RoadVitals

2003 Mazda Tribute Brakes Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Brakes reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
32
Latest Sep 4, 2023
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
16%
of 199 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
6
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2003 Mazda Tribute submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 32 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming brake

The 25 most recent of 32, in the owner's own words

BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Sep 4, 2023

My ABS keeps locking up and Ive almost wrecked multiple times. I changed brakes and rotors and still the problem is on-going. Its dangerous and Ive read others saying the same thing online.

NHTSA ID
11542450
Incident
Sep 4, 2023
Body & structureBrakes
Filed Aug 20, 2019

THE ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE ABS LIGHT IS ON. WHEN I ENGAGE THE BREAK IT MAKES NOISE INITIAL BEFORE IT WILL START TO ENGAGE PROPERLY, BUT THE ABS LIGHT KEEPS SHOWING STEADILY. THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE REMAINS LOCKED AND CANNOT OPEN. THE LATCH IS NOT BAD.

NHTSA ID
11245355
Incident
Jul 21, 2018
AirbagsBrakesSuspension
Filed Sep 12, 2018

AIRBAGS SIGN ACTIVE

NHTSA ID
11129166
Incident
Jul 1, 2017
BrakesElectrical
Filed Sep 25, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ISLAND MAZDA (1580 HYLAN BLVD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10305 (844) 667-0618) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE'S ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS CLOSED ON FEBRUARY 8, 2008. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AT 800-222-5500, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,899.

NHTSA ID
11025357
Incident
Sep 21, 2017
Mileage
58,899 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 22, 2017

RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE RUPTURED WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT (PARKING LOT), RESULTING IN FULL LOSS OF BRAKES. INSPECTION REVEALED EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSES (FROM LINE TO CALIPER), PARTICULARLY IN THE REGION AROUND THE CRIMPED METAL FITTINGS.

NHTSA ID
10967692
Incident
Mar 17, 2017
Mileage
175,900 mi
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Jun 8, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED OVER TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,654.

NHTSA ID
10723968
Incident
Jun 5, 2015
Mileage
202,654 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 7, 2014

I HAD TO STOP SUDDEN...NO SKID...AND BRAKES WERE SPONGY AND HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO INSURE STOP IN TIME TO PREVENT A FENDER BENDER. STOPPING IS NOT GREAT AND STICK FOR A SECOND OR TWO AT STOP SIGNS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10653470
Incident
Jun 3, 2014
Mileage
70,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 1, 2013

ON JUNE 25, 2013 @ 11:00AM I CALLED MAZDA CORPORATION (REFERENCE CALL NUMBER:[XXX]) ABOUT RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS WERE NOT ASSIGNED TO THE VIN NUMBER OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAZDA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT ONLY THE SEAT BEAT ADJUSTMENT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO MY VEHICLE AND THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. MAZDA WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. I BOUGHT THE TRIBUTE IN 2010 FROM A DEALERSHIP; THUS, WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. I HAVE A 13 AND 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS AND AM A SINGLE PARENT. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. I CAN NOT AFFORD RIGHT NOW TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM ONLY ASKING MAZDA TO HONOR THE RECALLS. PLEASE SEE THE RECALL NOTICE BELOW FROM MAZDA. 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE RECALL ITEM AFFECTED: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER DATE ANNOUNCED: 3/29/2007 DESCRIPTION OF RECALL: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID. ACTION NEEDED TO FIX IT: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10522648
Incident
Apr 15, 2013
Mileage
261,550 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 1, 2013

ON JUNE 25, 2013 @ 11:00AM I CALLED MAZDA CORPORATION (REFERENCE CALL NUMBER: [XXX]) ABOUT RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALLS WERE NOT ASSIGNED TO THE VIN NUMBER OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAZDA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT ONLY THE SEAT BEAT ADJUSTMENT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO MY VEHICLE AND THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. MAZDA WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. I BOUGHT THE TRIBUTE IN 2010 FROM A DEALERSHIP; THUS, WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALLS. I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. I HAVE A 13 AND 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS AND AM A SINGLE PARENT. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. I CAN NOT AFFORD RIGHT NOW TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM ONLY ASKING MAZDA TO HONOR THE RECALLS. PLEASE SEE THE RECALL NOTICE BELOW FROM MAZDA. 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE RECALL ITEM AFFECTED: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE DATE ANNOUNCED: 4/11/2007 DESCRIPTION OF RECALL: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. ACTION NEEDED TO FIX IT: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)*TR

NHTSA ID
10522641
Incident
Jun 11, 2013
Mileage
261,548 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 17, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 1/29/13 *CN THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS RE-FILLED. A NEW BRAKE RESERVOIR CAP WAS PURCHASED FROM THE MAZDA DEALER. THE ORIGINAL CAP WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING. UPDATED 02/06/13

NHTSA ID
10489005
Incident
Dec 16, 2012
Mileage
55,000 mi
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Sep 6, 2012

EVERY TIME IT RAINS REALLY HARD OR THERE'S FLOODING IN THE STREETS THE CAR STARTS SHOWING THE BATTERY LIGHT LIKE IT IS GOING TO DIE ON ME AND AS A PRECAUTION I TRY TO PULL OUT OF THE STREET TO ANY PLACE AND WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THE CAR LOOSES POWER AND THE WHEELS WON'T TURN. DRIVING NO MORE THAN 5MPH WHILE SLOWING DOWN FROM A NORMAL 35MPH WITHOUT WARNING MY ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I LOST POWER TO MY STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO OFF THE ROAD AFTER APPLYING ALL MY WEIGHT TO THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL. I MISSED AN ONCOMING CAR AND A TREE BY AN INCH. I DECIDED TO DO SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND IT SEEMS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM WITH A MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003. I AM VERY WORRIED BECAUSE IT HURRICANE SEASON HERE IN FL AND THE RAIN IS NOT SOMETHING I CAN PREDICT, BESIDES IT SEEMS ABSURD THAT I WOULD EVEN HAVE TO WATCH THE WEATHER TO SEE IF I SHOULD OR NOT DRIVE THE CAR. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN!! I DRIVE MY 2 YEAR OLD EVERY DAY AND IT IS NOT RIGHT THAT MAZDA WOULD HAVE CARS WITH THIS ISSUES OUT IN THE STREET. IF FEELS LIKE BY SIGNING A PURCHASE CONTRACT ON IT. I HAD SIGNED A DEATH WITH IT. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. I HAVEN'T FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10474091
Incident
Aug 28, 2012
Mileage
112,345 mi
Brakes
Filed May 1, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP, THE BRAKE LINE FAILED. THE BRAKE LINE FRACTURED AND ALL OF THE FLUIDS LEAKED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE BRAKE LINES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID
10457004
Incident
Apr 27, 2012
Mileage
150,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Apr 17, 2012
Fire reported

MY 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE WAS RECALLED IN MAY 2007 FOR ABS VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL. I TOOK IT IN THAT SAME MONTH AND THE DEALER DETERMINED MODULE CONNECTOR DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. ON MARCH 15, 2012 ABS LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON AND STAYED ON FOR AN HOUR. TOOK IT TO HAVE IT CHECKED ON MARCH 17, CODE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. UPON INSPECTION EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD THE ABS LIGHT COME ON AGAIN. TWO DAYS LATER, ON MARCH 19, 2012 I HAD BEEN AT WORK FOR AN HOUR WITH MY CAR PARKED WHEN I WAS NOTIFIED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED DUE TO THE FIRE. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL OF MAY 2007, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION WHICH WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS LIGHT AND COULD RESULT IN "BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED." MY CAR WAS OFF WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I BELIEVE THAT HAD THE MODULE CONNECTOR BEEN REPLACED IN 2007 WHEN I TOOK IT IN UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL, THIS FIRE WOULDN'T HAVE OCCURRED. *JS

NHTSA ID
10455537
Incident
Mar 19, 2012
Brakes
Filed Mar 8, 2012
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE WHEN THE CONTACT HEARD AN EXPLOSION. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE AND DECLARED AS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTI LOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE ) IN WHICH THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AS THAT WHICH WAS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10450758
Incident
Mar 4, 2012
Mileage
100,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 13, 2012
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE WIRING. THE CONTACT COULD ALSO SMELL A BURNING ODOR FROM THE ENGINE WHEN DRIVING. THE BATTERY AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT HAD THE BRAKE FLUID CAP REPLACED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V005000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL) BUT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA ID
10443687
Incident
Aug 1, 2011
Mileage
82,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 29, 2011

BRAKE LINE FAILING, DURING A NORMAL STOP ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES RUPTURE. TWO OTHERS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO POOR CONDITIONS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10398211
Incident
Apr 27, 2011
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Mar 2, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN COLD TEMPERATURES AND WHEN THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND. IN ADDITION, THE ALTERNATOR HAD FAILED AND WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES BY THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO ABNORMALLY ACCELERATE AND EXHIBIT AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS TO 4000. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE VEHICLE TO BE INVOLVED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V583000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK: CONTROL UNIT/MODULE) BUT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10386182
Incident
Nov 18, 2006
Brakes
Filed Jun 19, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V157000 AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR OVER FOUR DAYS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE AND WOULD ARRIVE THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE A RENTAL VEHICLE BECAUSE HER WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE DEALER REMOVED THE ABS WIRING HARNESS, BUT COULD NOT INSTALL IT BACK INTO PLACE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 86,000.

NHTSA ID
10274349
Incident
Jun 9, 2009
Mileage
86,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 9, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTI LOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE). HE WAS EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE ABS. THE MODULAR CONNECTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT LOST CONNECTION WITH THE COMPUTER AND LOCKED THE BRAKING SYSTEM. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL FROZE AND SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC REPAIRED THE FAILURE BECAUSE THE WHEEL WOULD LOCK AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SPIN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO INQUIRE ABOUT A RECALL, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NOT PROCESS A REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE HE DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 12/30/08.*LJ UPDATED 01/05/09.*JB

NHTSA ID
10251168
Incident
Oct 15, 2008
Mileage
40,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesOther / unspecified
Filed Oct 14, 2008

2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE, PURCHASE NEW. ABS LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING AND THEN STAYS ON AND THEN GOES OFF. THREE SEPARATE TRIPS TO WHITE PLAINS MAZDA AT A GOOD COST TO US AND TELLING US IT WAS CORRECTED - DRIVE A 1/2 MILE FROM THE DEALER AND THE LIGHT GOES ON AGAIN. CORRECTED AGAIN AND A WEEK LATER IT GOES ON AGAIN! ADDITIONALLY, WE HAVE AN INCIDENT IN A PARKED POSITION WITH MOTOR RUNNING (10/13/08) WHERE THE CAR'S RPM JUMPED TO 7,000, THE CAR RUMBLED AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. CAR COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AT A SUBSTANTIAL COST TO ME INCLUDING A SEPARATE CHARGE TO TRY AND JUMP THE CAR AND NOW IS AT MAZDA WHITE PLAINS AGAIN. PLEASE CONTACT ME. I HAVE CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND THEY ARE TO BE IN TOUCH WITH MY DEALER. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10245411
Incident
Feb 8, 2008
Mileage
29,900 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jul 8, 2008
Crash reported

BOUGHT MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 FROM CARMAX ON 06/26/08. MOTHER WAS DRIVING TRUCK W/MY DAUGHTER (6), WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED AND COLLIDED W/VAN IN FRONT OF HER. TWO HRS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE LOCAL CARMAX. EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND ASKED WERE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THE TRUCK. THE LADY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID SHE DID NOT KNOW AND GAVE ME THE TOLL FREE NUMBER TO MAZDA. I CALLED FROM THEIR FACILITY AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL FOR THE ABS MODULE. I EXPLAINED THAT TO THE SERVICE PERSON. THE MANAGER CAME OUT TO SPEAK WITH ME AND SAID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY. BECAUSE I HAD GEICO INSURANCE, THE MANAGER SAID THAT THERE WAS AN ADJUSTER ACROSS THE STREET FROM THEIR BLDG. BY THIS TIME IT WAS 17:45. I RENTED A VEHICLE TO GET MY FAMILY HOME AND CALLED THE CARMAX THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM. I SPOKE WITH LAURIE DOOLITTLE, THE MANAGER OF CARMAX IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA, SHE ADVISED ME THERE WAS NOTHING THAT SHE COULD DO BUT SHE WOULD CHECK WITH SOMEONE HIGHER THAN HER. SHE CALLED ME BACK AROUND 1805 AND SAID THAT IT IS UNFORTUNATE WHAT HAPPENED, HOWEVER "THE ABS MODULE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BEING DRIVABLE". I WAS IN SHOCK. ME AND MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! WE ONLY HAD THE TRUCK 5 DAYS! I CALLED THAT MORNING BEFORE ACCIDENT TO GET A 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE WITH LOWER MILES AND LOWER PRICE TRANSFERRED IN TO THE CARMAX IN CHARLOTTESVILLE! AFTER SEVERAL CALLS TO CARMAX'S CUSTOMER SVC (HEADQRTR) REPEATEDLY HEARING THAT I WAS AT FAULT FOR THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE I DID NOT REGISTER THE VEHICLE WITH MAZDA. WENT TO CHVILLE CARMAX TO SPEAK W/LAURIE DOOLITTLE IN PERSON. I ASKED HER TO REBUY THE CAR. LAURIE SAID NO. I HAD AN APPLICATION FROM CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND STARTED TO FILL IN THE BLANKS AND NOTED THE TIME AND DATE OF THE REQUEST TO REBUY THE CAR DUE TO THE RECALLS THAT WERE ON MY VIN. (07/07/08 TIME 17:05) TODAY 07/08/08, GEICO STILL WORKING ON IT! *TR

NHTSA ID
10233476
Incident
Jul 1, 2008
Mileage
46,956 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 2, 2008
Crash reported1 injury reported

I PURCHASED A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE ON JUNE 26, 2008. THE CAR WAS WRECKED TODAY 7/1/08. THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE AND RAN INTO THE BACK OF A VAN IN FRONT OF US. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE AUTO DEALER, EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED ( I HAD A 5 DAY RETURN POLICY) I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO RETURN BECAUSE IT WAS WRECKED. THE DEALER ALSO SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY FACTORY RECALLS. THE DEALER GAVE ME THE TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL MAZDA. IT TURNS OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON ABS BRAKES FOR MY VEHICLE AND IT WAS NEVER BROUGHT IN TO BE SERVICED. I'M THANKFUL NO ONE WAS HURT. I HAD DRIVEN 500 MILES PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT AT SPEEDS FROM 5-70MPH. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!!!!!!! *TR

NHTSA ID
10232976
Incident
Jul 1, 2008
Mileage
47,500 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 6, 2007

WHENEVER I DRIVE MY VEHICLE FOR ANY EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME IT SMELLS AS THOUGH SOMETHING IS BURNING WHEN I STOP. THE SMELL SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM AROUND THE FRONT WHEELS. THE SMELL IS ESPECIALLY STRONG ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE EARLIER ON THIS YEAR FOR A FAULTY BRAKE/ABS SWITCH. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO A LOCAL MAZDA DEALER WHO SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE HENCE THEY REPLACED NOTHING. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT AS THERE MIGHT BE OTHERS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10211094
Incident
May 10, 2007
Brakes
Filed Mar 5, 2007

MAZDA TRIBUTE 2003 ONLY 30,300. MILES TOOK IN FOR GENERAL SERVICE TO BE INFORMED MY BRAKES & ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED AT ONCE COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. ROTORS HAD UNUSUAL WEAR PATTERN & PADS WERE WORN SMOOTH. I UNDERSTAND THE TWO MATERIALS ARE NOT WORKING TOGETHER AND PADS ARE HARDER THAN ROTOR MATERIAL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FAILURE OR FIRE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10184225
Incident
Mar 5, 2007
Mileage
30,300 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 17, 2006

AT 38,800 MILES, I HAD TO REPLACE MY BRAKES PAD AND ROTORS, NOW AT 49,785 I WILL NEED TO REPLACED MY ROTORS AGAIN. I BELIEVE THESE ROTORS ARE DEFECTED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10162542
Incident
Jul 17, 2006

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