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2002 Mazda Tribute transmission complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 36 of 36, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2002 Mazda Tribute transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 15, 2007 · Transmission · 111,337 miles · CA

I was stopped at a stoplight in a busy intersection. I went to proceed trhough the intersection when the light turned green and the car was acting like it was stuck in neutral. I had to push down hard on the accelerator to get through the intersection and pull over onto the shoulder safely. The car would not move, except to go in reverse. There was no warning that something was going wrong with my car. I had the car towed to the transmission shop, where it wa s going to have a new transmission installed.

Filed Jul 13, 2006 · Transmission · 39,850 miles · NY

Traveling on july 3, 2006 on a return trip to vermont with 3 grandchildren . I was going approximately 55/60 MPH on an upgrade and attempted to pass in the passing lane, my car would not engage into passing gear, the RPM revved up and the motor was racing , there was no more power the car could offer me. I pulled back in the right lane and was approaching a flat stretch, the car seemed okay. Later on at a traffic light, again on an slight upgrade the car would not shift out of 1st gear, again the motor was racing, once again as I got on a flat stretch the car seemed okay, I could smell a burning odor and passed it off that the car ahead of me was causing it. A few times on this trip I felt the car was in a wrong gear. It didn't feel right. I was able to get the vehicle into the dealership where I purchased it on july 5th, they tested the car and said the transmission was gone and needed to be replaced. They advised me it was not safe to drive my car back home. My warranty was 36 months or 50,000 miles, I never pulled anything with the car and took very good care of it. I was quite upset with this news and as a "good will gesture" mazda offered to pay for half of the transmission, still leaving me with a balance of $2,100.00,. When I further complained at a number I called in california, they apologized for my problem and offered to pay for my rental car until repairs were completed. I am baffled I have such a serious problem with this vehicle with this low mileage. I would better understand it if the car had a 139,000 miles, I am retired and find this expense a hardship. My wife and I now feel we were fortunate to safely return our 3 grandchildren back home. I also want to mention that I found a recall for a transmission problem for 2002 mazda tribute, the federal safety agency campaign id #04v175000, I'm not sure if this affected my car and if so, I never received any notice. I appreciate any assistance you may have to offer. Thank you.

Filed May 4, 2006 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · VA

After 3 yrs and 30k miles the transmission would vibrate(torque converter) when shifting to overdrive. Dealership : tranny fluid oxidized and should change since 30k though manual stated change every 30k under extreme driving conditions, and 3 yrs 30k doesn't qualify. So far so good at 40k but mazda forums show many of the same complaints.

Filed Mar 3, 2006 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · NH

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the ABS activates intermittently while the brakes are applied. The activation extends the stopping distance of the vehicle. Upon inspection the dealership determined the gear ring on the front passenger side axel is broken. The broken gear ring causes the ABS sensor to obtain an improper reading. The axel is going to be replaced.

Filed Jan 23, 2006 · Brakes, Electrical · 50,000 miles · CA

At 50,089 miles, my transmission failed; more specifically, the torque converter malfunctioned resulting in total transmission failure. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle -- I had to replace rotors within the first year of ownership, and may have to do so again at 52,000 miles. The vehicle has trouble starting, the brakes aren't very responsive, and I've had to replace the ignition switch with an unattractive and impractical replacement, because the dealership reported that the type that came with my vehicle wasn't available. The rear window has leaked. Needless to say, the warranty expired just before my transmission failed.

Filed Dec 20, 2005 · Transmission · 28,000 miles · HI

Dt: the contact state the gear shift position indicator stuck in reverse. This problem occurred without any prior warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealer stated the automatic transmission will had to be replaced.

Filed Nov 7, 2005 · Transmission · 35,200 miles · NY

Noise from front end thought to be from brakes occurred intermittently since 2003. Eventually became worse during summer of 2005. Finally diagnosed as right front drive axle - either bent or misaligned. When finally found vehicle was 'out or warranty.

Filed Aug 18, 2005 · Fuel system, Transmission · 46,550 miles · CA

1). Three recalls on my vehicle: 1st - power train control module re-calibration recall 1904d. 2nd - b4000 dpfe sensor warranty extension program special service program (ssp) 59. 3rd - accelerator cable recall 2704l. Completed all recalls; last on 3/2/05. 2). 2/2005 I started experiencing intermittent problems with my vehicle: - the car stops running usually when slowing down for a stop sign or red light. The car has stopped in the middle of traffic, in the height of rush hour. The car stopped exiting a post office backing up traffic causing motorist to seek another exit. Have had various other stops but have been lucky not to cause any accidents. - the car will not start; usually upon short trips. After waiting 3 - 5 minutes have been able to start the vehicle. Have encountered this numerous times. I limit driving at night due to the unpredictability and lack of confidence in my vehicle. 3) I have had my car service at oakland mazda (510)893-7282 (3/2/05-recall, 4/9/05, 4/19/05, 5/11/05, & 6/20/05) and have discussed the problem with the serv advisor, ken miller & service manager. The dealership informed me they thoroughly checked-out my car each time they serviced it. They have repeated the recall which mostly describes my symptoms (re-calibration recall 1904d) at least twice. They also contacted the mazda headquarters service center for documentation on how to check out my vehicle. I also contacted the mazda customer assistance center at (800)222-5500 in may of 2005, they told me that if necessary they could dispatch a service technician to fly in and repair my vehicle; they also sent a report to the oakland district mgr. I contacted the mazda cust assist center again on 7/14/05 , they told me that they would not be able to help me further with my car problem. 7/15- I contacted the dealership in fremont (where I bought the car) explained my problems and asked if they would consider taking a look at my car but the serv mgr never called me back.

Filed Jun 8, 2005 · Transmission · 44,000 miles · WA

While backing out driver heard a clanking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was unable to be moved, and the driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer. Mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced. *ak consumer's vehicle failed to accelerate smoothly, do to delayed shifting. Gas mileage have been off for several weeks and is making the vehicle sluggish.

Filed May 24, 2005 · Acceleration, Engine · 20 miles · PR

Dt: vehicle shuts off completely during movement. It also speeds up without the accelerator pedal being depressed. Also, transmission does not change gears.

Filed Mar 25, 2005 · Transmission · 85,110 miles · CT

Purchased new in 2002-with 85000 highway miles-transmission failed- while driving on I-84 in connecticut-vehichle went into the passing gear on its own then stopped -my husband was able to coast off to the shoulder of the road. It was our luck he was past the construction zone and he was going down hill. There was no prior notice that the transmission would fail.

Filed Mar 24, 2005 · Transmission · 65,600 miles · MD

I had several emmision repairs done within 60 highway miles on my mazda tribute 2002. Now have a complete transmission failure needa new transmission. And only have 65 000highway milage. Nworsw vechile I had my vechile keep loosing power and jump into over drive suddenly onthe freeway I had to put my flassher and exited. 3 days ago

Filed Mar 1, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · VA

2002 madza tribute with 68,000 needs a new transmission. Just had a value job done on the engine approx. 4 months ago. Madza warranty- including drive train - up at 50,000 miles.

Filed Feb 23, 2005 · Acceleration, Engine · VA

I've owned this vehicle for a little over 2 years and it has been to the dealer for repairs 7 times now. No one can seem to find the reason why the check engine light stays on, why the fuel consumption is so poor, why the vehicle shifts constantly and for no reason at all, or why the vehicle "shudders" when the engine is on. The check fuel cap light has come on twice and the same part replaced twice. The canister close valve and idle air control valve have both failed. I have spent money on a fuel induction service because it was recommended by the service dealer. I had the transmission flushed because of a technical service bulletin for the torque converter - a problem that had to be identified by aamco and told to mazda before they would try to fix the problem. I have called mazda customer service and got anything but customer service. My problems began long before the warranty had expired; however, mazda could care less about their lack of ability to fix ongoing problems. This vehicle is a life-safety hazard and needs to be recalled completely, not part by part. I will never buy a mazda again. This is my third and last. The tribute is by far the worst thing ever manufactured by mazda. They should be embarassed to have this model on the road!

Filed Jun 28, 2004 · Transmission · 26,000 miles · NJ · crash

The axle separated and fell off vehicle while driving. This resulted in the consumer losing steering control of the vehicle and crashing into the side of the bridge.

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Transmission · NY

2002 mazda tribute power control module re-calibration.*mr . The consumer received a recall notice on may 7 regarding the powertrain control module re-calibration. Four days after the notice was received the consumer's vehicle shut down while driving 60 MPH. The consumer had made an appointment for may 13 but unfortunately that was too late.

Filed Sep 1, 2003 · Transmission · 16,000 miles · NC

We have a 2002 mazda tribute es 2wd. On several occasions, the vehicle has stalled at slow speeds (so far). The stalling has occurred when shifting from park to reverse, reverse to drive, and it also happened when we drove over a speed bump. The mazda dealership has made three unsuccessful attempts to fix the problem so far. The vehicle is at the dealer at the moment for the fourth attempt. If this is unsuccessful, we are going to pursue a refund under the north carolina lemon law.

Filed Jul 8, 2003 · Airbags, Electrical · 26,540 miles · CA

When slowing down or proceeding to a stop, the car completely shut down in middle of the road while the engine is still running. The brakes will freeze up and the only way to stop the car is to pull up on the hand brake. The car will restart. This has always happened in traffic and is a very dangerous situation. Brought the car into the dealership the first time on may 3, 2003. Dealer said that they replaced the idle control valve. Two weeks later, the same problem arised where the car completely died in traffic. Brought it back to the dealer on june 3, 2003, they said there was improper operation and reprogrammed the PCM. The car died down again a week later while driving slowing down in traffic on the freeway. Again brought it back to the dealer for the third time june 19, 2003. Left the car overnight and had the technician drive the car 100+ miles home, but they could not duplicate the problem and sent the car home. Car died again in traffic. Brought the car back to the dealership the fourth time on july 1, 2003, and once again dealer was unable to duplicate the car. Advised me to keep driving the car until they problem worsened. This is a very dangerous situation as the car is in motion at all times when it has died and in traffic. A potentional dangerous and fatal situation that needs to be addressed immediately! The car was purchased in june 2002, and since then it has had a master cylinder leak, air bag circuit failure, as well as fuel system electrical wiring problems. Mazda needs to be aware of the potential risk factors involved in its tribute models and recall the cars.

Filed Jan 30, 2003 · Transmission · 11,500 miles · HI

While driving on freeway @ 65 MPH tensioner broke off and serpentine belt to come off causing loss of stearing and power system down. On jan.9,2003 water pump broke,jan. 29,2003 gear stuck between reverse and neutral.

Filed Oct 8, 2002 · Transmission · TN

Consumer states that while driving at any speed without warning the vehicle will stall and it will be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. Dealer notified.

Filed Aug 20, 2002 · Transmission · VA

While driving down hill at 35mph and with no warning vehicle stalled and caused consumer to pull over. Dealer notified.

Filed Jun 27, 2002 · Transmission · AR

While driving, the vehicle stalled with out warning due to a defective PCM. Also, the main bearing in the transmission failed.

Filed Jun 25, 2002 · Engine, Suspension · PA

Vehicle has stalled out while consumer was driving. Steering wheel locked up, then engine shut down. Consumer has had this problem fixed twice before. *ak stalling of the vehicle caused brake and steering failures. The vehicle stalled several times. Dealer replaced mass air flow sensor and dpfe after third incident, also consumer stated vehicle was pulling to the right, the dealer perfomed an alignment.

Filed May 14, 2002 · Acceleration, Transmission · NJ

While placing vehicle in reverse and accelerating vehicle will stall, and accelerate forward a couple feet. Dealer has been notified, and has been aware of problem for 2nd time.

Filed Apr 11, 2002 · Transmission · VA

This vehicle was taken in for problems with the engine missing, "firing" and vehicle bucking- at any speed and gear. A leak in the transmission was discovered (almost all of the transmission fluid was gone) and I was told it was a manufacturer's defect. They fixed this problem, but the vehicle continues to run the same way. I have been told that all of the tributes run like this and it is normal... I have contacted the mazda customer assistance center and have a case number...

Filed Dec 10, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · PA

While driving engine stalled, consumer has contacted dealer, and they were aware of problem, and waiting to hear from manufacturer. Consumer feels unsafe driving vehicle.*ak

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