Engine O2 sensor failure turned on Engine check light at 50,000. Front window leaked when New, (Mazda Dealer never could find where the water was coming in). Air conditioning never cools the interior of car, have had the dealer check it at least 3 times and was unable to repair. Latest problem no compression at number one Cylinder, Mazda Dealer Recommended a Long Block, After charging $80.00 to do and engine Diagnostic on the Tribute. Asked Dealer why a car with only 61,000 miles would need a New Engine? Dealer had no answer. Mazda wants $5000.00 for a new engine. Disassembled the engine Myself found Broken Valve spring on #1 Exhaust Valve of Front Cylinder head. Valve Damaged Cylinder head and Piston. Dealer Feels Mazda has no responsibility for the Engine Failure.
Mazda Feels They have no responsibilty to the Customer.
Buyer beware.
No more Mazda or Fords for this Customer, Family and Friends.
I'm sorry to hear about the problems with your Tribute, but alas I too am a disgruntled Tribute owner. Mine is a 2003 Australian spec V6 model. Since the first month of ownership I've had nothing, but problems. Here's a brief description of my woes. Noisy engine, rough idle, O2 sensor failed, ineffective air conditioner, paint starting to crack, electric windows (both front and one rear) failed to operate, interior starting to fall apart, and the list goes on. The dealer has rectified faults, but if the car was well made it should never have happened, as others have pointed out this is more Ford than Mazda. This was my first and last Mazda, will be trading the Tribute in next week on a Xtrail. It presently has 38,000km, would hate to see it in a couple of years.
How good is a Tribute 2001 V-6 4wd ?
Mine is giving me transmission problem @ 70,000 miles.
The backup takes in only after 4000 rpm, forward is OK.
The problem appeared suddenly.
Always went to the dealer for service.
Never have been tough with my vehicle.
Dealer found the rear brakes cables were stuck in rust and could force the trans.
The cost :$300.00 BUT this operation failed to fix the backup problem.
Then Dealer said : you need a new trans :here are your options :
1) Mazda product :$4000.00
2) Rebuilt by XXX :$3000.00.
3) Opening the trans at dealer and see what is wrong : from $2000.00 to $3000.00.
Mazda refuses completely to participate : out of warranty,,, no way to change their mind :this problem is uncommon and cannot be cause by poor engeenering .
How such an excellent product failed prematurely, I asked the dealer?
Dealer says : it is a Ford product!
Mazda acquire new customers for the last 4 years, but is Mazda interested in keeping them?
Shame on you Mazda-Ford for not giving collaboration to your customer : your bread and butter will erode faster, that is it.
My solution : sell as is this Tribute and buy a Mitsubishi Outlander 2005 which comes with 100,000 miles 10 years powertrain warranty...
I have a 2001 V6 Mazda Tribute. The transmission has failed at 58,000klms. And of course the warranty expired 3 months ago.
So far Mazda are not even acknowledging that there has been a problem with this transmission - despite finding plenty of other disgruntled Mazda Tribute & 626 owners (along with Ford Escape owners who share the same tranny).
I had the car serviced from new by a Mazda dealer and had a major service just prior to the warranty expiring. I mentioned that the automatic was "clunky" but they said not to worry - "its just the 4WD". I also had an end of warranty inspection done by a motoring body - "all clear - sound mechanically" - that was less than 8,000 klms ago.
I had an oil change done by Ultra Tune in Australia at 50,0000klms, because Mazda was booked up for ten days and I wanted an oil change before heading off on holidays - and they too put a big tick in the check transmission fluid box.
Now Mazda are saying that they would have done a transmission flush at 50,000- even though it doesn't show up in the log book service manual - so it is all my fault. Ultra Tune are saying they did a log book service and that it was OK.
As usual it is the poor consumer who is left to suffer.
Last Mazda for this family (and anyone else I can tell my story to!)
I own a 2003 Mazda Tribute ES. After some smaller problems like windshield leaking in heavy rain (fixed by dealer), moon roof switch sticking, paint delaminating and rusting under rear window, and fog lights cracking due to thermal stresses when used in the cold winter (fog lights replaced at my cost only to crack again next winter) I thought I was in the clear. However, it now has suffered from a transmission failure at 59,000 miles. It is 9,000 miles out of warranty. The transmission costs about $4000 and Mazda agreed to do it at half price. Still, a transmission failure with this young a car is quite troubling. My other car is a Honda Accord and even though it has not been problem free, it has proven to be a much better vehicle.
I am here to tell you of my braking problems with my 02 Tribute V-6. At 43,000 miles my rotors were gone. But the mechanic said the pads looked like they had only 10,000 miles? Anyway I had rotors, pads, rear shoes, turned the drums and I still have the original problem of a grinding sound when I apply the brakes! If I apply the emergency brake only, I hear the same sound, and this will not stop the vehicle. I have seen information on what is called an electronic Brake force distribution device that is said to be on vehicles with ABS brakes. It supposedly limits the braking force applied to the rear wheels. I am about to test this myself by raising the rear wheel and trying to turn the wheel with the emergency brake applied. If so, I then will start the engine and apply the foot brake and see if there is any pressure change. If not I believe the EBD unit might be at fault. Has anyone out there had the same experience?
With no warning, my 2003 Ford Escape 3.0 duratec engine now has a hole in the engine block (at 53000 km). Its warranty finished in May 2006.
I own a 2002 Tribute ES-V6, and it has been nothing, but a thorn in my side from day 1:
5k miles - Engine DIED on me inexplicably. Mazda replaced it, but had no clue what caused it to croak.
7k miles - Transmission was leaking. Mazda "repaired" it.
7.5k miles- More leaking transmission. Mazda replaced it.
8k miles - "Clanking" noise when driving. Requested new car. Mazda acknowledged my letter, but failed to give me any offer aside from an extra 1k miles on my warranty.
24k miles - front right steering column started squeaking BADLY, and was replaced. (Just missed the lemon law!)
25 - 45k miles - engine light intermittently comes on, and the dealer repeatedly finds NOTHING wrong with the car.
55k miles - Got a new head unit for my ipod and discovered that the WRONG wiring system was in it. The people who built it installed an '01 wiring system, not the '02.
60k miles - engine was making a fluttering noise. Turns out the manifold was cracked. $1000.
61k miles - (today) the engine light came back on 2 miles after getting the new manifold put in. I brought it back to my mechanic today. Turns out my 02 sensors are shot, and it's going to cost me just under $500 to replace those.
Sooooo, I say STAY AWAY from the Mazda Tribute. Mine has been nothing, but a major money pit. I have friends who bought cars from the 80's with 200k miles on them and have had fewer problems than I have.
2001 Mazda Tribute ES -When you reach 40k, it's wise to sell!
I paid top-dollar for this vehicle with every possible option, hoping I could drive it for at least 100k. All was good until about 40k miles then it began. First many little issues that were frustrating, but you get nailed for the high diagnostic fee-still cheaper than the deductible on the extended bumper-to-bumper warranty. If only they all occurred at the same time. So it starts with moon roof not opening/closing. Then fog lights go. Then various idiot lights come on (but nothing found wrong after diagnostic fee paid). Then seat belt buckles, pcv hose, battery, etc. Mind you I change oil every 2-3k, get tune-ups, change filters, drive gently and the vehicle is garaged. Then twice the vehicle just died while driving in the middle of traffic. At 70k the alternator went which was $800 due to high labor because EVERYTHING on a mazda is in a 'special' place unlike most vehicles. For example, to change the alternator the axle had to removed! Now at 75k the whole transmission needs to be rebuilt due to 'mechanical failure'. I thought I'll fix it and keep it because what else could go wrong, but after reading these other reviews, I'm repairing and selling it before the engine goes. Buyer Beware!!!
Let me tell you about my 2003 Mazda B 4000 Dual Sport. I was well satisfied all the way to 69990 miles. The gas mileage was about 18 city, 20+ highway.
My wife and I retired, bought this new truck and off we went fishing the SE. Changed oil and filter each 5000 miles. At 70,000 miles Good Year tires purchased on truck still have many miles left.
At 69990 the timing chain guard came loose. It busted the guide and bent 6 valves and knocked a hole through the valve cover. My truck was in a dealership for 20 days, they offered no assistance of any kind. Finally they told me that I needed a new motor. It was installed and turned over to me for a cost of $5307.00 on May 16, 07. Mazda North America has not agreed to help us with the cost. Ford doesn't say anything. The motor was made by Ford.
After a great deal of comparisons my wife and I decided on a 3.0 V6 Luxury Pack, fantastic service by the sales and finance team HOWEVER. Picked up the car on Sat 9th of June, Sunday 10th of June at 275km, no cruise control and door ajar warning light comes on, check all doors all closed. At 350Km transmissions loses drive accompanied by mechanical noise, 500km transmission loses drive again. The next time the car leaves the garage will be back to the dealers probably for it'd final trip as my car. Mazda reliability, I don't think so, my '93 LR Discovery with 280K on the dial is more reliable.
I'm so happy I'm not alone! :-)
Have had a 2001 tribute Classic for about 18 months now and have had quite an array of problems.
The car has only done 80,000klms and so far in 18months we have had to change the drivers side door handle, the silver trim on front of bonnet fell off, the Mazda badge on grille fell off, lights on radio stopped working requiring a new head unit, sunroof switch stopped working, brake booster failed requiring replacement, (apparently a common problem though Mazda didn't think so!) water coolant bottle split (apparently another common problem though Mazda didn't think so!) and now to top it off the cruise control has stopped working (too scared to take it in for how much this one will cost) and the engine light has just come on with a sensor fail that is approx $250 to replace!!! What an absolute disgrace of a car!! With no support from Mazda at all
We are selling now and will never buy another Mazda again
:- (
We purchased our 2001 Mazda Tribute 4wd ES - new and had 5 dealer services to fix defective seat belt sensors causing the Air Bag Warning Light to light. We changed oil every 3000 miles, replaced the brakes twice and had no other major services. But now at 94000 miles the transmission suffered a catastrophic failure 50 miles from home, stranding my wife and 7 year old. The transmission dip stick has metal filings in the oil and the car won't move. There was no warning or other signs of trouble before the failure. The tranny will cost $3000.00 to rebuild here in California at a transmission shop. I expected more from this car. (Our last Mazda)
I have a Tribute ES 4x4 with 69,000 miles. While in cruise on the interstate, the transmission instantly slipped out of drive and will now only go into park. And parked it is, permanently. That is, until I spend $3,500 for a rebuilt transmission...NOT! I am buying a new car and everyone can bet it will not be a Ford or Mazda. Buyer Beware~
I have a 2004 Mazda Tribute (top of the line) & I will never buy another. The back window leaked when it was delivered; the cassette player played in reverse; the rear window screeched when operated; the heating system was inconsistent for the first few years; the head light burned so hot it melted into the socket; the differential leaked; the screws on the rear door are rusted & the antenna is rusting; the sunroof takes many attempts to close; there is a leak in the front engine & Mazda would not cover it as it was 10 days out of warranty. It's got 65,000 km & it is the worst vehicle I have ever had. I swear it was started on a Friday night & finished on a Monday morning!I make sure I let everyone I know how disgusted I am with Mazda & their product. Bye bye Mazda.
2001 Mazda Tribute ES - 68,000 miles. Used under normal driving conditions. Have followed all recommended manufacturer maintenance guidelines.
Driver side door mechanism had to be replaced in 2007.
Tie rods replaced-2007.
Motor mounts replaced-2007.
Shocks replaced-2007.
Severe deterioration of "wiper cowl" (rubber molding around windshield).
Brake light switch needs to be replaced.
Rubber seals on front headlights need to be replaced.
Light that illuminates the panel area that shows what gear
the car is in needs to be replaced. This is much more involved than it sounds because the dash and odometer need to be removed. Odometer has to be overnighted somewhere, reset, and sent back to dealer.
The tie rod replacement was done yesterday, 8/3/07. I was given an estimate of the other repairs that are stated above. Forget it!
Then, after reading these other comments, I need to ditch this before the transmissions goes too!