Mazda Tribute won't start problems

Filed Oct 5, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · MO

I have to put the key in the ignition a certain way and press on it to get the car to start and was told it is a pin that gets stuck in the steering column and it won't let the vehicle start and they said it is a Steering column lock module and there should be a recall on it. This is a big problem my fiance' has cancer and needs to be at her appointments when she has them not when the vehicle decides to let me get her there. It won't start all the time.

Filed Feb 19, 2018 · Engine, Suspension · MO

Engine will not turn over. Gas is not being circulated

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 60,000 miles · CA

We took to the mazda dealer (5900 north oak trafficway, kansas city, mo 64118) in 2009 because the car did not start. They changed the starter motor and still it did not work then they replaced the battery and it did not work again them they said it is the alternator this all happened just within a week or two and had to spend lot of money. Then again we had to replace the battery four times with in 2009 to 2014. Right now we have the same problem and an auto dealer is saying it is the alternator. I strongly think there should be some kind of recall to this as I have not seen a car like this that has so many electrical problem and this is not safe. Thank you for checking on this and hope this problem will be solved and people will not have any problems in the future.

Filed Sep 17, 2013 · Fuel system · 150,000 miles · IN

Wife stopped at gas station to fill up. Car would not start after fillup. Had car towed home. Determined it was a bad fuel pump. Replaced fuel pump. Should have been a simple repair, but it was anything but simple. Completed fuel pump replacement, with no further problems. About two weeks after replacing the fuel pump, my wife and I started smelling fuel outside of the car. I removed the cover over the fuel pump, but could not find a leak. I looked under the car, and observed a gas spot on the ground just forward of the fuel tank, but still can't find the leak. Car runs fine, but the gas mileage has dropped to about 10 to15 mpg, from 20 to 25mpg. There are no caution/warning lights on the dash. Had an ase certified mechanic friend of mine look at it. He could not find the leak. Does not leak all the time, and when it does, it appears to be only a few drops. Mechanic recommended a fuel filter change, and perhaps a dye test to make the leak easier to see. We have had this car since feb. 2013, and the fuel pump is the only major problem we have had, not counting the four new 16 inch tires we had to replace at the time of sale. I still love this car, v6, awd, sunroof, leather seats, ice cold air, cruise, tilt, power windows, locks, seat, ect.ect. Have had people swore it was a new car. They could not believe it is 12 years old. I take real good care of my cars. Wife swares I love it more than her. I have had my wife for over 20 years, and don't plan to trade her, or the car, in anytime soon.

Filed Jun 10, 2013 · Engine · 102,000 miles · MI

Just bought this car from a used dealership in milwaukee, wi. I have a 90 day warranty on the car. In under 30 days the engine has locked up on this truck. I was going at least 10/15 MPH turning into the bank when the wheel locked up, the engine and oil light came on, and the truck shut off completely. It would not start after that. Finally, after it did start there is a horrible knocking. Probably threw a rod..... Most horrible experience I've ever had with a vehicle, and this is my first newer car!!!! My old 2000 chevy impala with 200,000 miles on it drove like a champ! Too bad I sold it not more than an hour before my new car went kaput!

Filed Feb 8, 2011 · Acceleration, Tires · 46,000 miles · OH

I have several problems with my mazda tribute 4 cylinder 2wd. The #1 problem is that the gas peddle freezes especially when it's cold outside. I try to press down on it and it doesn't move. I have to do this a couple of times before it starts working and then I have to be careful that I don't go shooting across the rode. I was told this could be carbon buildup by the dealers serviceman. I also have to put air in the tires every week when it's cold and every other week when it's not. I had a tire pressure valve leak in one of the tires and now I think I have another. My vehicle has 54440 miles on it and the further it has been driven is 36 miles. It is used for local driving only as I would be afraid to drive it any further than that. I also need front stabilizer links. I just replaced the battery but now when I try to start the vehicle, everything lights up but it doesn't start or make any sound when I turn the key. I have to try this several times before it finally starts. I bought this vehicle new and I have all these problems. The front wheel drive is worthless, I slide all over the place and fish tail backing up in my driveway. These problems are several times a day and I don't have the money to keep fixing these problems because this vehicle should not be having these problems. I was told that the tires may need the rims cleaned to help with the tire pressure light coming on. Of course my warranty is expired as is my roadside assistance. I wouldn't buy another mazda tribute or recommend it to anyone. And since when does it cost $600 plus for a tune up?

Filed Jun 15, 2010 · Electrical · 48,000 miles · FL

Mazda tribute died on a busy road during a rainstorm, would not crank, windows and gauges on dash intermittently worked as we waited for a tow -- towed to a shop,engine still won't crank. The local repair shop tech believes it is tsb: 01-047/06. Looking like a $1,200 bill coming (PCM, labor to troubleshoot and repair...and a new battery)..went to mazda and they say the tsb helps a tech troubleshoot a problem.. My question is that if mazda has had enough of these issues to write up a tsb then it must be a widespread issue caused by a mazda design defect, so why is mazda not backing it up and fixing for free as a recall or reimbursing if the fix is performed by an independent repair shop? (the part alone is ~$700)? Need vehicle so having it fixed and will ask for the replaced part (powertrain control module - PCM).

Filed May 13, 2010 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · MD

Vehicle engine stopped running at highway speed. Dangerous total shut-off of engine while driving. Could not re-start vehicle. Starter would turn engine but engine would not start. Vehicle towed to independent repair shop. Shop retrieved code p1260 "anti-theft system signal detected - engine disabled". Most tow vehicle to mazda dealer for service.

Filed May 1, 2009 · Acceleration · 59,000 miles · AR

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda tribute. The contact stated that the vehicle experiences a no start condition accompanied by an unexpected increase in engine idle speed when attempting to park. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v583000 (vehicle speed control:cables);therefore, they would not provide any assistance. The contact stated that a recall repair was never performed. The failure has not been remedied. The failure and current mileages were 59,000.

Filed Nov 12, 2008 · Engine · 109,856 miles · 00

About 2 weeks ago started to hear a ticking noise when starting, getting worse checked oil and was down about 1/2 liter topped up oil. Went to a garage to have it looked at. They told me there was a connector rod problem this progressed rapidly within two days it wont start. I have 109000 k/m , there was no warning no over heating, no warning lights . Now I need a new engine.