5.1

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
19,581 miles

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problem #5

Jun 302009

Tribute

  • 47,405 miles
I own a 2002 Mazda Tribute with only 47,475 miles on it. In the past 6 weeks I have noticed when stepping on the brakes on dry pavement the antilock brakes kick in and the pedal goes to the floor unless I pump them. This has become very dangerous as it is happening more frequently. I had my son look at the brakes to make sure it wasn't the pads and he found a broken tooth on the driver's side front ABS ring which is causing the problem. I did some research on the web to find if there are any recalls and found no recalls for this trouble but I did find others who are experiencing the same problem. I will have to have the car serviced at an approximate cost of $800. I feel that this must be a problem that needs to be looked into. A car with 47,475 miles should not have these problems. Please let me know if anything can be done to have Mazda cover this cost or if I have any other recourse.

- Selden, NY, USA

problem #4

Jul 162007

Tribute 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,500 miles
Front axle ABS sensor ring is broken on both sides. This causes the ABS to falsely activate at 25 to 35 mph, with very harsh force, on about 10% of braking applications. In heavy traffic this caused significant vehicle instability and some pulling and is considered to be a real safety issue. Dealer was unable to find or correct problem on 4 repeated visits. Local shop then fixed on first try.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #3

Oct 102002

Tribute 4WD

  • miles
Without warning my brand new Mazda Tribute stalled on 5 separate occasions. The power brakes and steering both go out causing it to be extremely difficult to stop and pull off to the side of the road. I have brought my vehicle into the service center two times for the same problem and they tell me that they're pretty sure they have it taken care of this time. The service manager also told me that "Mazda is well aware of the problem." Mazda is well aware of the problem, however, they are unwilling to recall this vehicle until they find a definate fix. This is a serious safety issue that I believe Mazda should take responsiblity for before someone gets seriously injured or killed from their careless ways.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #2

Jun 202002

Tribute

  • miles
While traveling 40mph on highway and without prior warning vehicle stalled, and electrical power brakes/ steering, and lights were lost. Dealership was aware of problem.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #1

Nov 022001

Tribute 4WD

  • miles
On November 2 driving 40mph with no warning my engine shut off and I lost power to my steering and brakes. I was able to get the car to the side of the road after applying all my weight to the brakes and steering wheel. I missed an oncoming car and a tree by luck. I took the Tribute to the dealership and was told by the service manager that this was an ongoing problem. They were going to put me back in the Tribute until Monday when they had an opening. I requested a rental car because I did not feel safe driving the car untill the problem was resolved. The manager also told me that the Tributes that have been repaired for this same problem have been different porblems. I returned home and called the Mazda customer service department and reported the problem. They assured me that they would look into it and get back with me, this never happened. On November 6th I received a call from the dealership that my car was ready. I asked to speak with the sevice manager who informed me they could not find anything wrong and I could pick up my car. I told him I would not pick up the car until there was a solution to correct the problem and the car was not safe to drive. He infomed me that his hands were tied and to contact Mazda. I contacted Mazda and they contacted the sevice manager who had already contacted the regional manager. I was told I would be contacted by him tomorrow November 7th. I have a 15 year old son who has his learners permit and who I strongly believe would not have been able to avoid what could have been a fatal accident. The car is still at the dealership. My Tribute is the first 2002 that they have seen with the problem. Obviously this serious safety problems continues.

- Bloomington, IN, USA