2001 Mazda Tribute Reviews - Page 3 of 4

Power steering leaked shortly after purchase, two steering racks had to be installed to fix the problem.

CV joints replaced at 40,000 miles.

Master brake cylinder is seeping fluid.

Factory installed alarm had a tendency to go off randomly about a year after purchase, traced to a faulty switch in the rear window latch.

The car has had generally good performance since I bought it, despite some quality issues that date back to time of purchase (primarily with the power steering).

Car is generally pretty comfortable and well laid out, though the transmission lever is in the way of the radio controls in this model.

Rear window washer motor seized (My daughter has a Escape and same thing happened)

Front left and right rear door mechanisms broke. Had to order parts from Mazda. Car was unusable for a week. (Again same thing happened to left rear on daughters Escape)

Radio sometimes shows strange looking hieroglyphic type symbols (but it still plays fine)

Rides very nice and is very comfortable.

Feels larger then it really is.

Interior feels too "plasticy"

The transmission gave out at 77,000 miles. The fluid was changed and within 48 hours the car shook violently at an intersection then lost power at the transmission. The dealer says the transmission has been failing for a while and all that can be done is a rebuild for $3,600. This is pathetic.

Electrical issues galore, radio shorted out and caught fire within 6 months.

Another time, I turned on blinker and all the dash lights blink in unison - took dealer 3 trips in to locate problem.

Windows wouldn't roll down.

Car would stall if taken out of drive.

One of the service lights is always on. As soon as I have one fixed another one comes on - right now my radiator light is on (again).

Latest issues is when I take the key out, the radio comes back on and drains the battery. Whenever I take it in to service the car won't act up so they can't fix it. : (Extremely aggravating.

Every other time I have the brakes done the rotors supposedly "have to" be replaced - not a cheap venture.

Car hesitates and makes an odd rattling noise sometimes on acceleration - dealer has been unable to recreate and fix.

Numerous recalls from the beginning of ownership.

I love the size, handling and pick up it has.

Unfortunately it is a high maintenance vehicle which is extremely irritating to say the least.

The ignition coil blew at 55K miles. 5k out of warranty and the dealership wanted none of it. When we traded the car in a few months ago, it had about 21 different recalls on it. Dangerous ones too. We settled for another Tribute because I really do like the car despite the fact that it is a Ford and that I had all the problems I did with the first one. I was so glad to get rid of the 2001 before the other 5 ignition coils decided to blow.

This will probably be my last Tribute though, after this one, I'm getting a Toyota.