The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel felt as if it was detached from the steering column. Additionally, there was a grinding noise coming from the passenger’s side front wheel well. The contact did not notice any warning lights. The contact was able to drive the vehicle safely back to his residence. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V174000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Mazda Tribute grinding brakes problems
33 of the 2,102 owner complaints about the Mazda Tribute describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2002 model year.
- owner complaints
- 33
- worst model year
- 2002
- typical mileage
- 66,200
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Pulling 3Stalling 3Power steering loss 2Loss of power 2Headlights 2Ball joint 2Wipers 1
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda tribute. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling excessively to the right and made a grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger side subframe crossmember and engine cradle were corroded through. Also, the front lower control arms mount was detached and needed to be replaced. The contact also stated that the front driver's side was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 12237710780. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency. The contact wanted to know why the manufacturer and the federal safety agency did not include his state in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v174000 (structure). The approximate failure mileage was 146,000. *tr
Steering wheel violently jerks & vibrates while driving and in idle. Steering column / wheel makes a grinding noise when it jerks & vibrates. Accelerator pedal sticks, especially in colder weather, making it hard to control vehicle...ie accelerating to get onto a highway or even coming out of a side street onto a main road. Recall for electric power assist system was "fixed" by mazda in 2018, but I feel a major problem still exists. This is a dangerous mix for driving safely. I am fearful of driving this vehicle due to the fact that I cannot accelerate properly or hold onto my wheel without it jerking.
I had the oil changed in pahrump, nevada at round 10 am. Afterwards, I drove the vehicle around town for several hours, loading it up with belongings because I was moving 160 north on hwy 95. After stopping in beatty, nevada, my SUV sputtered. I took the SUV out of overdrive into drive to see if it would backfire to get the dirt or water out of the fuel line from just filling up. About a mile down the road, I heard a belt squeal. Thinking my transmission maybe going out due to the fact I hadn't driven in drive for some time, I continued on my way praying the vehicle would make it to my destination. It wasn't until I reached the 88 mile marker, did the squeal happen again. Then white smoke followed. I thought, well there goes the radiator too. Just past the 92 mile marker, the engine locked up. I still had white smoke and no shoulder. I decided I had to get the vehicle off the road at 7 p.m. I went over into the ditch without turning over with my belongings. Immediately, I noticed the oil and oil pan lights on. My headlights were still on. I called a friend who told me to get out immediately. I called 911 at 7:05 p.m. They told me to run. Within a minute a small flame came shooting out of the vehicle which continued to burn for over one hour until the fire department showed up to put the fire out with foam. I have spoken to a couple of seasoned mechanics. They said it sounded like the oil filter was defective. Another said after looking at what was left... Only the shell, there was nothing left under the hood. The insurance company, safeco has it in their forensics lab to determine fault. I googled fires in mazda tributes 2002 and ran across a recall. I did not receive a notice and have checked the mazda website using my VIN number. Nothing on my vehicle ever being recalled for this fire hazard. I have pictures on my phone but lost my computer to load to site.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mazda tribute. While driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the subframe and shock mounts fractured from excessive corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
With no previous visible indication, rust ate away at the right rear wheel well around the shock mount. We noticed a loud squeaking one day from the back and, upon inspection, noticed teh sever rust damage. The metal had corroded behind the undercoating. The shock mount is no longer attached and the vehicle is not safe to drive. Inspection does not show excessive rust anywhere else on the body.
Turning into my driveway the steering made a grinding clunking sound as I was turning the steering wheel. Took vehicle for a test drive around block. As I turned into a side street there was a loud clunking sound as if the steering shaft was binding up and not turning freely. After that when I turned the wheel to steer around a corner the car would not turn right away. As I turned the wheel more the clunking sound came back and finally the steering caught and the wheels turned. Brought to dealer who diagnosed it as a failed steering shaft coupler. Fortunately this happened while near home. This is a safety issue that should be addressed by mazda on the 2008 tribute with a recall. The tribute only has around 66k miles.
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.
When turning into a parking lot, the steering suddenly began to grind and felt uncontrollable. My pregnant wife was in the vehicle with me so it was especially worrisome. I was able to navigate into the parking lot without crashing but I think a recall is in order. This tribute still has under 60,000 miles on it.
I purchased the car new in 2004. I have been complaining about the brakes losing pressure since I purchased my car but the dealership always told me they were fine. I have always had to push my brakes to the floor to stop the vehicle. Sometimes when at a red light I'd sit and pump air into the brakes so they would stop properly. Yesterday I was driving in stop and go traffic and a lady stopped ahead of me but my car would not stop. I had adequate distance to stop. I had the brake pedal to the floor and it felt as if the tires were stuttering/hopping in an attempt to stop. I pressed so hard that my whole leg was in a cramp. I hit the car ahead of me damaging the bumper. I did not slide, the tires are semi-new and in great condition. Also, my rotors failed a few years ago. Had to have them replaced all round as well as another part of the braking system. I have also had the grinding noise and the air hissing from the brakes. This has been an issue for a long time and I've asked mazda about recalls and their haven't been any. With the number of complaints on the internet I don't feel it is right for the consumers to have to continue paying financially, through insurance or personal injury for the manufacturer's default.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 mazda tribute vehicles manufactured from april 20, 2000, through july 19, 2002. The brake master cylinder reservoir cap can leak brake fluid. If brake fluid leaks, it could come in contact with the antilock brake system (ABS) module wiring harness connector.
- Risk
- Corrosion may develop in the electrical connector leading melting, smoking or possible fire.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vehicle's brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the ABS electrical system, free of charge. Until the repair has been performed, vehicle owners should park their vehicles outside. The safety recall began on june 22, 2012. Owners may contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option 6.
Recall number 12V016000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (ABS), the ABS module connector may have missing or dislodged wire seals. This condition could allow contamination to enter the module connector, creating a potential for an electrical short.
- Risk
- An electrical short might cause an ABS malfunction that would illuminate the ABS warning light, and in some cases, the module may overheat resulting in burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition could occur either when the vehicle ignition switch is in the off position or while the vehicle is being operated.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the wire harness connector to the ABS module for missing or dislodged wire seals, and repair or replace the harness connector as appropriate. The dealer will also inspect the connector on the ABS module and replace it if it is found to be corroded or damaged. The recall began on may 9, 2007. Owners may contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 07V157000 · Recall details
Questions about the Mazda Tribute grinding brakes
Which Mazda Tribute years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2002 (8 complaints), 2001 (6 complaints) and 2005 (6 complaints).
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