Purchased 2002 Mazda Tribute. Has been driven respectfully with on harsh driving conditions as well as having regular maint. Performed at suggested intervals. Original rotors have warped through normal driving. Luckily I was able to notice the difference in the way the brakes felt or the eventual failure could have resulted in a crash due to extended stopping distances.

- Canton, GA, USA

Brake pads and rotors are badly deteriorated. No lights came on and no squeaking occurred to notify me of this occurrence. The only indication was a bad grinding when the brake pedal was depressed. Replacement will cost approximately $450. People at risk because of Mazda's negligence: A mom, dad, and two small children.

- Cedar Creek, TX, USA

I have a 2002 Mazda Tribute with less than 30,000 miles on it. The dealership says that I need new front brakes and rotors. I took the car to another garage, and they said that the Mazda Tribute was built with sub-standard rotors that wear out quickly. I researched this on the internet, and I have found other Mazda Tribute owners with the same issues. If this is a systematic engineering defect in an important safety system, then I think this is something that should be recalled. The second garage said that if the rotors get too thin, which they are prone to do, that the brake calipers can come out, leading to a complete loss of brake fluid. This seems like a serious issue that should be looked into.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

The rotors and brakes failed again for the 2nd time with only 75K miles on the vehicle. The dealer is going to replace the rotors using a dsa credit, I am going to have to pay for the brakes. Dealer said Mazda is aware that braking system is undersized for vehicle, but Mazda would rather replace rotors using a dsa credit than do a full scale redesign and recall.

- Herndon, VA, USA

: the contact stated while driving at any speed and under normal braking conditions, the brakes pulsated and the vehicle pulled to the left. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who determined both front brakes rotors were warped due to excessive ware and needed to be replaced again. The brake rotors were replaced at 17,000 miles. The manufacturer has been alerted. The consumer stated it was the second set of rotor that were repalced. Updated 06/20/06.

- Anchorage, AK, USA

At 50,089 miles, my transmission failed; more specifically, the torque converter malfunctioned resulting in total transmission failure. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle -- I had to replace rotors within the first year of ownership, and may have to do so again at 52,000 miles. The vehicle has trouble starting, the brakes aren't very responsive, and I've had to replace the ignition switch with an unattractive and impractical replacement, because the dealership reported that the type that came with my vehicle wasn't available. The rear window has leaked. Needless to say, the warranty expired just before my transmission failed.

- Arroyo Grande, CA, USA

Brakes were shaking and making noise when being applied. There was excessive wear on the rotors when the vehicle was taken for inspection. Dealer will repair at consumer's expense.

- Anchorage, AK, USA

I have owned my vehicle for a little more than two years, it currently has 45,000 miles on it. I have had to replace the brakes on it twice now, and this time when I went to do the brakes there was no wear on the shoes and no grooves in the drums on either side. These are the origonal shoes. I had this problem with the Grand Prix. I have tested the brakes with the drums off and it looks as though they would assist, but by the amount of wear present I would have to say that all of my breaking is coming from the front. I took pictures of the drums and the shoes and it is clear there is no wear. There wasn't even any dust.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

Front disc brakes - allegedly worn out at 22,000 miles and now at 34,000 miles. 2 different dealers have looked at problem and declined to make a warranty claim. Now being told by 2nd dealer that rotors are "throw away" and need to be replaced along with disc pads. I've never had to replace brakes on any car with less that 60,000 miles.

- Franktown, CO, USA

I own a 2002 Mazda Tribute and upon taking my vehicle in for the state safety inspection it was noted that my brakes and rotors would not pass. I then brought the vehicle to Mazda for inspection and they agreed that the brake pads were wor, yet not completely gone, but more seriously the rotors needed to be replaced. Our service rep stated that he has seen this problem on many Tributes, yet Mazda has not authorized them to repair the problem under warranty. In all my years of car ownership and with everyone I have talked to, rotors should not have to be replaced on a two year old car.

- Herndon, VA, USA

Consumer called complaining about having problems with the engine. Vehicle completely stopped on the highway while driving at 35 mph. Dealer was contacted, and stated that vehicle was tested and some wiring had to be replaced. Also stated that she was having problems with the brake rotors. While driving she heard a real loud noise metal to metal noise, and when she took the vehicle to the shop the rotors were completely woren out. Dealer had no explanation as why it happened.

- Laurel, MD, USA