Problems with front brake pads and rotors. *mr the consumer was informed that the front brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. There was no warning from the brake sensors. *scc
2001 Mazda Tribute brakes complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 56 of 56, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I was constantly having problems stopping on ice/snow. It seemed that no matter how I braked my ABS system would activate and the vehicle would roll through stop lights and stop signs. At first I thought it was the brand of tires that came with the tribute, so purchase a new set of goodyear snow and mud tires after only 12,000 at a cost of $300. But the problem persisted the next winter. That's when I decided to finally take it to my mechanic and was told that the master cylinder cap was cracked and that my rear brakes were not being used hardly at all. Nearly all of the braking force on my vehicle was being done by the front brakes. This would explain why I was having such difficulties stopping on ice and snow. To no surprise, my front brakes had to be replaced at only 26,000 miles and it cost me $130. I did get the master cylinder cap replaced under warranty, but you might want to watch this in the future. I hope you can see how this could cause a serious accident, especially if this is a problem with the manufacturing of the vehicle.
Engine periodically shuts down at low rpms. Power steering and power brakes fail when engine shuts down and, as a result, the tribute is difficult to steer and stop. Shutdowns have happened at least eleven times - always at low rpms (1000 RPM or less). Each shut down occurred when I was coasting downhill. Generally, I was also braking at the same time. The dealership's service department has been extremely diligent in their efforts but so far mazda has been unable to provide the technical assistance needed to resolve the problem. I bought the tribute in jan 2001 and expericed the first failures before the first 3000 mile servicing. The first dealer resolution attempt was not documented. The technician queried the onboard computer but there was no code indicating any failure. On 4/28/02, after more failures, the problem was diagnosed as a wiring problem and "fixed". Three more falilures occurred before the tribute reached 6000 miles. The dealer could not duplicate but on 8/8/01 advised mazda. No repairs were made. Engine shutdowns continued and on 10/09/01 at 7,639 miles, the dealer removed the bypass air control valve and cleaned the passageway - as advised by mazda technical assistance. The tribute then ran fine for eight months. Then in june 2002, the problem reoccurred and the dealer was contacted. Dealer still had seen nothing further from mazda concerning resolution of the problem and contacted them once more for assistance. Suggestion was to "re-program" the onboard computer the next time the car is brought in for servicing. This is a dangerous situation and will utlimately result in an accident. So far, shutdowns have occurred while I was in an uncongested area but that is simply luck. Mazda and ford have a really dangerous situation that needs immediate attention and resolution. So far I have received nothing from mazda letting me know there is a problem with the tribute. Guess they feel it is not a problem as long as it can be ignored.
Electrical system works intermittently. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak consumer stated that the vehicle dies at 40-45 MPH while driving. Also, vehicle would not start after sitting for several hours. Brakes and steering failed and it was hard to control the vehicle.
While I was driving the car lost powersteering and power brakes, I pulled over to avoid a crash.
Brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are designed too close together. When brakes are applied driver can very easily hit gas pedal as well. Please give any further details.
Steering wheel is very hard to turn, and brake pedal gets stuck. Please provide any further information.
I bought my tribute in august and just had the first service done recently so when I was driving on friday, november 16, 2001, I was not expecting any problem. I was going about 45 MPH and all of a sudden I couldn't steer the car. The power steering had ceased and I believe the brakes also. I veered off the side of the road and stopped the car. I proceeded to find a phone to call for assistance and when I got the car towed to ridgefield mazda I spoke with the service manager. We had a conversation about what the problem could be and he was almost certain he knew what the problem was. He told me mazda had gotten several tributes come in for the same problem which is the ignition fails and everything goes out like the steering etc. Just what happened to me. Obviously, mazda knew of the problem, and I questioned how they could not notify other drivers of this malfunction. He told me it wasn't considered a recall as of yet even though they had several customers come in with the same problem. I believe this is a major problem with the vehicle and it should be recalled. The tribute is a new vehicle and I understand there may still be kinks/bugs to work out with a new vehicle but this isn't a minor problem. I would like this checked into and if possible, make it a recall so this won't happen to other drivers. Luckily, I was able to steer the car to a safe location, but it could have been worse. I would not want to see this happen to someone else. Thank you..
Brakes have failed on several occasions, ABS light continuously on, has been back to dealer 4 times. I have only driven car for 2 days in close to 3 months of ownership. I have demanded a refund of purchase based on lemon law with no response from dealer or mazda.. I do not have the mazda or even a loaner at this time. Car has now been in shop for over a month this 4th time.
Vehicle stopped & could not accelerate. Dash panel lights all came on. I was going slightly downhill & also car would not brake, so had to pull the emergency brake when I managed to pull to the right/side in order to stop vehicle.
Vehicle feels sluggish while accelerating, transmission is not catching when the gears should change, dealer can not remedy problem and has offered consumer the option to return the vehicle and accept the rollover amount.
Vehicle has lost steering and brake power on hills at speeds around 30-35 MPH. The only way to regain power is to cut the ignition. This is an extreme health hazard: occurrences are numerous and the dealer has been notified.
While driving an applying the brakes vehicle will stall. Problem is intermittent.
The vehicle was on local road and steering and brakes wern't responding. Was able to coast all the way down the hill. Once consumer came to a complete stop, vehicle started up. Dealership was aware of problem.*ak
New master cylinder was installed 7/24/2001, and still having brake failure/ABS light on.
Vehicle was going 10-15mph and stepped on gas to go 20-25mph. And rpms were sticking,and braking made it 80-85% less effective. Dealer is convinced the problem is the floor mats.
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