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2003 Mazda Tribute suspension problems

14 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 98,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
98,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Rear: shock absorber
    1
  • Front: wheel bearing
    1
  • Front: control arm: lower arm
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mazda Tribute suspension problems in other years

2001200220032004200520062008

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Mazda Tribute suspension

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Ball joint 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Mazda Tribute owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 7, 2019 · Airbags, Steering · 179,000 miles · IN

Nothing happened. I have been experiencing front end issues for some time now.

Filed Oct 12, 2018 · Suspension · OH

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)

Filed Sep 12, 2018 · Airbags, Brakes · CA

Airbags sign active

Filed Nov 1, 2017 · Body, Steering · 95,000 miles · MN

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 federal safety agency 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.

Filed Dec 5, 2016 · Body, Suspension · 143,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Mar 8, 2016 · Suspension · HI · crash · 3 injuries

" 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.

Filed Dec 22, 2015 · Electrical, Suspension · 98,000 miles · MN

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed May 14, 2015 · Suspension · 112,000 miles · MA

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.

Filed Jul 2, 2014 · Acceleration, Steering · 5,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda tribute. The vehicle was repaired according to the federal safety agency 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.

Filed May 26, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 101,682 miles · NY

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).

Questions about the 2003 Mazda Tribute suspension

Does the 2003 Mazda Tribute have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Mazda Tribute, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Mazda Tribute suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 98,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Mazda Tribute suspension?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Mazda Tribute have bad suspension?

The Mazda Tribute model years with the most suspension complaints are 2005 (137 complaints), 2004 (49 complaints) and 2001 (19 complaints).

Other 2003 Mazda Tribute problems

Airbags 35Acceleration 34Brakes 32Body 29Engine 28Transmission 24Electrical 15Fuel system 9Steering 9Tires 4Locks 3Seats 2Seat belts 1Visibility 1Wheels 1

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