2003 Mazda Tribute: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Feb 23, 2016 · Electrical · 114,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda tribute. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The engine started to hesitate and the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The contact waited a few minutes to restart the vehicle and it performed normally. The vehicle was taken to auto zone to get the failure codes. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2004 · Engine · 10,000 miles · MO

Intermittently, the vehicle hesitates before starting when the keys are turned in the ignition. Also, the vehicle loses power while driving. The dealership indicated that they are aware of this problem and performed the repairs indicated by the manufacturer. The dealership also test drove the vehicle and the failure didn't occur in their presence so they are refusing to service the vehicle. *la

Filed Sep 9, 2004 · Fuel system, Transmission · 567 miles · NC

The transmission failed with less than 600 miles on the car due to a hose clamp not being secured during manufacture. Ever since then I have had problems with the car hesitating and almost stalling when accelerating from a stop just after starting the car. It also happens more often if the car is not level at the time, either on an incline or decline. If I let the car warm up for a few minutes, I generally do not have this problem. I have also had a problem with the gas pedal feeling like it sticks or is catching on something, I have noticed this problem more often when the outside temperature is below 75 degrees. When the accelerator finally activates, the car general lunges forward or will spin the tires, I have learned to let my foot off of the accelerator to keep the car under control. I have also had problems with the car shifting abruptly between gears, but this has subsided quite a bit. I have also felt a vibration in the car around 45 and 70 MPH. I don't feel the vibration in the steering wheel, it feels like it is coming from the middle of the car, more in the transmission/drivetrain area. I have had the tires rotated a balanced 3 times and also had the alignment checked, but the vibration still occurs. I have taken the car back to the dealership numerous times and they always say they can not duplicate the problems. I have researched all of the complaints and recalls for the tribute and the ford escape, since they are basically the same vehicle, and there are quite a few similar complaints. I think the hesitating problem is related to the recall for the "stalling" problem, I think the problem is more widespread than they thought or the fix for the recall did not solve the problem entirely.

Filed Jun 22, 2004 · Engine · 6,657 miles · PA

When accelerating the vehicle first hesitated and then accelerated. The dealership was notified but did not resolve the problem. *ak

Filed Jan 1, 2004 · Fuel system, Transmission · 50,000 miles · NC

After sitting for 2 days in feburary of 2003, my 2001 mazda tribute has a hard start and extrame hesitation when driving. Later the engine light came on. I had the vehicle towed to mazda dealership who said it was caused by busted spark plug. I oked a tune up. In march 2003 after sitting two days, the same problem occurred. I called the dealership and was told they found a callapsed hose. I have not allowed the vehicle to sit for 2 days again but did notice a slight hesitation off and on and it is now december 2003 and the problem has gotten worse. And like other complaints, it starts at elevation between 45-50 MPH. After 55 it's fine. It does this all the time. As of 1-2-04 I have a scheduled appointment to have it checked out. I also want to mention that about 4 months ago as I was driving to work, the vehicle stalled with no warning however, I was able to coast to the shoulder with no problems. After about 15 minutes the vehicle started with no problem.