2001 Mazda Tribute Electrical system Problems

“I have a 2001 Mazda Tribute. I couldn't turn my key to start the car. After calling the dealership, they said it was a common problem with thsi car. They said there would be no recall because it wasn't a safety issue. They also said the ford model (the escape) also was having this problem. They are aware of the problem, but yet I had to pay to get this fixed. It is a known defect by ford/Mazda.”

“On august 29th, 2003 I was driving in my 2001 Mazda Tribute. As I slowed down to make a turn, the car suddenly had a total loss of power. I had no steering and no brakes and I was quickly headed into oncoming traffic with no control of the car. Luckily I was able to react in time and pull up the emergency brake. Once I regained my composure, I was able to put the car into neutral and then restart the car. The only time I have driven it since is to take into the dealership. …”

“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. …”

“Owned my Tribute for a year before the problems began. On 3/15/02 I took it in because the low coolant light kept coming on. The dealership couldn't find a problem, but I had them do a 30k mile service and check everything from front to back. Had a rental for two days. On 6/10/02 I took it in because it suddenly started stalling dead at stops and yields. I almost wrecked due to this. Cause: internal failure. The dealership replaced the control unit, idle air valve, coolant fan relay. I had a rental for three days. …”

“The driver side door handle failed, I was trapped inside the car on the driver side. I had to lower the power window, reach outside of the car and open the door. I purchased a handle and paid to have the door handle replaced on 6/29/2005. The passenger side door handle failed , leaving the passenger trapped inside the car on the passenger side. Passengers had to lower the power window, reach outside the car and open the door. I purchased a handle and paid to have the door handle replaced on 3/13/2006. Recently, every time I crank my car a large cloud of gray smoke comes from the tailpipe. …”