Page 5 of 8 · complaints 201–250 of 377

2005 Mazda Tribute complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2005 record →

Suspension
Filed Sep 16, 2014133,000 milesWI

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL STRUT MOUNT IS ONLY HANGING ON BY A SMALL AMOUNT OF STEEL. YOU CAN SEE THE INTERIOR TRIM PLASTIC ON 3 SIDES OF THE UPPER STRUT MOUNT BRACKET. PIECES OF RUSTED STEEL PEEL AWAY WITH 2 FINGERS. THERE IS NO UPPER STRUT SUPPORT AND THE TOP THREADING OF THE STRUT IS HITTING THE PLASTIC INTERIOR PIECE IN THE TRUNK AREA. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN; IF THE LOWER STRUT MOUNT IS LOOSE, THEN THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE AREA AND POTENTIAL THE UPPER BRACKET GETS INTO THE TIRE. MY FAMILY'S SAFETY IS MY #1 PRIORITY. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALL. BOTH THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE AND THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAVE A HIGH VOLUME OF THIS DEFECT. BASING MY EXPERIENCE AS A QUALITY ENGINEER IN A SHEET STEEL FABRICATION FACILITY, THIS TYPE OF DEFECT CAN BE RELATED TO EITHER POOR MATERIAL QUALITY OR CHOICE OF MATERIALS, POOR ENGINEERING PRACTICES, POOR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, AND/OR POOR PROTECTION OF THE WHEEL WELL AREA (MORE DURABLE COATINGS). EITHER WAY, BASED ON MY ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE AND OPINION, THIS DEFECT REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE HAD OLDER VEHICLES THAT NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF DEFECT. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A SIMILAR TYPE OF VEHICLE BY THIS MANUFACTURER AGAIN DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THE NO RECALL CONDITION OF THIS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THE MANUFACTURER IS TURNING A BLIND EYE TO QUALITY AND SAFETY RELATED ISSUES ON THE TRIBUTE AND ESCAPE. I DO UNDERSTAND TH

Engine
Filed Sep 15, 201497,500 milesMA

WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 1500 AND 2500 RPMS, THE CAR SUDDENLY DROPS IN RPMS AND EITHER STALLS ALTOGETHER OR STARTS MAKING A JERKING MOTION AND THUDDING NOISE. CANNOT GET OUT OF THE GEAR UNLESS YOU JAM ON THE ACCELERATOR. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND NEAR UNDRIVABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE, RUINING THE ENGINE COILS THE FIRST TIME AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS THE SECOND TIME. IT SEEMS THE PCM IS FAULTY AND RUINING ALL OF THE ASSOCIATED PARTS. HAVE READ UP ON THE TOPIC AND MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE STALLING AND JOLTING OF THE ISSUE, ALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE PCM. THIS VERY MUCH SEEMS LIKE AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED, AS THE REPAIRS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY COSTLY AND AFFECT MANY VEHICLES. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 5, 2014128,182 milesVA

RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE HAS RUST AND CORROSION AT 128,000 MILES, AND THE STRUT IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME. MAZDA HAS DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE DESPITE THE FACT THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS VERY ISSUE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE 2001-2004 TRIBUTES WERE RECALLED AND REPAIRED FOR THIS VERY ISSUE. THE MECHANIC AND COLLISION REPAIR CENTER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN RUST THIS BAD IN A VEHICLE HOUSED AND DRIVEN IN THE SOUTHEAST WHERE THERE IS LITTLE TO NO SNOW/SALTED ROADS, AND NO HISTORY OF FLOOD DAMAGE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Aug 15, 2014132,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK DETACHED FROM VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 6, 201460 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I BEGAN TO NOTICE A LOUD BANGING COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. AFTER INSPECTING THE REAR DOOR TO VERIFY THE SOUND WAS NOT AN OPEN DOOR, I FOUND THAT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR, SPECIFICALLY THE REAR RIGHT AXLE, WAS RUSTED AND DETERIORATING. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAD RUSTED, A PROBLEM THAT WILL SOON CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR THE WHEEL MOUNT. THERE ARE A MULTITUDE OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE, ALL POINTING OUT THAT THIS IS A FACTORY ISSUE, AND ALL MAZDA TRIBUTES AND FORD ESCAPES IN THIS YEAR RANGE HAVE THIS EXACT PROBLEM. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT MUST BE FIXED IN THE NEXT WEEK OR ELSE I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR- A CAR I HAVE OWNED FOR LESS THAN A YEAR. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 2, 201490,000 milesKY

FLASHERS CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS STARTED AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 30, 201488,000 milesNJ

RIGHT AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR I HEARD NOISE UNDERNEATH, FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK AND AFTER PURCHASING IS WHEN THE DEALER SAID IT WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAD ALREADY PURCHASED THE CAR AND PAID 9,000 DOLLARS FOR IT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO AND NOW I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF SAFETY. I WENT TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO HAS ESTIMATED THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIR INCLUDING PARTS IS $20,000 AND COMMENTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FLOOD AND NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE CHASSIS/FRAME AROUND THE BACK RIGHT STRUT IS ALMOST GONE DUE TO RUST AND THE OTHER SIDE IS GOING AS WELL. THERE IS RUST UNDER ALL PARTS OF THE VEHICLE. I DON'T KNOW WHY THE DEALER WAS ALLOWED TO SALE ME THE CAR. *TR

EngineCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 22, 201481,150 milesAL

WHEN APPROACHING A 4-WAY INTERSECTION DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS, THE LIGHT TURNED YELLOW THEN RED. I TRIED TO STOP BY PRESSING MY BRAKE PEDAL. MY VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN, BUT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP HILL. I PRESSED AS HARD AS POSSIBLE BUT MY VEHICLE WENT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND I RAN INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. I WAS ORIGINALLY GOING ABOUT 30MPH AND WHEN I HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE, I WAS GOING ABOUT 25MPH. MY VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER HITTING THE OTHER VEHICLE BUT CONTINUED TO REV HIGHER. I WAS INJURED WHEN MY ARMS BENT THE STEERING WHEEL FORWARD, THE SEAT BELT BRUISED ME AND MY RIGHT FOOT (TALUS BONE) WAS BROKEN BY THE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I REQUIRED SURGERY. I WAS OUT OF WORK FOR 3 WEEKS AND WORE A CAST FOR 7 WEEKS. THE POLICEMAN WHO REPORTED TO THE ACCIDENT SITE DISCOVERED THE GAS PEDAL WAS HALF WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND STUCK. THE OTHER DRIVER AND A WITNESS SAID THEY HEARD THE VEHICLE REVVING AFTER IT STOPPED AFTER IMPACT. THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS ON ITS OWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THERE ARE SIMILAR REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING ON THE WEBSITE BUT NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. I HAD OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 5 YEARS AND 9 MONTHS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jul 22, 201496,000 milesMO

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING AREA RUSTED SO BAD THAT THE TOP OF SHOCK BRACKET RUSTED AWAY AND SHOCK STARTED BANGING AGAINST FLOOR. TOOK IT TO MY MAZDA DEALER AND SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS NOT RIGHT THAT THIS SHOULD HAPPEN. HE KNOWS THAT I GARAGE AND TAKE CAR OF MY VEHICLES.HE GAVE ME THE NUMBER TO CALL MAZDA FOR HELP. MAZDA SAID THEY WOULD NOT HELP! I CAN'T DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE. BECAUSE OF FAMILY MEDICAL ISSUES I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED AND I WILL NOT TRADE IT OFF TO AN UNSUSPECTING BUYER. DON'T KNOW WHAT I WILL DO. LOOKED ON INTERNET AND FOUND MANY OF THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE TRIBUTE AND FORD ESCAPE (BOTH, WHICH I BEEN TOLD BY CAR DEALERS' SERVICE PERSONAL, ARE THE SAME VEHICLE). YOU WOULD THINK A AUTO COMPANY WOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I'M NO LONGER PROUD OF THE FACT THAT I HAVE OWNED ABOUT 10 MAZDA VEHICLES. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 17, 2014151,551 milesFL

RUNNING ROUGH, STALLING AT LIGHTS, REPLACED IGNITION COILS, NEW IGNITION COILS FAILED, FURTHER DIAGNOSIS, PCM CAUSING FAILURE. *TR

Structure
Filed Jul 16, 2014125,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELD WAS RUSTED AND AS A RESULT, THE STRUTS FRACTURED FROM THE FRAME. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Suspension
Filed Jul 9, 2014125,262 milesWI

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING THERE TO BE NO CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE REAR SHOCKS. LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL IS STARTING TO RUST. NO OTHER RUST ON THE CAR OTHER THAN THE WHEEL WELLS. ESTIMATE FROM THE SHOP IS OVER $4000. ONLY 9 YEARS OLD AND 125,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 29, 2014127,185 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE REAR WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ON MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE STARTED TO KNOCK AND BANG. ONCE I ARRIVED HOME, UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND ROTTED. I ALSO NOTICED THAT AND THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS FULLY RUSTED AWAY FROM THE BODY. FURTHER RESEARCH SHOWED ME THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND MAZDA TRIBUTE FRAMES. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jun 27, 2014101,000 milesIN

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT SUCH THAT THE SUSPENSION IS NOW PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHEN REGULAR RATTLING FROM THE AREA PROGRESSED INTO LOUD BANGS WITH EACH BUMP. THE MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED STATED THAT THE RUST WAS ABNORMAL, EVEN FOR THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, AND THAT NONE OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS EXHIBITED ANY SIGNS OF RUSTING. HE STATED IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THAT THIS CONDITION WAS MOST LIKELY THE RESULT OF SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT (AS OPPOSED TO REGULAR AND EXPECTED OXIDATION). *TR

Suspension
Filed Jun 26, 201498,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH OVER A BUMP, A RATTLING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Suspension
Filed Jun 25, 2014200,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD CLANKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK WAS RUSTED AROUND THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 09/09/14*LJ UPDATED 9/10/2014 *JS

Suspension
Filed Jun 25, 2014240,000 milesIL

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE SHOCK TO COME OFF ON THE TOP. I HAVE CONTACTED MAZDA AND NHTSA TO SUBMIT CLAIM CASES. I WAS RIGHT AWAY TURNED DOWN BY MAZDA. I AM NOW MAKING A CASE WITH NHTSA TO HOPEFULLY GET THIS ISSUE FINALLY REPAIRED AS A RECALL. WE LIVE IN A WINTER STATE SO SALT IS BAD. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jun 16, 2014140,000 milesIL

THE CAR IS RUSTED THROUGH LIKE SO MANY OTHERS IN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. THE SUSPENSION IS TWISTING AND POKING THROUGH. I DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL I HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Jun 5, 201475,000 milesWI

I AM THE CURRENT OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE I. BOUGHT IT THROUGH NORTH SHORE BANK OFF LEASE... I TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE CAR AND HAVE IT MAINTAINED REGULARLY . RECENTLY THE REAR PASSENGER AREA HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE, I THOUGHT IT MAY BE A BROKEN SHOCK OR SOMETHING TO THAT AFFECT. I TOOK IT INTO GOODYEAR IN RACINE WI. COME TO FIND THE WHOLE WHEEL WELL IS ROTTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.. THE MECHANIC SAID HE COULD NOT FIX IT AND TAKE IT TO RACINE AUTO BODY ALSO IN RACINE, WI. THEY ALSO SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT HAPPEN TO A CAR OR SUV EVER BEFORE. HE SAID IT HAS TO BE DUE TO A BAD FACTORY PROCESS OR SOME FLAW THAT HAD BEEN WHEN THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. THEY WANT $1600.00 TO FIX THE AREA AND I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THE FLAW FROM THE MAZDA MANUFACTURER. I FEEL IT ISN'T SAFE TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT MORE DAMAGE BEING ADDED. I REALLY WOULD APPRECIATE SOME SORT OF HELP OR REPLACEMENT OF THE FACTORY FLAW. THE CAR IS IN FAIRLY DECENT SHAPE AND AT THIS POINT I CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW CAR.. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY OTHER SIMILAR ISSUES ON ANY OF YOUR OTHER VEHICLES. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 4, 201480,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BROKE OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER FRAME WAS COMPLETELY COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 06/25/14 *BF UPDATED 07/1/2014 *JS UPDATED 8/11/14*CN THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER UNDER THE ENGINE THAT SUSPENSION WAS ATTACHED TO RUSTED AWAY AND BROKE CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO MOVE INTO THE RIGHT FRONT INNER FENDER, BREAKING THE AXLE SHAFT WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING. UPDATED 09/23/14

Structure
Filed May 14, 2014121,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCKS WERE CORRODED DUE TO CORROSION, WHICH ALSO BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 121,000.

Suspension
Filed May 11, 2014130,000 milesMN

2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE FREEWAY AND SHE HEARD A LOUD THUD. SHE PULLED OVER BUT DID NOT SEE ANY APPARENT DAMAGE. SHE DROVE HOME AND THE SOUND BECAME LOUDER. WHEN SHE RETURNED HOME I LOOKED AT THE TRIBUTE. THE ENTIRE SHOCK BODY WAS DISENGAGED FROM THE FRAME. THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK ASSEMBLE WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK WAS SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. IT HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE RUST ANYWHERE ELSE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR IN FOR MOST NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND TIRES AND THEY NEVER MENTIONED ANY CONCERNED WITH THIS BECOMING DETACHED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUES. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT HURT. RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUES SUGGEST THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE TRIBUTE AND ESCAPE VEHICLES. IT IS ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR THE RIGHT REAR SECTION. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? *TR

Structure › Body
Filed May 3, 2014101,000 milesMI

MY MAZDA TRIBUTES RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF, LEAVING MY STRUT HANGING. THERE IS NO METAL LEFT TO BE CONNECTED TO THE SUSPENSION/SHOCKS. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE BODY INCLUDING ALL OTHER WHEEL WELLS ARE FINE. THE CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED AND GARAGE PARKED. CONTACTED MAZDA USA AND A LOCAL DEALERSHIP BUT MAZDA REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE ON ANY REPAIR. *TR

Steering
Filed Apr 28, 2014125 milesMN

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE FAILURE OCCURED WHILE DRIVING A FEW MONTHS AGO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING COMING FROM THE REAR VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE ANY REPAIRS MADE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURE. THE FAILURE MILLAGE WAS 125,00 THE CONTACT CURRENT MILLAGE WAS 132,00.

Suspension
Filed Apr 25, 2014108,000 milesWV

THE RIGHT REAR PANEL IS RUSTING OUT AND MADE THE SHOCK BROKE LOSE FROM THE BODY AND I HAD TO TAKE THE REAR UNDERNEATH PANEL OFF AND REMOVE THE SHOCK. THIS HAS HAPPEN TO TWO OTHER TRIBUTES THAT IN MY AREA THAT I KNOW OF. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 11, 201492,000 milesOH

FAILED STRUT MOUNT - HEARD A RATTLE NOISE IN THE VEHICLE - THIS NOISE INCREASED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. LOOKING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING LOOSE OR ABLE TO CAUSE PROBLEM. CHECKED INSIDE RIGHT REAR STORAGE AND FOUND LARGE HOLE TO SEE TIRE. REMOVING THE INTERIOR PANEL REVEALED THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED OUT LEAVING THE STRUT HANGING BY ABOUT 2-3 INCHES OF METAL. THIS WAS BANGING AROUND CAUSING THE NOISE. IF THIS HAD FULLY FAILED DURING DRIVING, IT MAY HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TIRE LEADING TO MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH INJURY. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING IT UNTIL THERE IS A SUITABLE FIX. *JS

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Apr 8, 2014KS

2001 & 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BOTH VEHICLES HAD COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURES. *SMD THE BRAKE HOSE WAS REPLACED IN BOTH VEHICLES. THE MECHANIC STATED THE FAILURES WERE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. *JB

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 12, 2014150,000 milesPA

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. THE SHOCK MOUNT IS ABOUT TO BREAK AWAY. I FEAR THE SHOCK COULD FALL AGAINST THE TIRE AND CAUSE A BLOWOUT OR CARBON MONOXIDE COULD BE ENTERING THE VEHICLE. I JUST FOUND THE PROBLEM AND AM NOW WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILIES SAFETY. WE HAVE OWNED THE TRIBUTE SINCE NEW. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 3, 2014105,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, HE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL HOUSING WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 25, 201491,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL THUMPING HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL HOUSE PANEL AND INNER PANEL ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2014105,000 milesTN

WHILE DRIVING THE SUV HAD A COUPLE OF MISFIRES AND THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WITH NO WARNING. THANKFULLY WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT AND WORSE, FATALITY. NOW THE COMPUTER, COILS, AND PLUGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 9, 201492,000 milesCA

ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK MULTIPLE TIMES IN COLD WEATHER. AT STOPS AND SIGNALS OR TURNS, AFTER THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY STOPPED ACCELERATOR GETS STUCK. HAVE TO PRESS VERY HARD AND SOME TIMES TAKE 5-10 MINUTES TO MOVE. ON 2/4 GOT STUCK ONE TIME AND ON 2/6 STUCK 3 TIMES ON THE ROAD. *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 5, 2014138,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

Suspension
Filed Jan 10, 201490,000 milesWI

PULLED AWAY FROM HOUSE TO LEAVE FOR WORK AND AT ABOUT 30 MPH I HEARD THE WORST SOUND. IT CAME FROM THE REAR RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. IT WAS WORSE OVER BUMPS, STOPPING ETC. TOOK IT TO AN AUTO MECHANIC WHO DROVE IT FIRST AND BROUGHT ME BACK TO SHOW ME A RUSTED OUT WHEEL WELL WITH INTERIOR EXPOSED. ALL REMAINING THREE WHEEL WELLS WERE PERFECT, FINE HE STATED. I STARTED BY CALLING MAZDA WHO IS SENDING ME TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THE DEALERSHIP WILL THEN PASS THAT INFO ON. IT IS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND I THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED. IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN 2005 AND WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. NO ACCIDENTS OR MISHAPS TO THAT AREA OF THE CAR. WE KNOW THIS WILL COST A BUNDLE AND READ SO MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE FORD ESCAPE 2005 HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. IT SAID THE TWO ARE "MECHANICAL SIBLINGS." I WROTE DOWN WEBSITES I VISITED WITH COMPLAINT/QUESTION FORUMS AND THE QUOTES FOR REPAIRING ARE ASTRONOMICAL FOR A ERROR MADE ON THE MANUFACTURERS END. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR THE SHOCKS TO GO THROUGH THE REAR OF THE CAR RIGHT BEHIND MY SONS CAR SEAT. *TR THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE FRAME WAS CRACKED, DUE TO A RUSTED OUT WHEEL WELL. UPDATED 06/10/14 UPDATED 08/03/15. *JB UPDATED 09/21/15.*JB UPDATED 09/28/15. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 8, 20149,000 milesCA

WHILE ACCELERATING, THE ACCELERATOR GETS STUCK AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOWS DOWN TO A CRAWL. DRIVER HAS TO PULL OVER AND PUMP ACCELERATOR IN ORDER TO GET IT UNSTUCK. CHECKED WITH DEALER INITIALLY AND CALLED MAZDA TODAY JANUARY 8, 2014 TO ASK IF THERE HAVE BEEN A RECALL. WAS TOLD, NO. IN THE PAST, HAD TO TAKE CAR TO MECHANIC AND LEFT IT TO BE TEST DRIVEN IN ORDER FOR MECHANIC TO REPLICATE PROBLEM. MECHANIC FOUND THE PROBLEM AND CLEANED ACCELERATOR. PROBLEM CONTINUOUS SPORADICALLY. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 27, 201352,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, PUSHING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ACROSS TWO LANES AND INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIBS, KNEE, BREAST AND FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 7, 20137,000 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT IT SEIZED AND PREVENTED HER FROM ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,397.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 16, 201377,250 milesIN

I RECEIVED THIS CAR FROM MY DECEASED PARENTS ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THAT MY GAS PEDAL HAS STUCK EITHER WHILE I'M STOPPED AND TRY TO GO OR IF I AM SHIFTING GEARS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IF MY GAS PEDAL IS STICKING. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 WITHIN A 10 MIN PERIOD ON THE DRIVE OUT TO MY SON'S SOCCER GAME. I HAVE 2 STOP SIGNS AND 4 STOP LIGHTS BETWEEN THAT AREA AND THE GAS PEDAL STUCK AT ONE LIGHT AND BOTH STOP SIGNS. ON OTHER OCCASIONS MY CRUISE CONTROL HAS REVVED UP WHEN TRYING TO TURN IT OFF AND IT HAS ALSO JUST GOTTEN STUCK. THAT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO SLOW DOWN FOR TRAFFIC AHEAD. *TR

Power Train
Filed Sep 6, 2013151,000 milesVA

2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE S AWD - VIN# [XXX] VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIPS DO NOT HONOR IT AND ONLY STATE IT IS TO MAKE US AWARE OF A KNOW PROBLEM. NHTSA: ACTION NUMBER: 10039105 SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 312789 REPORT DATE: MAY 16, 2011 COMPONENT: POWER TRAIN SUMMARY: MAZDA: THE ENGINE IS STALLING WHEN STOPPING OR ENGAGING INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT MAY BE INTERMITTENT AND USUALLY OCCURS ON LONG DRIVES. IT MAY BE CAUSED BY INTERNAL WEAR OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *RM THIS APPEARS TO NOT BE ONLY OCCURRING TO ME, BUT TO OTHER PEOPLE TOO. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ON THIS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 14, 201356,000 milesSC

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ENGINE SPEED STARTED TO RISE. AS IF TRANSMISSION HAD SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND WHEN MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER TO DRIVE NOTHING HAPPENED THAT IS IT DID NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE SHIFT LEVER MOVED FREELY FROM PARK TO DRIVE BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE . IT JUST STAYED AS IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. CAR AT DEALER AND THEY TELL ME $4200.00 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 8, 201356,000 milesSC

WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP AT A LIGHT THE CAR STALLED WHILE USING THE AIR CONDITIONER. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, SO I STOPPED USING THE AIR UNTIL I COULD BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH I NOTICED THE RPM'S INCREASING WITH NO INCREASE IN SPEED. I ALSO NOTICED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKING. I PULLED OVER AND THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL NO MATTER WHERE THE SHIFT SELECTOR WAS. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND AFTER 5 MIN. RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE. AFTER ABOUT 100 YDS , AGAIN THE TRANS SHIFTED BACK TO NEUTRAL. AGAIN I PULLED OVER SHUT OFF THE CAR AND WAITED 5 MIN. I CONTINUED THIS PROCEDURE UNTIL I GOT HOME ABOUT 5 MILES. *TR

Suspension
Filed May 25, 201375,000 milesNY

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL METAL AS WELL AS THE STRUT ATTACHMENT ARE RUSTED. PARTS OF THE WHEEL WELL DISLODGE WHILE DRIVING. MECHANICS TELL ME THAT THE RIGHT REAR STRUT WILL BECOME UNATTACHED. THEY SAY THAT THIS IS EVIDENT ON FORD ESCAPES AS WELL. THE RIGHT REAR IS THE ONLY AFFECTED AREA. POTENTIALLY A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. MAZDA CLAIMS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY - TOO BAD. *TR

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut1 injured
Filed May 21, 201385,047 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LATCH FOR THE REAR HATCH FAILED. THE WINDOW GLASS FOR THE REAR HATCH ALSO SEPARATED, STRIKING THE CONTACT ON THE HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE LEFT HINGE BOLT WAS CORRODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT, CAUSING THE LATCH TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 857,047. ...UPDATED 07-24-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS LOADING SOME ITEMS IN THE VEHICLE. SHE HAD JUST REACHED IN AND PLACED MORE ITEMS IN THE VEHICLE, AND AS SHE PULLED HER HEAD OUT, THE LEFT LATCH THAT HELD THE GLASS IN PLACE FAILED. THE GLASS WHICH WAS VERY HEAVY, FELL AWAY FROM THE LATCH AND WAS STOPPED FROM FALLING OUT WHEN IT STRUCK HER ON THE TOP OF HER HEAD. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LARGE BUMP ON HER HEAD, THAT TOOK ALMOST A WEEK TO GO DOWN AND ABOUT TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE TENDERNESS SUBSIDED. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH LATCHES, DUE TO ONE OF THEM BEING RUSTED/

Electrical System
Filed Apr 11, 2013MO

2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE COMPUTER CAUSED THE SPARK PLUGS TO MIS-FIRE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. HOWEVER, ON THE LAST THREE OCCASIONS THEY SENT HER HOME WITHOUT RESOLVING THE PROBLEM.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 19, 201393,424 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THROTTLE WOULD BECOME STUCK WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS FULLY OR PARTIALLY FULLY DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,424.

Engine
Filed Feb 27, 201390,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL BUT HAD NO SUCCESS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 25, 2013130,000 milesOR

THE FIRST TIME I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE GAS PEDAL, I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND THE PEDAL GOT STUCK ALL THE WAY DOWN. MY CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. SINCE THEN, I'VE HAD 5 INSTANCES WHERE I'M DRIVING MY CAR AND LET UP ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT GETS STUCK. I HAVE TO STOMP ON THE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES FOR IT TO START WORKING AGAIN. I'M ALWAYS IN TRAFFIC AND HAVE TO TURN ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND PULL OFF TO THE SIDE IF THERE IS A SHOULDER AVAILABLE. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE WHEN TRAFFIC IS MOVING OVER 50 MPH. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I'M UPSET TO FIND THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AND WE HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS FIXED. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 20, 201367,000 milesNC

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY GAS PEDAL EVERY SINCE I GOT THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE ITS LIKE IT HAS SOMETHING BEHIND THE GAS PEDAL PREVENTING IT TO GO DOWN. IT HAS GOT WORSE OVER THE YEARS ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE IT SEEMS TO STICK WORSE. YOU CAN TRY TO PUSH IT HARDER OR EVEN PULL UP ON IT AND IT DOESN'T BUDGE. I HAD TO PULLOVER TODAY BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET THE PEDAL TO WORK SO I COULDN'T GIVE IT GAS. I GOT IT WORK AND WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT FROZE UP AGAIN. I FINALLY MADE IT TO MY DESTINATION AND WHEN I LEFT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. GOT IN IT TONIGHT AFTER WORK AND IT IS VERY COLD OUTSIDE AND IT WAS STUCK AGAIN. CALLED MAZDA EARLIER AND SAID THEY WAS NO RECALL ON IT. GOT ONLINE AFTERWARDS AND FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I GOT IT CHECKED OUT BEFORE WITH MAZDA WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 7, 2013500 milesCA

THE GAS PEDAL WILL GET STUCK IN THE UP POSITION PERIODICALLY. IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN DURING THE COLD SEASONS. I HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND ON COMING TRAFFIC IS APPROACHING DURING THE TIME I AM TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO GET ON TO THE LANE AND MY ACCELERATOR GETS STUCK AND THE CAR IS STILL SLOWLY MOVING. I WILL LITERALLY HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY STOMP ON THE PEDAL TO GET IT TO GO DOWN AND ONCE IT DOES IT ACCELERATES QUICKLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FORWARD. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN THE DEALER TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO THE CARBON BUILD UP ON THE BUTTERFLY CAUSING IT TO GET STUCK BUT EVEN AFTER GETTING THE FLUSH OUT IT CONTINUED TO GET STUCK WHILE I AM DRIVING. I HAVE GONE ONLINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THIS ISSUE AND SURE ENOUGH THERE WAS. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 2, 201380,500 milesFL

WHEN APPLY FULL OR ALMOST FULL PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDDLE THE THROTTLE STICKS CAUSING THE CAR TO SPEED FORWARD AND THE BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE FULLY TO STOP THE VEHICAL. THHIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SO FAR. I HAD USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I HAD THE RECALL REPAIR DONE THIS OCCURED AFTER IT WAS DONE. THEY DID SOMETHING TO THE ENGINE COVER BUT LATER HAD IT REMOVED BECAUSE I THOUGHT THAT WAS STILL IT. BUT EVEN WITHOUT THE ENGINE ON THE CAR THE THROTTLE STILL STICKS. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT DOES NOT KNOW WHY I AM HAVING THE PROBLEM. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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