2003 Mazda Tribute Gsi 4WD from UK and Ireland - Comments

Smell of burning rubber in cabin.

Engine speed accelerates and slows without warning.

Slow starting.

Failure to start.

Noisy engine even whilst standing.

Notchy gear change.

Sticking throttle.

Engine stalled at 40 mph.

Despite all these problems, the dealer has only diagnosed and rectified the sticking throttle.

These faults are reported world wide, but Mazda and their dealers have little in the way of customer care.

Good sized S.U.V. with plenty of luggage room.

Refined interior, although quite a lot of plastic.

Unlikely to see many others on the road, which makes it difficult to find a specialist garage.

You are really buying a Ford Maverick, so patchy reliability has to be allowed for.

I am having problem with my Tribute (sticking accelerator) What did the dealer do to fix the sticking accelerator.

Thanks George.

RE: sticking accelerator:

There was a recall on the part, and the dealer should replace it.

Watch out for bad head gaskets. My brother-in-law has a 2003 V6 four wheel drive blew a head gasket at 103,000 miles. Motor had to be replaced or junk it. A new motor was $3,000 plus cost to remove and replace. Has been weeks without vehicle as was waiting on motor, etc, etc. Would he buy another... NO!!!