64 of the
2,831 complaints filed about the Mazda Tribute
are about the other systems —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2005.
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a potential recall failure involving a 2005 Mazda Tribute driven by my fiancé, [XXX], who died following a crash on [XXX]. Mazda has opened Case #[XXX] in response to my inquiry, and I am requesting federal oversight of this investigation. Joey’s vehicle may have been affected by NHTSA Recall 12V357000, which addresses throttle body malfunction and unintended acceleration. Service records show that a dealership performed a recall service, but the parts used may have been ineffective or incomplete. The crash sequence—rear-ending a stopped vehicle followed by veering into oncoming traffic—matches known symptoms of this defect. I am requesting: •A formal review of Mazda’s handling of Recall 12V357000 •Verification of Joey’s VIN-specific recall compliance •Investigation into the dealership’s repair actions and part quality •Oversight of Mazda’s internal case (#[XXX]) and its findings This issue raises serious concerns about manufacturer accountability and public safety. I am submitting supporting documentation and service records for review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11696863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have to put the key in the ignition a certain way and press on it to get the car to start and was told it is a pin that gets stuck in the steering column and it won't let the vehicle start and they said it is a Steering column lock module and there should be a recall on it. This is a big problem my fiance' has cancer and needs to be at her appointments when she has them not when the vehicle decides to let me get her there. It won't start all the time.
NHTSA complaint #11488049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The passenger side rear wheel well has rusted out and the brake mount is deteriorating as well affecting the safety of the vehicle. I have been told that this is a common issue on Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape models for the years 2001-2005 by my mechanic as well as Mazda dealer reps. They stated the 2001-2004 models were recalled but not the 2005. However, t hey mentioned that these should likely have been recalled as well. One would think that if you take care of your car that the components of the frame should not rust out.
NHTSA complaint #11445860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have found several complaints on the 2005 Mazda Tribute with the rear wheel well rusting out. Mazda did a recall on the 2004 but not the 2005. I previously had to replace the rear wheel in 2018 and it now needs replaced again due to rusting. With the number of complaints I have read, along with the outrageous cost to repair, I do not understand why Mazda, nor the NHTSA have done anything about this. A recall NEEDS to be issued ASAP.
NHTSA complaint #11435888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER MAZDA TRUBUTES, THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE STRUT IS NO LONGER HELD IN PLACE, YET PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE THAT REQUIRED A RECALL FOR OTHER MAZDA TRIBUTES, BUT NOT THE 2005 VERSION. ACCORDING TO MANY FORUMS, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER 05 TRIBUTES.
NHTSA complaint #11415738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER STEERING BECAME UNUSEABLE COULD NOT CONTROL AUTO WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET HAD IT TOWED TO TWO SERVICE CENTER COULD NOT FIX. ; MAVIS TIRE & REPAIR, LACKAWANNA, NY AND LUKES ENTERPRISE SOUTHWESTERN BLVD ORCHARD PARK,NY
NHTSA complaint #11398710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS DRIVING AROUND 50MPH AND COMNG UP TO A STOP LIGHT, AS I BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN IN THE LEFT TURNING LANE FOR THE RED LIGHT GOING LEFT, MY TRIBUTE SUDDENLY STALLED.THE LIGHT THEN OF COURSE TURNED GREEN AND THIS WAS NOT GOOD, CAUSE ALL THE CARS COMING UP FROM BEHIND ME WERE NOW INTENDING TO NO SLOW DOWN AND BEGIN TO SPEED UP, TO CARRY ON THROUGH THE VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. WHICH ALMOST CREATED A PILE UP, BEGINNING AT MY REAR BUMPER, OR ANOTHER SUDDEN COLLISION NEAR BY. LUCKILY ALL THE CARS HAD EITHER SWERVED AROUND MINE, OR MANAGED TO STOP BEHIND ME. I THEN PUT MINE IN PARK AND TRIED TO START IT, THE ENGINE STARTED BUT I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. SO I SHUT IT OFF, PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TRIED STARTING IT, IT STARTED AND SHIFTED OUT OF PARK BUT WOULD NOT MOVE WHILE IN DRIVE. SO I TRIED IN ONE OF THE LOWER GEARS AND IT VERY SLOWLY, ABOUT 5 MPH BEGAN TO MOVE, GETTING ME OFF THE MAJOR ST AND ON TO A SIDE STREET. I THEN CHECKED REVERSE, WHICH WORKED JUST FINE AND ALLOWED ME TO PULL INTO A NEARBY STORE TO WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK. I PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT IT OFF, TOO WAIT FOR IT TO BE TOWED HOME. THE NEXT DAY I TRIED TO USE IT, BUT STILL NOTHING IN DRIVE, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ITS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE, ABOUT 5 MONTHS NOW.
NHTSA complaint #11365995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CAR STALLED WHEN SLOWING TO STOP IN LEFT TURNING LANE DOING AROUND 45MPH, APPROACHING THE LIGHT IN A BUSY INTERSECTION AND VEHICLES APPROACHING MINE FROM BEHIND. IT WOULD NO LONGER START IN PARK OR MOVE IN DRIVE, TO GET OUR OF THE WAY AND OFF THE STREET I HAD TO WAIT AND THE MOVE IT IN REVERSE. GOT TOWED HOME AND IT STILL SITS.
NHTSA complaint #11365999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNS ACCESSORIES ON, BUT WILL NOT EASILY START THE ENGINE WHEN TURNED TO THE START POSITION. IT TAKES SEVERAL REPETITIONS OF WIGGLING AND PUSHING THE KEY IN WHEN TURNING IT TO THE START POSITION UNTIL THE CAR RESPONDS TO THE KEY START POSITION. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET THE KEY SWITCH TO START THE ENGINE, SPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR IS A STICK SHIFT MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHERE IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET OR INTERSECTION DUE TO INEXPERIENCED DRIVER, AND IF THIS HAPPENS, STARTING THE CAR AGAIN IS A CHALLENGE WHEN THE KEY DOESN'T EASILY START THE CAR IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #11362976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CAR IS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE AND VIBRATION AND CHATTER FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL.I HAD NEW SHOCKS PUT IN AND HE MECHANIC '":TOLD ME THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT.AND I SHOULD GET IT FIX AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11234337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TAKATA RECALL WE WERE ON INTERSTATE WHEN WE HEARD A THUD AND OUR VEHICLE LOST POWER ALMOST CAUSING US TO BE REAR ENDED. WE STEERED OFF FREEWAY AND WHEN IT CAME TO A STOP IT WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR EXCEPT NEUTRAL. WE HAD IT TOWED TO HOUSE. AFTER LOTS OF RESEARCH IT SEEMS IT COULD BE THE TRANSMISSION MODULE OR PCM.
NHTSA complaint #11193688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY 2008 TRIBUTE HAS HAD 3 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED BEFORE THE 4TH WAS A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION THAT WAS PUT IN. LAST NIGHT MY TRIBUTE WAS IN PARK AND KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION AND IT ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY OUT IN TO THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE IT RAN OVER HIM. HE PULLED IT BACK IN THE DRIVEWAY AND SET THE PARKING BRAKE. IT ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AGAIN. THIS DEATH TRAP OF A VEHICLE IS LISTED IN ONE OF THE RECALLS ON THE SHIFT LINKAGE. MY TRANSMISSIONS WERE REPLACED IN KILLEEN, TEXAS IN 2012. THE 3RD REBUILT TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED AND PULLED RIGHT BACK OUT. THAT'S HOW THE DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO REPLACE IT WITH A BRAND NEW ONE. LAST NIGHT MY HUSBAND PULLED IN FORWARD INTO ARE DRIVEWAY AND PUT THE SUV IN PARK, TURNED IT OFF, AND GOT OUT OF THE SUV AND WENT TO GET A CEILING FAN BOX OUT OF THE BACK AND HE FELT THE SUV ROLLING BACK ON HIM. HE THANKFULLY WAS ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SIDE AS IT ROLLED BACK OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY TO THE MIDDLE OF OUR STREET. HE GOT THE KEYS FROM ME AND DROVE IT BACK INTO OUR DRIVEWAY AND SET THE PARKING BREAK. WE WALKED OUT FRONT THIS MORNING AND IT ROLLED BACK DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF OUR DRIVEWAY. HE PUT CHALK BLOCKS BEHIND THE TIRES AND SET THE PARK BACK BRAKE AGAIN. MY HUSBAND IS AN ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIER. WE BOUGHT THE SUV WHILE WE WERE STATIONED AT FT. HOOD AND NOW WE ARE STATIONED AT FT. CARSON IN COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO. I'M LEAVING HIS CONTACT INFORMATION FOR YOU. I WILL ALSO INCLUDE MY RING DOORBELL VIDEO FROM LAST NIGHT. THANK YOU, [XXX] MY HUSBAND [XXX] MY EMAIL ([XX] HUSBAND'S EMAIL [XXX]. LINK FROM RING DOORBELL : [XXX] VIN # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC
NHTSA complaint #11182140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAD THE OIL CHANGED IN PAHRUMP, NEVADA AT ROUND 10 AM. AFTERWARDS, I DROVE THE VEHICLE AROUND TOWN FOR SEVERAL HOURS, LOADING IT UP WITH BELONGINGS BECAUSE I WAS MOVING 160 NORTH ON HWY 95. AFTER STOPPING IN BEATTY, NEVADA, MY SUV SPUTTERED. I TOOK THE SUV OUT OF OVERDRIVE INTO DRIVE TO SEE IF IT WOULD BACKFIRE TO GET THE DIRT OR WATER OUT OF THE FUEL LINE FROM JUST FILLING UP. ABOUT A MILE DOWN THE ROAD, I HEARD A BELT SQUEAL. THINKING MY TRANSMISSION MAYBE GOING OUT DUE TO THE FACT I HADN'T DRIVEN IN DRIVE FOR SOME TIME, I CONTINUED ON MY WAY PRAYING THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE IT TO MY DESTINATION. IT WASN'T UNTIL I REACHED THE 88 MILE MARKER, DID THE SQUEAL HAPPEN AGAIN. THEN WHITE SMOKE FOLLOWED. I THOUGHT, WELL THERE GOES THE RADIATOR TOO. JUST PAST THE 92 MILE MARKER, THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. I STILL HAD WHITE SMOKE AND NO SHOULDER. I DECIDED I HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AT 7 P.M. I WENT OVER INTO THE DITCH WITHOUT TURNING OVER WITH MY BELONGINGS. IMMEDIATELY, I NOTICED THE OIL AND OIL PAN LIGHTS ON. MY HEADLIGHTS WERE STILL ON. I CALLED A FRIEND WHO TOLD ME TO GET OUT IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED 911 AT 7:05 P.M. THEY TOLD ME TO RUN. WITHIN A MINUTE A SMALL FLAME CAME SHOOTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CONTINUED TO BURN FOR OVER ONE HOUR UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH FOAM. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A COUPLE OF SEASONED MECHANICS. THEY SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE OIL FILTER WAS DEFECTIVE. ANOTHER SAID AFTER LOOKING AT WHAT WAS LEFT... ONLY THE SHELL, THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT UNDER THE HOOD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY, SAFECO HAS IT IN THEIR FORENSICS LAB TO DETERMINE FAULT. I GOOGLED FIRES IN MAZDA TRIBUTES 2002 AND RAN ACROSS A RECALL. I DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE AND HAVE CHECKED THE MAZDA WEBSITE USING MY VIN NUMBER. NOTHING ON MY VEHICLE EVER BEING RECALLED FOR THIS FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE PICTURES ON MY PHONE BUT LOST MY COMPUTER TO LOAD TO SITE.
NHTSA complaint #11154523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN DRIVING OR STOPPING AT RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF, BEFORE IT SHUTS OFF THE OIL LIGHT FLICKERS AND THERE'S A BURNING SMELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOOK IT TO MULTIPLE AUTO SHOPS AND HAVE GOT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS REPLACE, TRANSMISSION, MASS AIR FLOW AND A HOST OF OTHER THINGS AT A COSTLY PRICE AND THE PROBLEM IS NOT FITS. THERE IS SOMETHING TERRIBLE WRONG WITH THE 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE, I HAVE BEEN IN ALMOST 2 ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE FIX THIS!!
NHTSA complaint #11144839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE SHOCK TO POKE A HOLE THRU THE BACK OF MY CARGO AREA. THIS CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR DRIVING. MY SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ALMOST LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE CAR DUE TO THIS. MAZDA HAS RECALLED 2004 AND OLDER FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED 2005.
NHTSA complaint #11118135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAST NIGHT 01/11/2018, I WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THIS MORNING MY GAS PEDAL WAS STICKING, AND IT WAS HARD TO DRIVE/GO. ONCE I REACHED THE MAIN STREET, IT WAS HARD TO ACCELERATE. NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT WON'T GO OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11062384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OUR 2005 TRIBUTE MODEL HAS THE SAME RUSTING OUT OF THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL WELLS THAT THE 2001-2004 MODELS OF THE TRIBUTE HAVE EXPERIENCED. THOSE MODELS WERE REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL, BUT THIS YEAR'S MODEL AND FORWARD STILL HAVE THE SAME RUSTING OUT PROBLEM. DEALERS FOR MAZDA AND FORD WON'T EVEN LOOK AT THIS TO REPAIR IT. CAR IS NOW BASICALLY UNDRIVABLE. AND FROM WHAT I'VE FOUND, MAZDAWORLD.COM SAYS THAT MOST OF THESE VEHICLE WERE ACTUALLY MANUFACTURED IN 2004 BUT DATED TO 2005 MODEL YEAR. BUT AVOIDED THE 2004 RECALL BECAUSE OF THIS I CAN FIND A KIT ON EBAY TO FIX, BUT NO DEALERS WILL DO THE WORK. THERE HAVE BEEN PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS, BUT NO ACTION ON THIS KNOWN PROBLEM THAT HAS EXISTED IN PRIOR MODEL DESIGNS.
NHTSA complaint #11058157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WOULD LIKE A COMPLETE REFUND OF ALL DOLLARS SPENT IN ACQUIRING A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE VIN [XXX] ON MARCH 06, 2017 FROM CERTIFIED AUTO BROKERS LLC IN HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075, LICENSE #[XXX]. (ATTACHED BILL OF SALE) DUE TO SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION DAMAGE, THE FRAME IS LIKELY TO COLLAPSE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION ENDANGERING THE SAFETY OF ITS PASSENGERS, RATHER THAN CRUSH AND ABSORB THE IMPACT AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO DO. IN ADDITION, IT IS PRONE TO SWERVE AND POSSIBLY TIP OVER OUT OF CONTROL ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT DUE TO A MISSING PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK THAT WAS NOT DISCLOSED PRIOR TO PURCHASE (PHOTOS ATTACHED). THE LEFT SIDE SHOCK IS WORN OUT AND ALSO READY TO FALL OFF AT ANY MOMENT AS WELL. BECAUSE THE FENDER WELLS ARE RUSTED THROUGH EXHAUST FUMES CAN ENTER THE PASSENGER CABIN WHICH COULD HAVE SERIOUS HEALTH CONSEQUENCES TO ITS INHABITANTS. EVIDENCE SUGGESTS AT SOME POINT THE DAMAGED AREAS WERE COVERED WITH PAINT OR UNDERCOAT IN AN ATTEMPT TO HIDE THESE DEFECTS. THE DRIVE SHAFT, THE FRAME AND THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ARE SEVERELY CORROSION DAMAGED. THE PARKING BRAKE IS INOPERATIVE DUE TO RUST AND COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN HILL WHILE PARKED. THERE IS SIGNIFICANT RUST HIDDEN UNDERNEATH THE FENDER FLARES. HAD I KEPT DRIVING THIS VEHICLE I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED AND ENDANGERED THE LIVES OF OTHERS ON THE ROAD. CERTIFIED AUTO BROKERS WAS NEGLIGENT IN REPRESENTING THIS VEHICLE AS BEING IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND SELLING IT WITH KNOWN SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES (REFER TO ATTACHED ADVERTISEMENT). SINCE THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE AS SOLD IS UNSAFE, UNFIT FOR THE ROAD AND DOES NOT FULFILL ITS IMPLIED USEFULNESS, I AM ASKING FOR A COMPLETE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE AND ALL TAXES AND REGISTRATION FEES INCURRED IN PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11055499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY GAS PEDAL IS STICKING INTERMITTENTLY. ACCORDING TO MY INTERNET SEARCH, THE V6'S FOR THIS MODEL WAS RECALLED, BUT NOT THE 4 CYLINDER VERSION I HAVE. I HAVE TO BELIEVE IT IS A SIMILAR PROBLEM. I JUST WANT IT TO GET FIXED AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. EITHER IT IS GOING TO GET STUCK IN THE FULL SPEED MODE OR NOT LET ME CHANGE OUT OF A 2 MILES AND HOUR MODE.
NHTSA complaint #11055578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.