Mazda Tribute headlights problems

Filed Nov 28, 2018 · 223,095 miles · NV · fire

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.

Filed Oct 7, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 165,000 miles · WV

Applying brakes and ABS kicks in and makes the tires lock up in the back and slides the rear end of the vehicle around. Seems electrical problems are occurring also. Headlights have a short, reverse lights don't work,and window controls don't always work. Vehicle has done all this since I have owned it. It was bought used and I have had it checked for all recalls and they are all up to date, or so the mazda dealer says they are. I have had brakes replaced along with rotors and tires and the vehicle does the same thing.

Filed Sep 27, 2011 · Lights · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mazda tribute. While driving at night, the contact stated that the headlights failed without warning. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The current and failure mileages were unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Feb 23, 2009 · Lights · 20,000 miles · TX

2008 mazda tribute condensation in sealed beam headlight. Dealership is saying that mazda corporate sent out an email disallowing the repair of headlights with condensation in them. The corporate email apparently states that this is a "normal" occurrence and will not be covered under warranty. I am afraid that this could impair our night vision or lead to an electrical short in the vehicle. Please investigate the validity of mazdas claim since water should not be in the headlight. Car is at town north mazda in richardson tx.

Filed Nov 7, 2006 · Body, Electrical · 10 miles · NC

I purchased a mazda tribute 2006 model on 9/4/06 and I took it in on 11/1/06 for water in headlamp, water was getting down the in windows, and tire pressure light blinking. I was told at the end of the day that the car was not ready because they could not figure out the tire pressure light problem and they ordered a part. Well, the next day it was the same thing, needed another part and they have been on the phone with mazda tech support. Well today is 11/7/06 and I still do not have my vehicle back. They are now saying that they have ordered another part and it will be three to four days because the part is on back order. I feel I have bought a defective vehicle and mazda should give me another vehicle to replace it. This vehicle (from the sounds of southern states) has had all of the computer censors replaced minus the major one (according to southern states) and for a vehicle to be new as this one is with these kind of problems, I feel is defective.

Filed Feb 23, 2005 · Lights · VA

Headlights go out.

Filed Jul 30, 2004 · Engine · 17,000 miles · FL

Drove my 03 mazda tribute in typical florda afternoon rainstorm vehicle stalled in middle of road almost causing vehicles following to crash from behind luckily I coasted off to the side quickly after few tries restarted vehicle however after restarted vehicle now making loud rattling sound from engine proceeded to drive rest of way home-about a mile from where stalled prior to pulling into driveway loud pop & grinding from engine coasted into driveway & realized engine blown-oil pouring out underneath thinking this was warranty issue (vehicle well maintained & only year old) took vehicle to local mazda dealer for repair after having vehicle 3 weeks they now told me that cause of stall & blowing of engine was water from rain or puddles splashing up got into air intake of engine water was pulled into cylinders where it cant be compressed & piston rods bent & broke until they punctured through blowing engine dealers service dept stated air intake for vehicle is located behind front grille about headlight level right where most rain & splashing would end up at front of vehicle-so not very well protected-would not take much for water to get into causing failure mazda would not repair vehicle under warranty-recommended my auto ins would pay for repair I feel this is serious design flaw with vehicle esp considering many smaller vehicles were driving around in same conditions without incident & if this can happen to me in the conditions & speeds I was driving I would think it could be potential cause of future accidents from these vehicles stalling in wet conditions not only is it safety concern-also would be consumer concern because it can blow engine & if mazda wont repair vehicles when this happens there will be many upset consumers mazda tribute & ford escape essentially same vehicle so this would apply there also I feel both ford & mazda should recall these vehicles & either relocate or better protect air intake so this kind of thing should not happen.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · 15,860 miles · MD

At 15,860 (8/31/2001) the transmission was replaced on my 2001 mazda tribute. The transmission is still unstable and hesitates and makes noise. I'm at 58,000 miles and out of warranty. The car was returned once to the dealer and was not fixed. If I take the car back to the dealership, they will charge to look at. I have had numerous problems - including a defective master cylinder, headlamp and other issues and recalls. This is the worst automobile I have ever purchased and I think mazda and it's dealerships no this. I'm very persistant individual and I feel the average person would have had to pay out of pocket for some of the repairs I had done to my mazda tribute.

Filed Oct 6, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · GA · crash · 1 injury

While driving about 45 MPH on the highway and without warning the vehicle shut down. Steering locked/ brakes failed, and headlights were flickering on and off. Driver lost control of the vehicle, and went into a fence, causing a collision. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. Driver suffered injuries, and was transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Filed Oct 1, 2003 · Lights, Suspension · 300 miles · UT

The vehicle pulled to the right so severely, that constant attention had to be maintained on the steering wheel.*ak the pull was more severe at higher speeds. The dealer attempted to fix the vehicle 7 times, and they stated the problem was caused by crown of the road or the consumer's tires. Also there was condensation in the headlamp.