2003 MAZDA Tribute Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
200
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
27 complaints
EVERY TIME I START MY 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE AND EVERY 30 MINUTES OF OPERATION THEREAFTER, THE CAR MAKES 5 SETS OF 5 BEEPS. AN INTERNET SEARCH TOLD ME THAT THIS IS BECAUSE OF A MALFUNCTIONING INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT TO INDICATE THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE ALSO MALFUNCTIONING. A MAZDA MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH MY MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. AND EVEN IF I HAVE THE VERY EXPENSIVE JOB DONE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM, THE REPLACEMENT PARTS DON'T WORK EITHER. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR OVER 3 YEARS AND THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON ALMOST THE ENTIRE TIME. MAZDA NEEDS TO PROVIDE A GOOD WORKING SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM AND SOON.
Oct 01, 2018
I START MY CAR UP AN I SEE THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHING
Jun 26, 2016
WIFE HAD AN ACCISDENT WITH SUBSTANTIAL FRONT END DAMAGE. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SHE WAS INJURED HIT A TREE
Jun 16, 2016
2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE BOTH AIRBAGS WENT OUT.*BF THE CONSUMER STATED ONLY THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS REPLACED. *JB
Feb 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SEAT BELT CONNECTION WAS REPAIRED TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Oct 13, 2015
+ 22 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
25 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Mazda Tribute. The contact had taken his vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was severe corrosion on the lower control arm. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V174000 (Structure) which he linked to the failure. After performing a VIN search, the contact also discovered that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacture had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Sep 14, 2021
DURING A FREE, AAA INSPECTION, THE AUTO SHOP TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS DANGEOUS DUE TO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE OR BODY DAMAGE. I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG THIS BEEN A PROBLEM
Mar 25, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING EXCESSIVELY TO THE RIGHT AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBER AND ENGINE CRADLE WERE CORRODED THROUGH. ALSO, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MOUNT WAS DETACHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12237710780. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT WANTED TO KNOW WHY THE MANUFACTURER AND NHTSA DID NOT INCLUDE HIS STATE IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000. *TR*JB
Jul 09, 2019
I HAD A NOISE BEGIN ALL OF THE SUDDEN ON THE REAR RIGHT SIDE. THOUGHT IT WAS THE MUFFLER OR SHOCK AND I WAS CORRECT. TOOK IT TO A MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE BODY RUSTED THROUGH AT THE STRUT TOWER CONTACT AND THE SHOCK/STRUT WAS COMPLETELY UNATTACHED. IT STARTED WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS BECOMES A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER ISSUE AND I ATTEMPTED TO HAVE IT FIXED. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED ON ALL THESE VEHICLES. I WAS TOLD I NEED TO GO AND TRY TO FIND A BODY SHOP SEE IF THEY CAN FIX THIS. I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER.
Nov 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, A LOUD BOOMING NOISE SUDDENLY CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Aug 24, 2017
+ 20 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
24 complaints
The sensor does not send the speed to the speedometer
Sep 18, 2021
AFTER FINISHING A ROAD TRIP, WE PARKED THE CAR AND THE RPMS BEGAN TO MOVE HIGHER AND HIGHER. WE PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, BUT THE RPMS BEGAN TO DRASTICALLY RISE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PUT INTO PARK AND ONCE AGAIN THE RPM'S CONTINUED TO RISE. WE THEN TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND THE PROBLEM STOPPED.
Jan 15, 2018
ON JUNE 25, 2013 @ 11:00AM I CALLED MAZDA CORPORATION (REFERENCE CALL NUMBER:[XXX]) ABOUT RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS WERE NOT ASSIGNED TO THE VIN NUMBER OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAZDA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT ONLY THE SEAT BEAT ADJUSTMENT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO MY VEHICLE AND THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. MAZDA WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. I BOUGHT THE TRIBUTE IN 2010 FROM A DEALERSHIP; THUS, WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. I HAVE A 13 AND 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS AND AM A SINGLE PARENT. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. I CANNOT AFFORD RIGHT NOW TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM ONLY ASKING MAZDA TO HONOR THE RECALLS. PLEASE SEE THE RECALL NOTICE BELOW FROM MAZDA. 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE RECALL ITEM AFFECTED: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES DATE ANNOUNCED: 7/27/2012 DESCRIPTION OF RECALL: MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2006, AND 2008, TRIBUTE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES AND SPEED CONTROL. INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE COVER AND THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONNECTOR COULD RESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS FULLY OR ALMOST-FULLY DEPRESSED. THIS RISK EXISTS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT SPEED CONTROL (CRUISE CONTROL) IS USED. ACTION NEEDED TO FIX IT: MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY INCREASING THE ENGINE COVER CLEARANCE, FREE OF CHARGE. REMEDY PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #6. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 01, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN NOVEMBER 2012 UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V357000 (SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, PRIOR TO THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT HAD NO ISSUES WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED. THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATION LIGHT WAS TURNED OFF HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WITH THE BRAKES STILL DEPRESSED, HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE RPMS CONTINUED TO EXCESSIVELY FLUCTUATE AS IF THE CONTACT WAS STILL DRIVING AND AT RAPID SPEEDS. THE CONTACT POWERED THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD PERFORM NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT EITHER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS INEFFECTIVE OR WAS PERFORMED IMPROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,400.
Feb 20, 2013
DURING THE RECALL REPAIRS, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DAMAGED. WHEN I REQUESTED THAT THE DEALER REPLACE THE CABLE CAUSED BY THE HOLDING BRACKET AS COVERED UNDER MAZDA RECALL DATED 7/12 I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE ONLY REPLACING THE HOLDING BRACKET AND NOT THE CABLE EVEN THOUGH THE CABLE WAS DAMAGED BY THE DEFECTIVE HOLDING BRACKET. SO, WHAT GOOD IS THE RECALL? I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST ME APPROXIMATELY $100 PLUS TO GET IT REPLACED. *TR
Nov 01, 2012
+ 19 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
16 complaints
MY 2003 TRIBUTE HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL FROM THE OIL PAN GASKET BETWEEN THE OIL PAN AND ENGINE BLOCK. OF COURSE AFTER TIME IT WOULD LEAK BUT I HAVE HEARD THAT THE TRIBUTE HAS A BAD DESIGN WITH THE OIL PAN AND GASKET. THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO SELL ME THE NEW OIL PAN REPLACEMENT FOR THE DEFECTIVE ONE AND THE NEW GASKET REPLACEMENT FOR ALSO THAT DEFECTIVE PART. MAZDA REDESIGNED THE OIL PAN WITH AN EMBEDDED O RING IN LIEU OF A GASKET. THE DEALERS WANT TO SELL THE NEWLY DESIGNED PAN INSTALLED FOR $440 + TAX (MEDFORD, NY). I WOULD THINK THAT IT IS A DEFECT AND WOULD LIKE THIS AGENCIES OPINION. IF THE DESIGN WAS GOOD FROM THE START MAZDA WOULDN'T PUT THE TIME AND MONEY INTO REDESIGNING THE OIL PAN AND GASKET, AND RECOMMENDING THE REPLACEMENT. MAZDA WILL NOT DO THE GASKET REPLACEMENT UNLESS THE NEW DESIGNED PAN AND GASKET WAS USED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Apr 08, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE LX(NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO START HIS VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY EXPLODED BUT DID NOT IGNITE; PARTS FLEW AND PENETRATED THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE TYPE OF ENGINE, WHICH WAS CALLED AN "INTERFERENCE ENGINE" AND THE DESIGN OF IT. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT HE REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.
Jan 12, 2011
UPON STARTING, A SEVERE EXPLOSION OCCURRED, DENTING THE HOOD FROM PARTS OF ENGINE. SMOKE POURED OUT FROM HOOD, BUT IGNITED GASOLINE DID NOT LEAVE ENGINE. ENGINE IS AN INTERFERENCE FORD PRODUCT AND SUV HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND SERVICED. THE SEVERITY OF THE DANGER OF THIS EXPLOSION CANNOT NOR SHOULD BE OVERLOOKED OR DISMISSED. HAD THE HOOD BEEN OPEN, SOMEONE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURY OR POSSIBLY DEATH. I HAVE TRIED TO WORK WITH MAZDA FOR A RESOLUTION IN THIS MATTER AND ALL ATTEMPTS HAVE FAILED. AS A PREVIOUSLY SATISFIED CUSTOMER FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS, I AM FRUSTRATED AND INFURIATED BY THEIR DENIALS TO WORK OUT A RESOLUTION, IN EITHER A NEW ENGINE OR SUBSTANTIAL TRADE ON A NEW VEHICLE. AN ENGINE WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE EXPLODING IS UNHEARD OF AND, CERTAINLY, NOT EXPECTED. MY LETTER TO MAZDA CEO AND PRESIDENT JAMES O'SULLIVAN AND MY MECHANIC'S ASSESSMENT IS AVAILABLE.
Jan 09, 2011
DRIVING 70 MPH. VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING WITHOUT FOOT ON GAS PETAL. HAD TO HOLD FOOT ON BRAKE TO KEEP BELOW 70. WHEN FINALLY GOT TO EXIT AND STOPPED IDLING AT 4000 RPM AND VIBRATION SO BAD HAD TO SHUT CAR OFF. THROTTLE BODY AND A CABLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Dec 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V175000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)). HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,400 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Jul 30, 2008
+ 11 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
14 complaints
I WAS COMING UP TO A STOP LIGHT AND AS I SLOWED DOWN MY 03 MAZDA TRIBUTE STALLED, LEAVING ME STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF 5 LANES. AS THE LIGHT WAS TURNING GREEN & THE CARS NEARING MY REAR, HAD TO SWERVE AROUND TO AVOID A COLLISION. I HAD PLACED MY SHIFTER INTO PARK AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART MY VEHICLE, BUT IT STILL WOULD NOT MOVE AFTER SHIFTING INTO D(DRIVE). SO I SHIFTED INTO ONE OF THE LOWER GEARS, TO SLOWLY GET OFF THE STREET AND INTO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT. I PARKED AND SHUT MY VEHICLE OFF, MADE SURE ALL WAS INTACT THEN RESTARTING MY VEHICLE. I SHIFTED INTO R(REVERSE) AND BACKED UP NORMALLY, I THEN SHIFTED INTO D(DRIVE) BUT MY CAR ONLY ROLLED AS THOUGH IT WAS IN N(NEUTRAL). SO I SHIFTED INTO R(REVERSE), BACKED DIRECTLY INTO MY PARKING SPACE AND CALLED MY ROADSIDE ASSIST. TO BE TOWED HOME.
Mar 27, 2020
ON JUNE 25, 2013 @ 11:00AM I CALLED MAZDA CORPORATION (REFERENCE CALL NUMBER: [XXX]) ABOUT RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS WERE NOT ASSIGNED TO THE VIN NUMBER OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAZDA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT ONLY THE SEAT BEAT ADJUSTMENT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO MY VEHICLE AND THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. MAZDA WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. I BOUGHT THE TRIBUTE IN 2010 FROM A DEALERSHIP; THUS, WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. I HAVE A 13 AND 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS AND AM A SINGLE PARENT. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. I CANNOT AFFORD RIGHT NOW TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM ONLY ASKING MAZDA TO HONOR THE RECALLS. PLEASE SEE THE RECALL NOTICE BELOW FROM MAZDA: 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE RECALL ITEM AFFECTED: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) DATE ANNOUNCED: 4/14/2004 DESCRIPTION OF RECALL: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 DURATEC ENGINES , DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL. ACTION NEEDED TO FIX IT: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 01, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,913. UPDATED 5/9/11 *CN THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/16/11
Apr 06, 2011
VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING ON OCCASIONS WHEN I STOP AT LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. IT RESTARTS EACH TIME. II TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER. LEFT IT THERE 3-4 DAYS AND THE DEALER COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHAT IS WRONG OR FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Mar 30, 2011
MY 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE JUST RECENTLY BEGAN LOSING POWER. LATE LAST WEEK I NOTICED IT WASN'T GRABBING AS IT SHOULD SHIFTING (AUTOMATIC) BETWEEN THIRD AND FOURTH GEAR. TOOK IT TOOK RECOMMENDED REPAIR SHOW AND THEY ARE INDICATING TRANSMISSION REBUILD IS REQUIRED. I JUST CHECKED THE FLUID LEVEL LAST WEEK AND ABOUT TWO OR THREE WEEKS PRIOR AND ALL WAS WELL THERE. ENGINE BLEW ON SAME VEHICLE AT 70K MILES DESPITE OIL CHANGES EVERY 3000 MILES. REPAIR SHOP ESTIMATE: $3500 FOR THE FOLLOWING: FILTER, OVERDRIVE BAND, BUSHING KIT, BEARINGS, DRIVE CHAIN, TORQUE CONVERTER, SOLENOID BLOCK, MLP SWITCH, FORWARD PLANETARY GEAR, AND FLUID. I CANNOT BELIEVE A VEHICLE THIS AGE WITH LESS THAN 80,000 MILES HAS LOST AN ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION UNDER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, WHEN PROPER MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED. CARMAX DID HONOR THE WARRANTY FOR THE ENGINE FAILURE, BUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE ONLY EXTENDS TO 75K. *TR
Apr 22, 2010
+ 9 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
14 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 1/29/13 *CN THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS RE-FILLED. A NEW BRAKE RESERVOIR CAP WAS PURCHASED FROM THE MAZDA DEALER. THE ORIGINAL CAP WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING. UPDATED 02/06/13
Dec 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP, THE BRAKE LINE FAILED. THE BRAKE LINE FRACTURED AND ALL OF THE FLUIDS LEAKED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE BRAKE LINES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
May 01, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE WHEN THE CONTACT HEARD AN EXPLOSION. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE AND DECLARED AS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTI LOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE ) IN WHICH THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AS THAT WHICH WAS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Mar 08, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE WIRING. THE CONTACT COULD ALSO SMELL A BURNING ODOR FROM THE ENGINE WHEN DRIVING. THE BATTERY AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT HAD THE BRAKE FLUID CAP REPLACED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL) BUT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Jan 13, 2012
BRAKE LINE FAILING, DURING A NORMAL STOP ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES RUPTURE. TWO OTHERS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO POOR CONDITIONS. *TR
Apr 29, 2011
+ 9 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 complaints
WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR. SO I HAD THEM REPLACED. THE CAR RAN FOR ABOUTV10 MINUTRS AND JUST SHUT OFF. WHILE AT THE MACHANICS HE SAID THAT THE WIRE HARNESA IS MELTING AMD THAT I GOT LUCKY NOT TO HAVE A FIRE. THE ABS LIGHT GOAE OFF AND ON TO. I CALLED ABOUT A RECALL I SAW IN 2007 ABOUT THE WIRE HARNESS AND THEY ARE TELLING ME IT IS FIXES. I HAVE PROOF IT IS MELTED AND. WOULD LIKE MY CAR FIXED UNDER THE RECALL.
Jul 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE STARTED TO HESITATE AND THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAITED A FEW MINUTES TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT PERFORMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTO ZONE TO GET THE FAILURE CODES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Feb 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 15 MINUTES, SHE DROVE IT INTO A DRIVE WAY AND AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND BACK TO PARK TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE WOULD RESET ITSELF BUT THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOR 3 SECONDS AND SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FILED A REPORT AND STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS MECHANICAL AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN ON FIRE FOR A LEAST AN HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
Apr 09, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD START AFTER BEING JUMP STARTED BUT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR IMMEDIATELY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE HAD TO REPLACED THE SAME PARTS TWICE BEFORE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Aug 22, 2011
2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN FRONT OF HOUSE. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THE NIGHT BEFORE. DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT APPEARED TO HAVE ORIGINATED FROM THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING ELECTONIC CONTROL MODULE DIRECTLY BELOW THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR. THE CAR HORN/ALARM STARTED BEEPING, AND OWNER OF CAR RESPONDED TO SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. OWNER OPENED THE HOOD AND OBSERVED FIRE FROM THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS IMMEDIATELY CALLED.*AK
Mar 20, 2007
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
6 complaints
HELP PLEASE? I PURCHASED MY 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE IN OCTOBER, 2016. I RECENTLY NEEDED REPAIRS DONE (NEW MUFFLER SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED) BUT WAS TOLD MY LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES COULDN'T BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE HUGE CRACK IN THE SUB-FRAME. THE RECALL ON THE SUB-FRAME WAS DONE IN JULY, 2014 (BEFORE MY PURCHASE) ' BY INSTALLING A CROSS-BRACE. WHEN MAZDA MADE THE RECALL, OWNERS WERE INFORMED THAT THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE SUSPENSION PROBLEM WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE' AND A SECOND LETTER WOULD BE MAILED ONCE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. A 'NEWLY DESIGNED' REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE WAS THE FIX?... OR JUST A BAND-AID THAT DELAYED THE INEVITABLE?... BECAUSE EVEN WITH THE CROSS-BRACE INSTALLED, MY PROBLEM IS STILL HERE ' MY SUBFRAME IS SEVERELY CRACKED AND NOT SAFE' IT COULD SNAP SUDDENLY FROM SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS HITTING A POTHOLE. I AM ATTACHING PICTURES TO THIS E-MAIL OF THE SUBFRAME SHOWING WHERE IT IS RUSTED THROUGH. YOU CAN SEE HOW WIDE THAT CRACK IS... YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE REINFORCEMENT CROSS-BRACE FIX IS ATTACHED... AND WHY THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CANNOT BE REPLACED. IF THE PICTURES AREN'T ACCEPTABLE, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO HAVE THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP HERE IN WOOSTER (330) 804-1000 VERIFY MY CLAIM. I AM 72 AND ONLY GET $700 A MONTH SS ' WHICH I AM BARELY GETTING BY ON. I HAD TO SAVE TO GET THE NEW MUFFLER AND CONTROL ARMS SO A MECHANIC FRIEND COULD INSTALL THEM. I REALLY NEED MAZDA TO COVER THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR' AND I HAVE ASKED MAZDA FOR AN EXCEPTION (OR EXTENSION) TO THE RECALL THAT WAS DONE ON MY CAR. I CONTACTED MAZDA IN AN EMAIL ON 10/5/18' AND RECEIVED A REPLY BACK THE 'SAME' DAY ASSIGNING ME AN SR NUMBER: 1-1768908199' BUT I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM AGAIN. IS THERE ANY WAY YOUR AGENCY CAN ASSIST ME HERE?... MAYBE THEY'LL RESPOND TO YOU? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ANY EFFORTS ON MY BEHALF. (XX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Oct 12, 2018
" TAKATA RECALL" IT HAPPENED ON THE TWO LANE HIGHWAY ON BRIGHT SUNNY DAY AT AROUND 1 PM. CAR DRIFTED THE MIDDLE LANE AND I COULDN'T BRING IT BACK IN THE LANE. I FELT SOMEBODY WAS CONTROLLED THE STEERING WHEEL. I HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS BUT I COULDN'T DIRECT THE CAR. IT DID SWING AROUND 4 TIMES AND HIT THE ON COMING CAR.
Mar 08, 2016
2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE WITH A RECALL THAT MAZDA REFUSED TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS A RECALL FOR CORROSION TO THE SUB-FRAME RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. INSTEAD OF REPLACING RECALLED SUB-FRAME THEY PUT AN INEXPENSIVE BRACE UNDERNEATH THE CORRODED PART FOR THE RECALL. MAZDA SAID IF THE CORRODED PART HASN'T ACTUALLY SNAPPED IN HALF THEN THEY PUT A CHEAP BRACE UNDERNEATH IT. NOW 8 MONTHS LATER THE CORRODED PART SNAPPED IN HALF AND MAZDA SAYS THEY ARE OFF THE HOOK SINCE THEY PUT A CHEAP BRACE UNDER THE CORRODED SUB-FRAME. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN NOW THE WHEELS WILL FALL OFF. HOW CAN THEY JUSTIFY FIXING A RECALL BY INSTALLING A MEANINGLESS SO CALLED BRACE UNDER THE CORRODED PART WHEN IT DOES NOTHING. ONCE THE SUB-FRAME BRAKES THE LOWER CONTROL ARM STILL SEPARATES AND YOU STILL ARE IN RISK OF A CRASH.
May 14, 2015
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, A HUMMING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE FOR TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE FRONT BEARINGS.
Sep 26, 2006
I OWN AN 2003 ES 4X4; DURING MY LAST TWO SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS I NOTICED THE REAR SHOCKS STARTED LEAKING. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND ARE GETTING READY TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. WE DON'T GO OFF ROAD WITH THIS VEHICLE SO THE ONLY THING I COULD THINK IS THAT THE FACTORY MOTORCRAFT PARTS ARE DEFECTIVE OR NOT PROPERLY MATCHED TO THIS VEHICLE. IF YOU SEE AN OILY RESIDUE ON YOUR SHOCKS THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO LEAKAGE. *JB
Apr 23, 2005
+ 1 more complaint for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
TAKATA RECALL , THE CAR JUST STOP, WONT TAKE FORWARD, THE TRUCK MOVE REVERSE BUT FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD IS STAR WITH NO PROBLEM BUT THE DRIVE DONT WORK AT ALL
Sep 26, 2016
THE FRAME OF MY 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE RUSTED AND BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE LASTED SEVERAL MORE YEARS AND IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHEN I WAS GOING FASTER, I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED.
Jul 15, 2015
I HAVE JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR USED FOR MY MOTHER IN LAW THE DAY BEFORE. I WAS EXITING EXPRESSWAY RAMP AND I CAME TO A LIGHT. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR SURGED. I STARTED HITTING THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I PUSHED CAR IN NEUTRAL AND APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP CAR. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I STARTED CAR AND IT IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO 3000 RPM WHILE IN PARK. I TURNED IT BACK OFF AND ON AGAIN AND IT DID THE SAME THING. I CALLED FOR A TOW AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. I RESEARCHED PROBLEM ONLINE AND SAW THE RECALLS FOR THE TRIBUTE. I FIGURED IT HADN'T BEEN DONE YET. ON MONDAY THE SERVICE DEPT. OPENED AND THEY SAID WHEN THEY STARTED VEHICLE IT REVVED UP TO 3000 RPM. THEY WERE ABLE TO GET VEHICLE TO STOP ACCELERATING. THEY LOOKED UP VEHICLE AND SAW THAT IT ALREADY HAD THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION RECALL WORK COMPLETED. CAR WAS THERE FOR 3 DAYS AS THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING ON VEHICLE AS WELL AS DROVE IT TO SEE IF IT WOULD REPEAT THE PROBLEM. THEY EVENTUALLY TOOK IAC VALVE OFF, CLEANED IT AND LET IT SIT OVERNIGHT IN CLEANER ALONG WITH CLEANING THE THROTTLE BODY. THEY COULD NOT GET VEHICLE TO REPEAT ACCELERATION AFTER WORK WAS COMPLETED. I BELIEVE RECALL ISSUE IS STILL NOT FIXED.
Apr 29, 2014
TIRES
3 complaints
TIRE FAILURE AT 75 MPH - COOPER DISCOVERER CTS 215/70R16 RADIAL MOUNTED ON A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE DX. THE TIRE DISINTEGRATED WITHIN A COUPLE OF SECONDS AFTER PROLONGED DRIVING AT 70 TO 75 MPH ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE. THE TIRE HAD ONLY 15,000 MILES - DURING WHICH THE TIRE WAS PROPERLY INFLATED AND ROTATED. *TR
Jan 30, 2014
ON OCTOBER 15, A CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC TIRE ON OUR 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON A BUSY OVER-PASS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ROAD HAZARDS COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS BADLY DAMAGED ON THE BLOWOUT AND WHILE SUBSEQUENTLY TRAVELING ON THE RIM WHILE COMING TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER. THE LOCAL MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE DENIED A WARRANTY CLAIM OUTRIGHT INDICATING THAT THE DAMAGE TO THE TIRE WAS CAUSED BY RIDING ON THE RIM, NOT A BLOWOUT. I AM PURSUING THIS MATTER WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THE LOCAL MAGISTRATE. WHAT CONCERNS ME MORE IS THAT IF CONTINENTAL HAS CREATED ARTIFICIAL BARRIERS TO THEIR REPRESENTATIVES PROCESSING WARRANTY CLAIMS, THEN SERIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECTS MAY GO UNKNOWN. I BELIEVE THAT THE FAILED TIRE WAS UNQUESTIONABLY DEFECTIVE. *LA
Oct 20, 2003
THE LEFT REAR TIRE ON MY 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE CAME APART WHILE WAS DRIVING. THE TIRE WAS A CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC 235R70 16. *NLM
Mar 31, 2003
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
ON JUNE 25, 2013 @ 11:00AM I CALLED MAZDA CORPORATION (REFERENCE CALL NUMBER: [XXX]) ABOUT RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS WERE NOT ASSIGNED TO THE VIN NUMBER OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAZDA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT ONLY THE SEAT BEAT ADJUSTMENT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO MY VEHICLE AND THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. MAZDA WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. I BOUGHT THE TRIBUTE IN 2010 FROM A DEALERSHIP; THUS, WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. I HAVE A 13 AND 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS AND AM A SINGLE PARENT. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. I CANNOT AFFORD RIGHT NOW TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM ONLY ASKING MAZDA TO HONOR THE RECALLS. PLEASE SEE THE RECALL NOTICE BELOW FROM MAZDA: 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE RECALL ITEM AFFECTED: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK DATE ANNOUNCED: 12/23/2004 DESCRIPTION OF RECALL: CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION. ACTION NEEDED TO FIX IT: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 01, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK. HE MADE SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO LOCK THE REAR HATCH. HE CALLED THE MAZDA DEALER IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V605000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK) AND THEY STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Jun 19, 2008
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE REAR HATCH, THE LIFT GATE WAS DIFFICULT TO LOCK INTO PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE LIFT GATE LOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V605000, REGARDING THE LIFT GATE LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Nov 27, 2006
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
NHTSA report 7.19.2015 July 19, 2025 NHSTA Report This is what happened to me [XXX]: I was at an off ramp stop waiting for cars to pass. I eased forward to see if everyone had passed. The car accelerated on its own and I tried to stop. When I braked it accelerated faster. I had both feet on the brakes and tried to stop, but each time the car accelerated. It accelerated three times until I crashed. I crashed into a utility trailer and the wheel well of the trailer caught on my front left bumper on the driver's side. I was drug along the road around 60 miles per hour until the bumper bent and I could pull over onto the side of the road. The car was a total loss. The attached notice from Mazda matches the uncontrollable acceleration of my car. I contacted Mazda Corporation on the same day ([XXX]) and was told there is no VIN record of the car since I owned it. Additionally, they told me it was repaired in 2005 as a throttle recall. But there is a subsequent notice attached dated July, 2012 and no record of that recall repair. I called WA state Dept of Licensing to see if there is a new owner. They do not have a record of such. I contacted Copart in Arlington WA today to find out if the car was there for parts so nobody would buy the accelerator cable. Copart told me today they sold the car in 2024 but cannot release the name of whoever bought it. They said my insurance company would know. Whoever owns the car now needs to know there is a faulty accelerator cable causing a accident and they need to have it examined and replaced correctly. Please help find who owns this car and remedy a potential crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 19, 2025
THE ACCELATOR IS STUCK AT 4,000 RPM. JUST ARRIVED IN DRIVEWAY AND PUT IN PARK.
May 25, 2018
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING AROUND 50MPH AND COMNG UP TO A STOP LIGHT, AS I BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN IN THE LEFT TURNING LANE FOR THE RED LIGHT GOING LEFT, MY TRIBUTE SUDDENLY STALLED.THE LIGHT THEN OF COURSE TURNED GREEN AND THIS WAS NOT GOOD, CAUSE ALL THE CARS COMING UP FROM BEHIND ME WERE NOW INTENDING TO NO SLOW DOWN AND BEGIN TO SPEED UP, TO CARRY ON THROUGH THE VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. WHICH ALMOST CREATED A PILE UP, BEGINNING AT MY REAR BUMPER, OR ANOTHER SUDDEN COLLISION NEAR BY. LUCKILY ALL THE CARS HAD EITHER SWERVED AROUND MINE, OR MANAGED TO STOP BEHIND ME. I THEN PUT MINE IN PARK AND TRIED TO START IT, THE ENGINE STARTED BUT I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. SO I SHUT IT OFF, PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TRIED STARTING IT, IT STARTED AND SHIFTED OUT OF PARK BUT WOULD NOT MOVE WHILE IN DRIVE. SO I TRIED IN ONE OF THE LOWER GEARS AND IT VERY SLOWLY, ABOUT 5 MPH BEGAN TO MOVE, GETTING ME OFF THE MAJOR ST AND ON TO A SIDE STREET. I THEN CHECKED REVERSE, WHICH WORKED JUST FINE AND ALLOWED ME TO PULL INTO A NEARBY STORE TO WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK. I PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT IT OFF, TOO WAIT FOR IT TO BE TOWED HOME. THE NEXT DAY I TRIED TO USE IT, BUT STILL NOTHING IN DRIVE, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ITS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE, ABOUT 5 MONTHS NOW.
Oct 23, 2020
CAR STALLED WHEN SLOWING TO STOP IN LEFT TURNING LANE DOING AROUND 45MPH, APPROACHING THE LIGHT IN A BUSY INTERSECTION AND VEHICLES APPROACHING MINE FROM BEHIND. IT WOULD NO LONGER START IN PARK OR MOVE IN DRIVE, TO GET OUR OF THE WAY AND OFF THE STREET I HAD TO WAIT AND THE MOVE IT IN REVERSE. GOT TOWED HOME AND IT STILL SITS.
Oct 23, 2020
STEERING
2 complaints
DRIVING IN GREEN BAY WI 2/17/2019 AND WENT THROUGH A ROUNDABOUT, FELT SOMETHING GIVING OUT IN STEERING? PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT NEAR BY AND HAD NO CONTROL OVER CAR? FOUND OUT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE MAZDA TRIBUTE SUBFRAME WHICH GETS CORRODED WITH SALT AND RUSTS OUT? MAZDA FIXED THIS RECALL ON THIS CAR 12/18/2015 AND PERFORMED THE SUBFRAME RECALL ON THIS CAR. NOW THE PARTS GAVE OUT AGAIN AND BROKE SO THE PARTS DO NOT LAST LIKE THEY THINK THEY DO? PEOPLE WILL PROBABLY DIE IN THIS CAR, THINKING THESE PARTS ARE MADE TO LAST AND THEY DONT.? THIS VEHICLE IS A DANGER TO ALL WHO DRIVE IT THIS WAY, NOT KNOWING THE PARTS WILL NOT LAST? MAZDA CLAIMS THEY FIXED IT, IT LASTED 40,000 MILES, WONT FIX IT AGAIN, BUT HOW LONG DOES A RECALL PART LAST? ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PREVIOUS OWNER TOOK CARE OF THIS CAR, WENT THROUGH ALL THE NECESSARY REPAIRS AND THEN WE LOST STEERING AND HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS WAS A SEVERE DANGER? WE ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. IF THIS HAPPENS ON A FREEWAY THIS CAR CAN ROLL AND PEOPLE WILL BE KILLED, NOT KNOWING ABOUT THE PARTS FAILURE? PLEASE HELP, WE HAVE NO CAR FOR WORK AND ARE SCARED TO EVEN FIX IT? IT ONLY HAS 160,000 MILES ON IT? I HONESTLY NEED THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO EXAMINE THIS? I DONT HAVE A PICTURE YET, BUT WOULD GLADLY PROVIDE THEM WHEN YOU CONTACT ME WITH A CASE NUMBER AND WHAT WE CAN DO? YIKES THANKS FOR THE HELP?
Feb 20, 2019
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WENT OUT. *NLM
Apr 21, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE RUPTURED WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT (PARKING LOT), RESULTING IN FULL LOSS OF BRAKES. INSPECTION REVEALED EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSES (FROM LINE TO CALIPER), PARTICULARLY IN THE REGION AROUND THE CRIMPED METAL FITTINGS.
Mar 22, 2017
I HAD TO STOP SUDDEN...NO SKID...AND BRAKES WERE SPONGY AND HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO INSURE STOP IN TIME TO PREVENT A FENDER BENDER. STOPPING IS NOT GREAT AND STICK FOR A SECOND OR TWO AT STOP SIGNS. *TR
Nov 07, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Jul 29, 2014
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH, WITH ACCELERATOR PRESSURE APPLIED, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL PULLED TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DISENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BY PUMPING THE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE VEHICLE SLOWLY RESPONDED TO BRAKE PRESSURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK. WHILE PARKED, THE ENGINE REVVED UNTIL THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE CASING ON THE CRUISE CONTROL CRACKED WHICH CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE TO STICK, ALTHOUGH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ENGAGED AT THAT TIME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL CASING AND CABLES WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THE VALVE COVER AND GASKET WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 07/07/06
Jun 16, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
ON JUNE 25, 2013 @ 11:00AM I CALLED MAZDA CORPORATION (REFERENCE CALL NUMBER: [XXX]) ABOUT RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS WERE NOT ASSIGNED TO THE VIN NUMBER OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAZDA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT ONLY THE SEAT BEAT ADJUSTMENT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO MY VEHICLE AND THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. MAZDA WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. I BOUGHT THE TRIBUTE IN 2010 FROM A DEALERSHIP; THUS, WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. I HAVE A 13 AND 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS AND AM A SINGLE PARENT. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. I CAN NOT AFFORD RIGHT NOW TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM ONLY ASKING MAZDA TO HONOR THE RECALLS. PLEASE SEE THE RECALL NOTICE BELOW FROM MAZDA. 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE RECALL ITEM AFFECTED: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE DATE ANNOUNCED: 4/11/2007 DESCRIPTION OF RECALL: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. ACTION NEEDED TO FIX IT: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)*TR
Jul 01, 2013
ON JUNE 25, 2013 @ 11:00AM I CALLED MAZDA CORPORATION (REFERENCE CALL NUMBER:[XXX]) ABOUT RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS WERE NOT ASSIGNED TO THE VIN NUMBER OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAZDA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT ONLY THE SEAT BEAT ADJUSTMENT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO MY VEHICLE AND THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. MAZDA WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. I BOUGHT THE TRIBUTE IN 2010 FROM A DEALERSHIP; THUS, WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. I HAVE A 13 AND 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS AND AM A SINGLE PARENT. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. I CAN NOT AFFORD RIGHT NOW TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM ONLY ASKING MAZDA TO HONOR THE RECALLS. PLEASE SEE THE RECALL NOTICE BELOW FROM MAZDA. 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE RECALL ITEM AFFECTED: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER DATE ANNOUNCED: 3/29/2007 DESCRIPTION OF RECALL: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID. ACTION NEEDED TO FIX IT: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 01, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
MY WIFE WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AT CHURCH WAITING FOR A CAR TO PULL AWAY SO SHE COULD PARK. THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD SO SHE STEPPED HARDER ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR LURCHED AHEAD CRASHING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER. MY WIFE IS QUITE SURE SHE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE. AS SHE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS I STARTED REMEMBERING AN EVENT. THIS CAR HAD BELONGED TO MY FATHER WHO HAS SINCE PASSED AWAY. HE PURCHASED IT NEW. I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE DATE, BUT I BELIEVE IT WAS IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. HE WAS PARKING AT A HOSPITAL WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKING OFF AND PUSHING THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM. I FIGURED HE WAS HAVING A SENIOR MOMENT AND HAD HIS FOOT ON THE WRONG PEDAL. I DID SOME QUICK RESEARCH TODAY AND FOUND THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. MAYBE MY FATHER WAS DOING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS AND IT REALLY WAS THE CARS FAULT. I ALSO SEE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON THIS MATTER. I'M NOT SURE IF ANY OF THESE ISSUES WERE ADDRESSED WHEN MY FATHER HAD THE CAR, BUT I WILL BE CHECKING IT OUT. I HOPE YOU WILL BE CONTINUING TO FOLLOW UP ON THIS. THIS IS A SCARY AND DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION. WHEN THINGS START EFFECTING YOUR DRIVING RECORD, INSURANCE COSTS, AND MAKE YOU PAY DEDUCTIBLES WHEN IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE! *TR
Dec 16, 2012
THE RPM ON THIS VEHICLE JUMPS EVEN IF I AM AT A FULL STOP SOMETIMES IT RACES EVEN IF THE CAR IS IN PARK TOOK THE CAR TO SEVERAL SHOPS HAD SEVERELY PARTS REPLACED. *TR
Jul 18, 2012
SEATS
2 complaints
FRONT DRIVER SEAT ASSEMBLY MOVES 1/4 INCH TO 1/2 INCH ON SEAT TRACK WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. DURING ACCELERATION SEAT ASSEMBLY MOVES BACKWARDS; SEAT MOVES FORWARD DURING SLOW DOWN/BRAKING. DEALER CLAIMS THIS ONLY OCCURS IN VEHICLES WITH ELECTRIC FRONT SEATS. *JB
May 03, 2006
WHILE DRIVING/BRAKING DRIVER'S SEAT LURCHED FORWARD/BACKWARD 1 1/2 INCHES. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
May 03, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO LEAKING GASOLINE ON THE MANIFOLD. *AK *TS *JB
Sep 23, 2003
SMALL QUANTITY OF GASOLINE COLLECTED IN A CAVITY ON THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK IN 2003 MAZDA 6. *MR WHILE PREPARING THE VEHICLE FOR A 40 MPH OFFSET FRONTAL CRASH TEST, THE ENGINEERS AND TECHNICIANS FOUND A SMALL AMOUNT OF GASOLINE COLLECTED ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK AND ADJACENT TO THE SCREW IN THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THEY WERE UNSURE IF THE LEAKED GASOLINE WAS PRESENT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED OR DUE TO ONE OF THE TWO 5 MPH IMPACTS THAT WERE CONDUCTED. *SCC *JB
Jun 11, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
VEHICLE STALLED FOUR TIMES IN THE TIME I HAVE HAD IT SINCE JUNE OF 2002. THE CD PLAYER ALSO QUIT WORKING, BUT MY MAIN CONCERN WAS THE STALLING WHILE DRIVING , USUALLY AROUND 30-35 MPH, GOING DOWNHILL, EACH TIME. I WILL GIVE THE MOST RECENT DATE OF THE STALL. *NLM
Mar 19, 2003
VEHICLE STALLED FOUR TIMES IN THE TIME I HAVE HAD IT SINCE JUNE OF 2002. THE CD PLAYER ALSO QUIT WORKING, BUT MY MAIN CONCERN WAS THE STALLING WHILE DRIVING , USUALLY AROUND 30-35 MPH, GOING DOWNHILL, EACH TIME. I WILL GIVE THE MOST RECENT DATE OF THE STALL. *NLM
Mar 19, 2003
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
My ABS keeps locking up and Ive almost wrecked multiple times. I changed brakes and rotors and still the problem is on-going. Its dangerous and Ive read others saying the same thing online.
Sep 04, 2023
STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE ABS LIGHT IS ON. WHEN I ENGAGE THE BREAK IT MAKES NOISE INITIAL BEFORE IT WILL START TO ENGAGE PROPERLY, BUT THE ABS LIGHT KEEPS SHOWING STEADILY. THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE REMAINS LOCKED AND CANNOT OPEN. THE LATCH IS NOT BAD.
Aug 20, 2019
STEERING,SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING FRONT END ISSUES FOR SOME TIME NOW.
May 07, 2019
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
AIRBAGS SIGN ACTIVE
Sep 12, 2018
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL, LIGHT CONTINUES TO FLASH WHILE DRIVING AND SITTING IN PARK, GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS.DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STOPPED PULLING WITH TRAFFIC SPEED OF 65 MPH HAD TO MANEUVER OFF THE HIGHWAY. WOULDN'T PULL IN ANY GEAR, SHIFTER ONLY HAD ONE GEAR IT WOULD SIT IN WILL SLIDE FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE 2. COST $224.00 TO TOW WHICH I HAD TO BORROW.
Jul 29, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
STRUCTURE CROSS BRACKET FOR LOWER CONTROL ARM. ACCELERATOR CABLE.CRUISE CONTROL CABLE THROTTLE BODY STICKS EVEN AFTER THE RECALLS THE DRIVER AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK LIGHT ON DASH IT'S THE PLUG AT WIRE HARNESS MASTER CYLINDER LEAKS LOSE BRAKE FLUID ENGINE STALLED WHEN ON HWY105 WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN BUT WHILE TURNING CAR STARTED TO ROUGH IDLE AND STARTED TO DIE AGAIN. IDLED TO A STOP CAR WAS SHAKING AND WOULD RUN. HAD TO SIT AROUND 20 MINUTES BEFORE IT WOULD RUN AND STAY GOING. CAR HAS BEEN REGISTERED IN MINNESOTA AND CANADA BOTH HAVE RECALLS FOR THIS CAR.
Feb 08, 2018
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE I HEARD A FEW STRANGE SOUNDS. SEVERAL TIMES THE CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THERE WAS ALSO A SOUND OF SOMETHING RUBBING THAT GOT FASTER AND FASTER AS I ACCELERATED. THEN WHEN THE CAR PULLED SUDDENLY TO THE RIGHT MY SON AND I HEARD A LOUD SOUND. FORTUNATELY, I WAS FAIRLY CLOSE TO OUR MECHANIC SO I SLOWLY DROVE THE CAR THERE. UPON INSPECTION THE MECHANIC FOUND THE SUB FRAME OF MY 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND IS NOW DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE COST TO REPAIR IT WAS ESTIMATED AT $5,000.00 PLUS. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN OTHERWISE A TROUBLE-FREE VEHICLE THAT WAS ROUTINELY MAINTAINED. I AM VERY FORTUNATE THAT MY SON AND I WERE NOT INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY THE SUDDEN VEERING OF THE CAR ' OR BY THE FRONT END FRAME COMPLETELY COLLAPSING FROM BENEATH US AS WE WERE DRIVING. MAZDA ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE (7514D) IN MAY OF 2014. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO. IS 14V174000. I ENTERED THE VIN NO. FOR MY CAR AT SAFER CAR.GOV AND IT SHOWS 0 RECALLS. (WE WERE ISSUED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A DIFFERENT PROBLEM WHICH WE DID GET CORRECTED BY MAZDA A FEW YEARS AGO.) I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL.
Nov 01, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ISLAND MAZDA (1580 HYLAN BLVD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10305 (844) 667-0618) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE'S ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS CLOSED ON FEBRUARY 8, 2008. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AT 800-222-5500, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,899.
Sep 25, 2017
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, A SCREECHING NOISE STARTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO SEVERE RUST IN THE SUBFRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Dec 05, 2016
STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH OVER A BUMP, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Jan 20, 2016
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECIEVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE), WHICH STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH AND CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND BECAME INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Dec 22, 2015
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED OVER TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,654.
Jun 08, 2015
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE ABNORMALLY LOUD SOUNDS WHEN STARTED AND WHILE DRIVING. THE SOUNDS BEGAN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE EXHAUST BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD END WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,685.
Sep 08, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
COIL FAILURE, REPLACED AND SAME COIL FAILURES REOCCUR. PCM FAILURE CAUSING COIL FAILURE. *TR
Jul 17, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V583000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT HEARD AN INTERMITTENT SQUEAKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES AND STATED THAT THE COIL SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Jul 02, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FOLDED BACK AND UNDER VEHICLE. WAS ABLE TO JUST GET OFF ROADWAY. VEHICLE IS NOW UNUSABLE AS THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER HAS RUSTED AWAY AND ALLOWED FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE (INCLUDING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION). *TR
May 26, 2014
SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
TIRES BEGAN MAKING EXTREMELY LOUD ROAD NOISE ABOVE 30 MPH. I WAS TOLD AT THE TIME THAT THE TIRES WERE "CUPPED" PROBABLY THE RESULT OF DEFECTIVE TIRES. I HAD THE MAZDA 2003 TRIBUTE SERVICED AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, "JAY MAZDA" IN COLUMBUS, GA AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 84978 MILES ON THE VEHICLE ON 04-22-11. AROUND APPROX 112000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE I BEGAN EXPERIENCING THE SAME ROAD NOISE I HAD EXPERIENCED EARLIER ON 04-22-2011. I BEGAN HEARING THE LOUD ROAD NOISE AGAIN. I AGAIN HAD MY MAZDA 2003 TRIBUTE SERVICED AT "JAY MAZDA" IN COLUMBUS, GA ON 08-31-2013 AT APPROXIMATELY 114190 MILES WHERE I HAD MY OIL CHANGED, BRAKES REPLACED , & SPOKE WITH THE MAZDA TECH ABOUT THE EXTREMELY LOUD ROAD NOISE I WAS AGAIN EXPERIENCING SINCE I PURCHASED THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE FROM JAY MAZDA ON 04-22-2011 FOR THE SAME TROUBLE. UPON PICKING UP MY VEHICLE THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT MY TIRES WERE AGAIN "CUPPED" AND THAT WAS WHAT WAS CAUSING THE LOUD VEHICLE NOISE AND THEY WERE "CUPPED" DUE TO ME NOT HAVING MY TIRES ROTATED AT THE PROPER INTERVAL. I TOLD THE TECHNICIAN THAT I NEVER EXPERIENCED THE NOISE UNTIL SOMETIME AFTER HAVING THE TIRES ROTATED THE 1ST TIME. THE TECHNICIAN SAID HE FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLES SUSPENSION THAT "LACK" OF ROTATION WAS THE ONLY CAUSE. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION THAT CAUSES THE REAR TIRES ON MAZDA 2003 TRIBUTES TO "CUP" & THAT ROTATION OF THE TIRES ONLY WORSENS THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS BECAUSE THE MAZDA TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT IF I HAD MY TIRES ROTATED NOW THAT THE NOISE WOULD ONLY GET "WORSE". *TR
Oct 14, 2013
ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FOR UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD TO ALLOW THE SMOKE TO EXIT AND CALLED A TOW TRUNK. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE HOWEVER, WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AND PARKED THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID NOT STATE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO FILE A REPORT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WOULD NOT TAKE A REPORT UNTIL THERE WAS A FIRE REPORT ISSUED THAT STATED WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE A REPORT OF WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Sep 16, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
ON JUNE 25, 2013 @ 11:00AM I CALLED MAZDA CORPORATION (REFERENCE CALL NUMBER: [XXX]) ABOUT RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS WERE NOT ASSIGNED TO THE VIN NUMBER OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAZDA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT ONLY THE SEAT BEAT ADJUSTMENT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO MY VEHICLE AND THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. MAZDA WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. I BOUGHT THE TRIBUTE IN 2010 FROM A DEALERSHIP; THUS, WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. I HAVE A 13 AND 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS AND AM A SINGLE PARENT. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. I CANNOT AFFORD RIGHT NOW TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM ONLY ASKING MAZDA TO HONOR THE RECALLS. PLEASE SEE THE RECALL NOTICE BELOW FROM MAZDA. ITEM AFFECTED: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING DATE ANNOUNCED: 7/27/2012 DESCRIPTION OF RECALL: MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2006, AND 2008, TRIBUTE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 ENGINES AND SPEED CONTROL. INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE COVER AND THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONNECTOR COULD RESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS FULLY OR ALMOST-FULLY DEPRESSED. THIS RISK EXISTS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT SPEED CONTROL (CRUISE CONTROL) IS USED. ACTION NEEDED TO FIX IT: MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY INCREASING THE ENGINE COVER CLEARANCE, FREE OF CHARGE. REMEDY PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #6. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 01, 2013
VISIBILITY,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
ON MAY 11, 2013 MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING DURING RAINY STORMING DAY. AT FIRST THE WIPERS SLOWED DOWN AND WOULD MOVE EVERY 5 TO 10 MINUTES; THUS, THEY STOPPED COMPLETELY. I HAD A HOUR AND HALF COMMUTE HOME BEFORE I COULD PARK THE VEHICLE. THINKING THAT IT WAS THE WIPER THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED, I HAD A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT; HOWEVER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE WAS BROKEN IN HALF. I CALLED MAZDA ABOUT THE RECALL ON IT THE ITEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN NUMBER. MAZDA WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE RECALL WAS FOR 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE HOWEVER MAZDA STATES THAT IT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY 2003 VIN NUMBER. PLEASE ASSIST. ITEM AFFECTED: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES DATE ANNOUNCED: 11/29/2000 DESCRIPTION OF RECALL: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE CAN DISENGAGE DUE TO A BROKEN BALL SOCKET. ACTION NEEDED TO FIX IT: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE.01. *TR
Jun 25, 2013
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH. ADDITIONALLY, THE SEAT BELT COULD NOT BE UNLATCHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TR
Apr 19, 2013
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
EVERY TIME IT RAINS REALLY HARD OR THERE'S FLOODING IN THE STREETS THE CAR STARTS SHOWING THE BATTERY LIGHT LIKE IT IS GOING TO DIE ON ME AND AS A PRECAUTION I TRY TO PULL OUT OF THE STREET TO ANY PLACE AND WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THE CAR LOOSES POWER AND THE WHEELS WON'T TURN. DRIVING NO MORE THAN 5MPH WHILE SLOWING DOWN FROM A NORMAL 35MPH WITHOUT WARNING MY ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I LOST POWER TO MY STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO OFF THE ROAD AFTER APPLYING ALL MY WEIGHT TO THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL. I MISSED AN ONCOMING CAR AND A TREE BY AN INCH. I DECIDED TO DO SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND IT SEEMS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM WITH A MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003. I AM VERY WORRIED BECAUSE IT HURRICANE SEASON HERE IN FL AND THE RAIN IS NOT SOMETHING I CAN PREDICT, BESIDES IT SEEMS ABSURD THAT I WOULD EVEN HAVE TO WATCH THE WEATHER TO SEE IF I SHOULD OR NOT DRIVE THE CAR. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN!! I DRIVE MY 2 YEAR OLD EVERY DAY AND IT IS NOT RIGHT THAT MAZDA WOULD HAVE CARS WITH THIS ISSUES OUT IN THE STREET. IF FEELS LIKE BY SIGNING A PURCHASE CONTRACT ON IT. I HAD SIGNED A DEATH WITH IT. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. I HAVEN'T FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR
Sep 06, 2012
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE FIRST 2 TO 4 TIMES THE ACCELERATOR IS USED (NOT PUSHED HARD), THE CABLE STICKS. WE HAVE TO PUSH HARDER ON THE PEDAL, THEN IT SUDDENLY RELEASES. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO JUMP IN THE DIRECTION CHOSEN. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SMOOTHLY BACK OUR OF THE GARAGE OR PARKING SPACE. THEN THE ACCELERATOR IS SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE. IT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE AS RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN #04V583000 FOR 2004 TRIBUTES, BUT OUR VEHICLE WAS BUILT AT THE END OF 2003. *TR
Aug 13, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE WAS RECALLED IN MAY 2007 FOR ABS VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL. I TOOK IT IN THAT SAME MONTH AND THE DEALER DETERMINED MODULE CONNECTOR DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. ON MARCH 15, 2012 ABS LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON AND STAYED ON FOR AN HOUR. TOOK IT TO HAVE IT CHECKED ON MARCH 17, CODE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. UPON INSPECTION EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD THE ABS LIGHT COME ON AGAIN. TWO DAYS LATER, ON MARCH 19, 2012 I HAD BEEN AT WORK FOR AN HOUR WITH MY CAR PARKED WHEN I WAS NOTIFIED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED DUE TO THE FIRE. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL OF MAY 2007, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION WHICH WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS LIGHT AND COULD RESULT IN "BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED." MY CAR WAS OFF WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I BELIEVE THAT HAD THE MODULE CONNECTOR BEEN REPLACED IN 2007 WHEN I TOOK IT IN UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL, THIS FIRE WOULDN'T HAVE OCCURRED. *JS
Apr 17, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN COLD TEMPERATURES AND WHEN THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND. IN ADDITION, THE ALTERNATOR HAD FAILED AND WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES BY THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE AND EXHIBIT AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS TO 4000. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE VEHICLE TO BE INVOLVED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V583000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Mar 02, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING UPHILL OR APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL, IN WHICH SHE BELIEVED TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FAILURE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V175000: POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE TCM, PCM), HOWEVER HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 82,000. UPDATED 11/03/10 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE BACKING UP, AND WHEN IT STALLED, IT COULDN'T BE RESTARTED. UPDATED 11/04/10*JB
Apr 05, 2010
PARKING BRAKE,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE, PURCHASE NEW. ABS LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING AND THEN STAYS ON AND THEN GOES OFF. THREE SEPARATE TRIPS TO WHITE PLAINS MAZDA AT A GOOD COST TO US AND TELLING US IT WAS CORRECTED - DRIVE A 1/2 MILE FROM THE DEALER AND THE LIGHT GOES ON AGAIN. CORRECTED AGAIN AND A WEEK LATER IT GOES ON AGAIN! ADDITIONALLY, WE HAVE AN INCIDENT IN A PARKED POSITION WITH MOTOR RUNNING (10/13/08) WHERE THE CAR'S RPM JUMPED TO 7,000, THE CAR RUMBLED AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. CAR COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AT A SUBSTANTIAL COST TO ME INCLUDING A SEPARATE CHARGE TO TRY AND JUMP THE CAR AND NOW IS AT MAZDA WHITE PLAINS AGAIN. PLEASE CONTACT ME. I HAVE CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND THEY ARE TO BE IN TOUCH WITH MY DEALER. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Oct 14, 2008
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
BOUGHT MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 FROM CARMAX ON 06/26/08. MOTHER WAS DRIVING TRUCK W/MY DAUGHTER (6), WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED AND COLLIDED W/VAN IN FRONT OF HER. TWO HRS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE LOCAL CARMAX. EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND ASKED WERE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THE TRUCK. THE LADY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID SHE DID NOT KNOW AND GAVE ME THE TOLL FREE NUMBER TO MAZDA. I CALLED FROM THEIR FACILITY AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL FOR THE ABS MODULE. I EXPLAINED THAT TO THE SERVICE PERSON. THE MANAGER CAME OUT TO SPEAK WITH ME AND SAID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY. BECAUSE I HAD GEICO INSURANCE, THE MANAGER SAID THAT THERE WAS AN ADJUSTER ACROSS THE STREET FROM THEIR BLDG. BY THIS TIME IT WAS 17:45. I RENTED A VEHICLE TO GET MY FAMILY HOME AND CALLED THE CARMAX THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM. I SPOKE WITH LAURIE DOOLITTLE, THE MANAGER OF CARMAX IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA, SHE ADVISED ME THERE WAS NOTHING THAT SHE COULD DO BUT SHE WOULD CHECK WITH SOMEONE HIGHER THAN HER. SHE CALLED ME BACK AROUND 1805 AND SAID THAT IT IS UNFORTUNATE WHAT HAPPENED, HOWEVER "THE ABS MODULE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BEING DRIVABLE". I WAS IN SHOCK. ME AND MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! WE ONLY HAD THE TRUCK 5 DAYS! I CALLED THAT MORNING BEFORE ACCIDENT TO GET A 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE WITH LOWER MILES AND LOWER PRICE TRANSFERRED IN TO THE CARMAX IN CHARLOTTESVILLE! AFTER SEVERAL CALLS TO CARMAX'S CUSTOMER SVC (HEADQRTR) REPEATEDLY HEARING THAT I WAS AT FAULT FOR THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE I DID NOT REGISTER THE VEHICLE WITH MAZDA. WENT TO CHVILLE CARMAX TO SPEAK W/LAURIE DOOLITTLE IN PERSON. I ASKED HER TO REBUY THE CAR. LAURIE SAID NO. I HAD AN APPLICATION FROM CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND STARTED TO FILL IN THE BLANKS AND NOTED THE TIME AND DATE OF THE REQUEST TO REBUY THE CAR DUE TO THE RECALLS THAT WERE ON MY VIN. (07/07/08 TIME 17:05) TODAY 07/08/08, GEICO STILL WORKING ON IT! *TR
Jul 08, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE ON JUNE 26, 2008. THE CAR WAS WRECKED TODAY 7/1/08. THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE AND RAN INTO THE BACK OF A VAN IN FRONT OF US. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE AUTO DEALER, EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED ( I HAD A 5 DAY RETURN POLICY) I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO RETURN BECAUSE IT WAS WRECKED. THE DEALER ALSO SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY FACTORY RECALLS. THE DEALER GAVE ME THE TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL MAZDA. IT TURNS OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON ABS BRAKES FOR MY VEHICLE AND IT WAS NEVER BROUGHT IN TO BE SERVICED. I'M THANKFUL NO ONE WAS HURT. I HAD DRIVEN 500 MILES PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT AT SPEEDS FROM 5-70MPH. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!!!!!!! *TR
Jul 02, 2008
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
JUST BOUGHT A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE FROM TOYOTA OF NICHOLASVILLE 3 WEEKS AGO. WENT OUT TO THE GARAGE TO START IT THIS MORNING AND THE THING CAUGHT FIRE. PUT IT OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE AIR FILTER AREA IS BURNED AND MELTED. MY WIFE NO LONGER FEELS SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE(ISN'T REPAIRED YET), WITH OUR YOUNG CHILD STRAPPED IN THE CAR SEAT. I SUSTAINED SMALL BURNS TO MY HANDS PUTTING THE FIRE OUT. *JB
Dec 09, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AT 38,800 MILES, I HAD TO REPLACE MY BRAKES PAD AND ROTORS, NOW AT 49,785 I WILL NEED TO REPLACED MY ROTORS AGAIN. I BELIEVE THESE ROTORS ARE DEFECTED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. *JB
Jul 17, 2006
PARKING BRAKE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE, PASSENGER SEAT HEATER TURNS ITSELF ON, CD PLAYER FAILURE, RADIO FAILURE. *AK
Jan 06, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH LESS THAN 600 MILES ON THE CAR DUE TO A HOSE CLAMP NOT BEING SECURED DURING MANUFACTURE. EVER SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR HESITATING AND ALMOST STALLING WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP JUST AFTER STARTING THE CAR. IT ALSO HAPPENS MORE OFTEN IF THE CAR IS NOT LEVEL AT THE TIME, EITHER ON AN INCLINE OR DECLINE. IF I LET THE CAR WARM UP FOR A FEW MINUTES, I GENERALLY DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS PEDAL FEELING LIKE IT STICKS OR IS CATCHING ON SOMETHING, I HAVE NOTICED THIS PROBLEM MORE OFTEN WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 75 DEGREES. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR FINALLY ACTIVATES, THE CAR GENERAL LUNGES FORWARD OR WILL SPIN THE TIRES, I HAVE LEARNED TO LET MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR TO KEEP THE CAR UNDER CONTROL. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SHIFTING ABRUPTLY BETWEEN GEARS, BUT THIS HAS SUBSIDED QUITE A BIT. I HAVE ALSO FELT A VIBRATION IN THE CAR AROUND 45 AND 70 MPH. I DON'T FEEL THE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT FEELS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE CAR, MORE IN THE TRANSMISSION/DRIVETRAIN AREA. I HAVE HAD THE TIRES ROTATED A BALANCED 3 TIMES AND ALSO HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED, BUT THE VIBRATION STILL OCCURS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY ALWAYS SAY THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEMS. I HAVE RESEARCHED ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS AND RECALLS FOR THE TRIBUTE AND THE FORD ESCAPE, SINCE THEY ARE BASICALLY THE SAME VEHICLE, AND THERE ARE QUITE A FEW SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I THINK THE HESITATING PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THE RECALL FOR THE "STALLING" PROBLEM, I THINK THE PROBLEM IS MORE WIDESPREAD THAN THEY THOUGHT OR THE FIX FOR THE RECALL DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM ENTIRELY.*AK
Sep 09, 2004
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYING ON FOR OVER A PERIOD 6MONTHS EVEN WITH SEVERAL SERVICES CALLS WITH THIS PROBLEM THE AIR BAG WILL NOT EVN WORK IN AN ACCIDENT SITUATION. *AK
Aug 03, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. SERVICE MANAGER BRIAN SHELTON. *AK
Apr 23, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
AFTER SITTING FOR 2 DAYS IN FEBURARY OF 2003, MY 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS A HARD START AND EXTRAME HESITATION WHEN DRIVING. LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MAZDA DEALERSHIP WHO SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY BUSTED SPARK PLUG. I OKED A TUNE UP. IN MARCH 2003 AFTER SITTING TWO DAYS, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THEY FOUND A CALLAPSED HOSE. I HAVE NOT ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO SIT FOR 2 DAYS AGAIN BUT DID NOTICE A SLIGHT HESITATION OFF AND ON AND IT IS NOW DECEMBER 2003 AND THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE. AND LIKE OTHER COMPLAINTS, IT STARTS AT ELEVATION BETWEEN 45-50 MPH. AFTER 55 IT'S FINE. IT DOES THIS ALL THE TIME. AS OF 1-2-04 I HAVE A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. I ALSO WANT TO MENTION THAT ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH NO WARNING HOWEVER, I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER WITH NO PROBLEMS. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH NO PROBLEM.*AK
Jan 01, 2004
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. STEERING LOCKED/ BRAKES FAILED, AND HEADLIGHTS WERE FLICKERING ON AND OFF. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND WENT INTO A FENCE, CAUSING A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL.*AK
Oct 06, 2003
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
#1-TRANSMISSION FAILURE @ 3617 MILES. VEHICLE 3 MONTHS OLD. MFG SOLUTION/REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION VS NEW..#2-REQUESTED REPAIR OF SMART UNLOCKING FEATURE AS STATED IN OWNERS MANUAL ON PAGE 70 OF PART #9999-95-014C-03..MFG SOLUTION/WILL CORRECT OWNERS MANUAL..SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT WITH THESE SOLUTIONS..SERVICING DEALER HAS DONE EVERYTHING IN IT'S POWER TO CORRECT TO CORRECT THESE ISSUES & MAINTAIN GOOD RELATIONS..MAZDA MFG IS RELUCTANT TO MOVE BEYOND THESE SOLUTIONS...... *NLM
Mar 30, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 MAZDA Tribute have?
The 2003 MAZDA Tribute currently has 200 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2003 MAZDA Tribute?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 MAZDA Tribute are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2003 MAZDA Tribute problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 MAZDA Tribute comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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