BT-50 2024 Philipines is 5,280mm long, 1,870mm wide, and 1,800mm in height. It also has a wheelbase of 3,125mm. 

Competing against the Mazda BT-50 in the Philippine market are the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Strada, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Maxus T60, etc.

 

Mazda BT-50 Launch

The newest Mazda BT-50 was launched for the Philippine market in November 2021. It replaces the older BT-50 which has been around locally since 2013. Other markets however received by new BT-50 earlier in 2019. 

The new version of the BT-50 shares a platform with the Isuzu D-Max. And like the said model, the new BT-50 comes with a handful of improvements for its on-board tech, as well as its mechanical components. 

Mazda BT-50 Exterior

While its roots are apparent in its general body shape, the third-gen BT-50 was provided with characteristics that are uniquely Mazda. For instance, it gets the hexagonal front grille, as well as a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamp clusters. These of course are also found on other Mazda models like the CX series of crossovers. 

Exterior features include rain-sensing wipers, a set of 18-inch wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors with power fold, and roof rails for the top-spec 4x4 variant. 

Size-wise, the BT-50 2024 Philippines comes with a length of 5,280mm, a width of 1,870mm, a height of 1,800mm, and a wheelbase length of 3,125mm. 

Mazda BT-50 Interior

Like most trucks in the market today, the new BT-50 can comfortably seat up to five occupants. Its interior space, however, was designed to be more premium in look and feel. Furthermore, it also comes standard with a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, electronically adjustable front seats, leather seats, and many other niceties. 

Technology & Safety Features

Safety-wise, the top-spec BT-50 4x4 comes with the Mazda I-Activsense suite of driver-assist technologies. This includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert, among others. It also gets 7 airbags at most, as well as the usual safety features like stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, among others. 

For entertainment, the top-spec 4x4 variant gets a 9-inch touchscreen headunit. Its connectivity options include Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then linked to an 8-piece speaker system. The other trims then have a seven-inch headunit with the same connectivity options, but it is linked to a six-piece speaker system. 

Platform & Chassis

The BT-50 shares a platform with the Isuzu D-Max. As such, it also uses a ladder-frame chassis. For suspensions, the Mazda-branded truck uses a double-wishbone for the front and a leaf spring suspension for the rear. It then uses a ventilated front disc brake and a rear drum brake. 

Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood of the 2024 Mazda BT-50 is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. At maximum, it can make up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. For transmissions, it either gets a five-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed automatic tranny with sequential shift. 

The entry-level and mid-spec trims of the BT-50 use a 4x2 drivetrain. Only the top-spec variant comes with a 4x4 and a locking rear differential. 

Mazda BT-50 Q&A

1. How much is the Mazda pickup BT-50 in the Philippines?

The price of Mazda BT-50 2024 in the Philippines ranges from P1,390,000 to P1,908,000.

2. Is the Mazda BT-50 reliable?

The Mazda BT-50 is generally considered a reliable pickup truck. It is built with high-quality materials, has a solid construction, and is equipped with durable components that can withstand tough driving conditions.

3. Is the Mazda BT-50 fuel efficient?

The Mazda BT-50 is generally considered to be a fuel-efficient pickup truck, especially compared to other similarly-sized vehicles in its class.

4. What engine is in the BT-50?

The Mazda BT-50 is available with either a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine or a 3.2-liter 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine.

5. Is the Mazda BT-50 automatic?

Yes, the Mazda BT-50 is available with an automatic transmission.

 

₱ 1,390,000 - ₱ 1,858,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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