Mazda BT-50 Problems

On average a 2010 model should have done 200-250,000 km, so you are correct in thinking it is high. The BT-50 is generally reliable, but having done almost 400,000 km you have to hope for the best and be prepared for the worst. Having a good service record is a bonus.

I’d be checking the clutch to see if it could be worn out or close to.

Without being able to view it and hear it firsthand it's hard to suggest what might be wrong. It could be a bearing in the turbo, but that's only an educated guess. I would have a mechanic check it.

You need to take it to a mechanic for a diagnostic check to find the cause of the problem. It sounds like it could be in the transmission; perhaps the powertrain module could be at fault.

It’s unclear from the information you have given us just what the problem is, but I can make a guess that the belt is not tightening around you when you put it on. Whatever the problem take it to your Mazda dealer and have it checked, it could be a fault with the retractor; it could be a problem with the webbing.

You shouldn’t be using Park as a brake, that’s not what it is intended for, and could damage the transmission. If you want to stop the vehicle change down through the ratios manually and apply the brakes. The problem is unlikely to be the wiring harness, it sounds like it’s deeper within the transmission. Have your dealer check it, or take it to an automatic transmission specialist.

You should be running a 5W-40 oil.

Mazda has confirmed the current BT-50 generation will not be replaced until after 2020, though it has recently received a minor facelift update.

While Australian-delivery Mazda BT 50 pick-ups are built in Rayong, Thailand, the platform is also made in South Africa for other markets.