Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
00V223002MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONSfrom 04/17/2000 to 07/26/2000V (Vehicle)64108/28/2000MFRMAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS08/09/200008/14/2000
Defect SummaryVehicle description: sport utility vehicles. these vehicles may have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly to the steering column. the nut could be upside down in the steering wheel assembly, which could overstress the steering column shaft when the nut is tightened. in addition, some of the nuts may have been cracked during manufacture resulting in the nut fracturing when it is tightened during vehicle assembly.
Consequence SummaryEither of these conditions can lead to the steering wheel becoming loose or separating from the steering column, resulting in loss of steering control.
Corrective SummaryDealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
NotesOwner notification is expected to begin during august 2000. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
060020206/18/2002634463Some vehicles built before 12-feb-2002 may exhibit a power steering leak at the return hose and/or cooler hose at the intermediate tube assembly during extreme cold ambient temperatures -20 to -28 degrees celcius. *slc10/01/2002
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
020040311/07/200310005228Premature wear and/or noise from the tie rod end especially from the outer tie rod. *tt02/17/2004
060020311/14/2003020040310005222Premature wear and/or noise from the tie rod end, especially from the outer tie rod. *tt02/13/2004
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK
01060006/01/2000614106Information on the different power steering racks on 2001 tribute vehicles. *tt09/28/2000
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
01060006/01/2000614098Brief information concerning steering wheel removal process on 2001 tribute vehicles. *tt09/28/2000

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
11/23/2011131000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mazda tribute. the contact stated that the vehicle was being examined by a private mechanic for routine maintenance. the mechanic stated that the steering wheel was very loose. the manufacturer was notified and stated that the vin did not qualify for the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 00v223002 (steering:wheel and handle bar). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 131,000.
11/23/2011131000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 mazda tribute. the contact stated that the vehicle was being examined by a private mechanic for routine maintenance. the mechanic stated that the steering wheel was very loose. the manufacturer was notified and stated that the vin did not qualify for the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 00v223002 (steering:wheel and handle bar). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 131,000. sm.
11/23/2011131000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 mazda tribute. the contact stated during maintenance with a private mechanic the mechanic confirmed steering wheel was loose. the manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed the vin did not qualify for recall under nhtsa campaign id number:00v223002(steering:wheel and handle bar). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 131,000 . rds
04/15/200334343
 1.the first problem i had with my tribute was all the power steering fluid had leaked out, so they replaced the rack and pinion. 2.the second, when going for my first brake job i'm informed that the front rotors are too thin and under specs. and need to be replaced (a $700 job) so, i went to mazda and they said the brake pads are too hard for the rotors are are unusually wearing so, they replaced my rotors. 3.the third, a week later i'm strained, because the starter stuck and burned itself out, they towed the car and replaced the starter. 4.the fourth, they told me that the master cylinder had leakage so, i had to have them fix that. 5.the fifth, now i am currently dealing with a sputtering or cluncking noise that occurs upon slow acceleration of 40 mph with pedal vibration and also occurs sometimes at 60 mph now. they haven't been able to figure out and fix this problem yet. but, thought they fixed the problem because they found a bushing near the engine compartment that was completely cracked so, they replaced that. until next time.....
10/20/200319200509/16/2000
 The madza tribute 2001 stalls without warning, at varying speeds. both the brakes and the steering system are inoperable. the car starts again after this occurs. this has happened 5 times! luckily, my son who drives this car hasn't been injured. but what about the next time? what if he is driving on the expressway at 55 or 65 miles an hour? can mazda assure me that he won't be seriously injured or killed? the service department has offered several explanations after verifying that this is a on going problem with this vehicle. we have been told that the air intake valve sticks when carbon builds up on it. now we are told it is a flaw in the computer. clearly there is a serious design flaw which the service departments have been unable to repair. this car is a disaster waiting to happen! how can i possibly allow my son to drive this vehicle?!! *la
05/01/200178000101/01/2001
 While driving the steering wheel locked up and engine shuts off. the dealer was notified. *ak this problem occurred intermittently and the dealer has not been able to correct the problem. *scc *nlm
06/11/2003609/09/2001
 The steering wheel wandered which caused the vehicle to change lanes at high and low speeds. *ak ph. the emission light illuminated and the problem was repaired twice. the steering problem was repaired 6 times. *jb
12/01/2001202/14/2001
 Electrical system works intermittently. dealership is aware of problem.*ak consumer stated that the vehicle dies at 40-45 mph while driving. also, vehicle would not start after sitting for several hours. brakes and steering failed and it was hard to control the vehicle. *yh
09/18/2001608/29/2001
 Vehicle would wander while driving at any speed, a loud squealing sound would come from steering wheel or column when making a turn, on cold mornings, there is an exhaust leak noticed from the underside center, continental tires size #16, dot #a3084531901, wearing on the inside edges. dealer notified. *ak dealer replaced the steering rack, however steering continues to be loose. *yd
12/12/2001105/01/2001
 While attempting to make a turn while traveling 15mph steering locked up, causing vehicle to loose control and rollover. *akthere were no injuries and no other vehicle was involved, after the vehicle was released from the body shop, the consumer drove about 20 miles when an engine rod failed, the mechanic believes that this may have been the cause of the original accident. *nlm
07/01/2001204/01/2001
 I had the same exact problem with my vehicle for two occurrences. each time i was coming down a hill and then all of my dash lights came on (check engine, oil, etc.). i was unable to steer or give it gas easily. each time i was not in a safe location, so i turned off the engine and the car restarted fine. i have had the car at the dealer i purchased it from since it occurred the 2nd time which was over a month and a half ago. they have told me numerous times that it is not doing it for them. the service manager caused me two weeks ago and told me the mazda manufacturer was in their office and he was aware of two similar problems in two other mazda tributes. i just wanted your office to be aware of this. i am very concerned because i was unable to get off the road on the 2nd occurrence and it was very scary. i just hope it can be fixed so i do not hurt myself or anyone else due to this problem. thank you for your help!!*ak
08/07/2001108/01/2001
 The vehicle was on local road and steering and brakes wern't responding. was able to coast all the way down the hill. once consumer came to a complete stop, vehicle started up. dealership was aware of problem.*ak *slc
04/28/2001110/01/2000
 Steering shut down, car die out at 45mph and car stalled. *ak
03/16/2001310/28/2000
 While driving steering locked up with little prior warning. consumer pulled over and waited which allowed steering to comeback. on april 26, 2001 began having problems starting up. dealer has had vehicle for about a week, and has not been able to provide remedy. *ak
 When making a left turn vehicle completley loses all power steering control, cause unknown. please give any further details.*ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
 Power steering tensioner belt broke. dealer hasvehicle and is waiting for parts.*ak
04/23/2001
 Consumer was traveling at approximately 45 mph on a flat/ straight and paved road when a loud noise came from vehicle. consumer lost all power assisted steering control, but no crash occurred. dealership stated that power steering tensioner broke for an unknown reason. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
10/22/2003450002
 My 2001 tribute has stalled twice in the last yar. it seems to be related to hills. this life threatening situation could result in a crash because power steering fails, and there is no engine power. mazda must recall for this issue before someone is hurt. *ak
01/02/2003390001
 When consumer depressed brake pedal there was no steering power, and vehicle stalled. dealership replaced air flow sensor. please provide more details.*jb...*ak
 Engine periodically shuts down at low rpms. power steering and power brakes fail when engine shuts down and, as a result, the tribute is difficult to steer and stop. shutdowns have happened at least eleven times - always at low rpms (1000 rpm or less). each shut down occurred when i was coasting downhill. generally, i was also braking at the same time. the dealership's service department has been extremely diligent in their efforts but so far mazda has been unable to provide the technical assistance needed to resolve the problem. i bought the tribute in jan 2001 and expericed the first failures before the first 3000 mile servicing. the first dealer resolution attempt was not documented. the technician queried the onboard computer but there was no code indicating any failure. on 4/28/02, after more failures, the problem was diagnosed as a wiring problem and fixed. three more falilures occurred before the tribute reached 6000 miles. the dealer could not duplicate but on 8/8/01 advised mazda. no repairs were made. engine shutdowns continued and on 10/09/01 at 7,639 miles, the dealer removed the bypass air control valve and cleaned the passageway - as advised by mazda technical assistance. the tribute then ran fine for eight months. then in june 2002, the problem reoccurred and the dealer was contacted. dealer still had seen nothing further from mazda concerning resolution of the problem and contacted them once more for assistance. suggestion was to re-program the onboard computer the next time the car is brought in for servicing. this is a dangerous situation and will utlimately result in an accident. so far, shutdowns have occurred while i was in an uncongested area but that is simply luck. mazda and ford have a really dangerous situation that needs immediate attention and resolution. so far i have received nothing from mazda letting me know there is a problem with the tribute. guess they feel it is not a problem as long as it can be ignored.
04/15/2002108/01/2001
 While i was driving the car lost powersteering and power brakes, i pulled over to avoid a crash.*ak
11/16/2001108/01/2001
 I bought my tribute in august and just had the first service done recently so when i was driving on friday, november 16, 2001, i was not expecting any problem. i was going about 45 mph and all of a sudden i couldn't steer the car. the power steering had ceased and i believe the brakes also. i veered off the side of the road and stopped the car. i proceeded to find a phone to call for assistance and when i got the car towed to ridgefield mazda i spoke with the service manager. we had a conversation about what the problem could be and he was almost certain he knew what the problem was. he told me mazda had gotten several tributes come in for the same problem which is the ignition fails and everything goes out like the steering etc. just what happened to me. obviously, mazda knew of the problem, and i questioned how they could not notify other drivers of this malfunction. he told me it wasn't considered a recall as of yet even though they had several customers come in with the same problem. i believe this is a major problem with the vehicle and it should be recalled. the tribute is a new vehicle and i understand there may still be kinks/bugs to work out with a new vehicle but this isn't a minor problem. i would like this checked into and if possible, make it a recall so this won't happen to other drivers. luckily, i was able to steer the car to a safe location, but it could have been worse. i would not want to see this happen to someone else. thank you.. *ak
08/10/2001206/01/2001
 While driving vehicle stalls and i lose power/steering. after safely getting my car to the side of the road i am able to restart the car. the dealer has seen my car twice now and finds nothing wrong with it, and expects me to drive the defective vehicle. this stalling has happened twice now.*ak
09/03/2001403/01/2001
 Vehicle has lost steering and brake power on hills at speeds around 30-35 mph. the only way to regain power is to cut the ignition. this is an extreme health hazard: occurrences are numerous and the dealer has been notified.
STEERING - LINKAGES
01/13/2001
 While pulling off road, and shutting off vehicle consumer heard a loud noise. then got out of vehicle to check what it was, a toweing truck came, and informed driver that three pieces of sttering linkage fell off, and it would affect steering. vehicle was towed to dealership, and dealership told consumer that it was okay that pieces fell off because they were hand made parts. consumer still had three pieces that fell off , and a vidieo of the pieces. *ak
STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
01/05/2002101/01/2001
 This type of failure could very easily lead to a crash, thankfully it did not in this instance. however, my wife is somewhat anxious behind the wheel after this incident. the dealer did adjust the idler and replaced a control module, but they also acknowledged that this problem is apparently somewhat of a mystery for the manufacturer. please notify me if there is a recall or definite fix found for this problem.
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
05/03/200529000111/30/2001
 Unusual squeaking noises heard from lower steering column where it connects to power steering rack at slow speeds. when going slowly over small bumps and turning steering wheel from side to side, strange noises can be heard from the steering rack including a mechanical noise. vehicle only has 29,300 miles on it and is not used off-road. mazda dealer finds we need to replace the tie rod ends and has ordered replacement parts. we will ask for the old parts when the final repair is made.
02/25/20051
 My 2001 mazda tribute lx-v6 4wd, was recalled to replace the rack on the steering, this was done under warranty. then 8,728 miles later the vehicle had to have inner and outer tie rod and ball joints replaced, at my expense. their service department said that i probably hit a pot hole!! i feel these repairs were due to something that was done while replacing the rack. i'm the sole driver of this vehicle and it is mostly city driving or interstate...not four wheeling!!!*jb
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
03/30/200639893102/10/2001
 2001 tribute rack and pinion and shaft broke into pieces making it difficult for consumer to steer. *ts the master cylinder had to be replaced due to an irreparable leak. *nm
09/18/2001608/29/2001
 Vehicle would wander while driving at any speed, a loud squealing sound would come from steering wheel or column when making a turn, on cold mornings, there is an exhaust leak noticed from the underside center, continental tires size #16, dot #a3084531901, wearing on the inside edges. dealer notified. *ak dealer replaced the steering rack, however steering continues to be loose. *yd
12/24/2001
 Steering wheel is very hard to turn, and brake pedal gets stuck. please provide any further information.*ak
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
04/14/20011
 Steering wheel will lock into one position during normal operation of vehicle. wheel will turn to right, but cannot be turned any more to left. steering wheel will lock up at low speeds. so far has not happened at high speeds. this event has happened three times, dealership witnessed this defect. dealership was trying to determine cause of defect. *ak a bolt was found inside the steering rack cover and was removed. *yh
10/03/20000
 While driving at about 50 mph and coming to a fork in the road, as soon as consumer merged to right steering wheel got very stiff. then, whole dash lit up. consumer put on brakes/ put in park, and went to a mazda dealer. dealer could not find anything. at another day while driving at 60 mph consumer was bearing over, steering wheel got tight again, and vehicle cut off.*ak