This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Engine completely shuts off with no warning while driving. You do not realize it has occurred until you notice your power steering has become stiff or you go to accelerate. The problem has occurred three times first time 10/2001, second 11/2001 third 5/2002. Each time it occurred within first 30-45 minutes of driving and when the accelerator was not in use.
Engine periodically shuts down at low rpms. Power steering and power brakes fail when engine shuts down and, as a result, the Tribute is difficult to steer and stop. Shutdowns have happened at least eleven times - always at low rpms (1000 RPM or less). Each shut down occurred when I was coasting downhill. Generally, I was also braking at the same time. The dealership's service department has been extremely diligent in their efforts but so far Mazda has been unable to provide the technical assistance needed to resolve the problem. I bought the Tribute in Jan 2001 and expericed the first failures before the first 3000 mile servicing. The first dealer resolution attempt was not documented. The technician queried the onboard computer but there was no code indicating any failure. On 4/28/02, after more failures, the problem was diagnosed as a wiring problem and "fixed". three more falilures occurred before the Tribute reached 6000 miles. The dealer could not duplicate but on 8/8/01 advised Mazda. No repairs were made. Engine shutdowns continued and on 10/09/01 at 7,639 miles, the dealer removed the bypass air control valve and cleaned the passageway - as advised by Mazda technical assistance. The Tribute then ran fine for eight months. Then in June 2002, the problem reoccurred and the dealer was contacted. Dealer still had seen nothing further from Mazda concerning resolution of the problem and contacted them once more for assistance. Suggestion was to "re-program" the onboard computer the next time the car is brought in for servicing. This is a dangerous situation and will utlimately result in an accident. So far, shutdowns have occurred while I was in an uncongested area but that is simply luck. Mazda and Ford have a really dangerous situation that needs immediate attention and resolution. So far I have received nothing from Mazda letting me know there is a problem with the Tribute. Guess they feel it is not a problem as long as it can be ignored.
Vehicle stalled, lost all power and almost caused an accident. Contacted dealer. Cannot duplicate problem. Consumer stated the dealer replaced an egr valve and boost sensor, however the vehicle continues to stall, also the check engine light illuminated.
Vehicle would stall only when driving down hills. Vehicle been to dealer and problem reoccurring. The vehicle stalled three times before consumer took to have the vehicle repaired. The technician informed consumer that once the computer was reinstalled or reprogrammed it stuck. No one needing this repair has been back with the same issue. The vehicle stalled, this time on a flat road. Consumer took vehicle back and was informed Mazda and the dealership would be working on a resolution. The problem could not be duplicated. The problem is still reoccurring.
While going downhill at appximately 40 mph, engine stalled. Lost power brakes and steering. Able to stop car safely (barely). Taking vehicle to dealer. Had initally made an appointment since my engine check light came on 4 days before this stalling incident. I asked the dealer if I should still drive my Tribute with the engine check light on, they said it was safe and not to worry. Don't know if the two problems are related or not.
While going 35-40mph down long hill engine quit. Steering and brakes failed. Consumer doesn't remember if dashboard lights illuminated. Vehicle coasted down hill while standing on the brakes to stop. This was the first time vehicle experienced the problem. Dealer rplaced bypass air control vavle due to vehicle idling too low.
Vehicle will cut off when driving at high speeds. Contacted dealer. Consumer stated that the dealer claims to have fixed the problem, but will not guarantee it in writing.
Descending an over water bridge at 35mph when engine died with no advance warning. Lost power steering and power brakes. Was able to get the vehicle to the road shoulder without causing an accident. Put vehicle back and park and restarted immediately. No recurrence yet. Due to be seen at dealer on 23 May 02. Research of your data base shows this is not an isolated occurence. No fatalities yet but only a matter of time. Can see no evidence in data base that Mazda has identified a cause or a fix.
Engine stalls while coasting downhill. The incident has occurred 3 times since I have had the vehicle. I am able to restart it after I pull over. I get the battery and engine light on. This last two incidents have almost caused me to be hit from behind.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bridgewater, CT, USA