How many miles do you have on your Tribute, and How many Problems have you Had?
 

We have an 03 Tribute with 25K miles on it, and no major problems thus far. My wife likes the new Tributes, and we're thinking about a new one next year.

Just wondering how many miles you guys have on your Tributes, and how many Problems have you had over all. Basically, a long term reliability question.

Thank you,.....marc

86,000 so far! Nothing at all! other than replacing a bulb in the tail light, and a new sunroof open-close switch. It's hands down the best car i've ever owned.

100,200 today, air bag wire harness needed cleaning to stop air bag light. Original tires got real noisy at some point. The hardly ever used rear wiper motor got weak and I replaced it myself. Great truck the only thing I don't like is the way the rear seats fold and that you have to remove the rear headrests to fold them, the new Tributes the same I believe.

Mototana, actually the way the back seats fold down are perfect for us, as they lay down flat. We have a Yellow Lab who is always with us, and the fact the whole back is flat is great for him.

We've looked at a few other comparable SUV's and they fold down on an angle.

Thanks,......marc

I've got an '01 w/82,000 miles on it so far (3.0 V6).
Two O2 sensors have gone on it, the sunroof failed around 60,000 miles (some cable broke), the front outer tie rod ends were replaced at ~74,000 miles, the front sway bar links were replaced at ~63,000 miles.
The inner door handle on the driver's side recently broke. It's really a cheaply made part. There's a really good fix for this handle problem posted on this forum if it happens to you - BTW.
Other than that, a great car!
Oh and it gets around 17-18 MPG around town. I did once get 26.1 MPG on the road - no AC with a wind behind me!

I also have an '01 LX V6 and mine has nearly 150K miles on it. Problems so far include:

- EGR valve replaced once and needs to be replaced again
- Driver's seat airbag wiring harness failed; replaced
- Interior driver side door handle broke and still broken
- Driver and passenger side external door handles failed; repaired them myself
- Battery failed and replaced -- no big deal, as the car has a few years on it
- Parking brake linkage needs to be lubed/replaced since it no longer releases properly; I quit using it
- The front suspension seems to rattle sometimes -- maybe I need to replace the tie rod ends or sway bar links like the previous reviewer

Yes, I've had a few issues with mine, but I've never owned a car this long and overall am happy with the way it's held up. But, I will probably opt for a more "genuine" Japanese car next time...the Tribs are essentially Ford vehicles.

*UPDATE - 4/7/12: 433,360 miles. Engine still runs smooth. The issues now are the door handles inside and out. Just replaced both sway bar links and the right outter tie rod. Going to replace the left cv joint next weekend. Did the fuel pump last year sometime. Still getting that 24-27mpg. I hope to get it to 500,000. At 20K miles a year, maybe in three years. I live on the coast and the salt air is really beginning to take it's toll on the under carriage. 2001 Tribute DX, 5 spd, 4 cyl - 2.0 litre. 376, 600 miles. I bought it new and outside of the usual replacement items: two clutches, EGR valve, an alternator, cv joints (both left and right twice), accelerator sensor, front calipers, inside door handles, both hinges for the rear glass. I still get 25-27 mpg all around (50-50 hwy-city). I've never had to allign it, the exahust is original. I can't complain. It starts every time and runs fantastic. My buddy and I did everything but the clutches and alternator. It is easier to work on then the 6cyl engine.

my '04 Tribute LX has 143,000 miles, mostly crawling through Boston gridlock traffic...bought it with 13,000 miles...my "problems" so far:

1. the LED display on my radio fades in and out...if you push on the screen, it comes back...radio works fine...
2. one broken tie rod...
3. replaced one coil pack...
4. one broken fog lamp (hit something)...
5. my front wheels are permanently discolored from brake dust adhesion...and thats it...:cool:

i replaced the factory tires at 87,000 miles...put on quieter dunlops (more street tread)...
i've replaced my front brake rotors once...
had 2 minor factory recalls (one had to do with liftgate latch, don't remember the other)...
i'm about to replace my front struts, rear shocks and sway bar links, simply due to high mileage...

i've average 20 mpg since the day i bought the truck.

Mazda Tribute Question
 

Mine is a 2002. I bought it used and have used it since then for pizza delivery. Other than strict, scheduled maintenance, it's perfect. Even after being hit on my front left side. I have put it through LOTS of abuse and the engine is a Ford Duratec 3.0 SFI DOHC engine with 165,000 miles.

Mileage on Tribute
 

Hey all, my first post - coming from South Western Ontario Canada - snow belt from December to April.

I just picked up a 2002 Titanium Grey Tribute LX V6 AWD with almost 319,000 km. I was hesitant on purchasing it with the high mileage, but it drove amazingly well - no shimmy, no shake, rattle or roll. Engine is strong and transmission is responsive. It also doesn't leak fluids (a must for a condo owner).
Other than a rear wiper motor not working (seems to be popular with these), and the stereo display, all else works well, including the AC. I bought it for a winter vehicle only, which I'll ride on winter rubber, and I'm looking forward to the traction of AWD.

Former Mazda Protege5 owner (had 3 - loved them).

Cheers, Mark :)

I have a 2002 LX-V6 with 54,000 miles on it. So far the vehicle has been a pretty good vehicle. Its in the shop right now for a "thud" sound when it upshifts. This is the first problem that we have had with the vehicle. It has been very reliable and I have only had one other problem, and that was the coil packs. I did them myself and its been a great vehicle.....Now, depending on what it costs me to fix the "thud" sound....it may still be a great vehicle.

Wow 02LXV6AWD! I'll be very happy to ride my Tribute to 319000km! I've got an '05 with just under 90k and no complaints really. But I wouldn't be surprised if I start hearing some noises after this winter. I towed a boat all summer, put alot of k's on it, and I'm not shy to maneuver over curbs, pot holes, and whatever else the crappy streets of Ontario throw at me. Knock on wood! So far so good.
Couple things I don't like:

1. Don't leave your rear seats folded for too long. The brackets on the floor may pinch your leather and start a tear!
2. It is a bit noisy on the highway (freeway).
3. No mp3 capabilities!! i know i know.. no big deal :cool:

Comments
 

Hey, thanks for your note.
Lots of people comment how noisy the Tributes/Escapes are. We also have a $40K Murano in our household and believe me, it's no quieter. I always found that engine had a roar to it, and a few rough spots (can't believe it won Top 10 Engine Award). Don't get me wrong, the Murano is great, but not perfect.
Anyway, I sure hope everyone here who drives in SW Ont or other snowy areas that get salted in winter, undercoats their vehicles annually. Mine is currently being repaired by a bodyman, who advised me there were holes hiding behind the template on the hatch (above the license plate) and in the rocker panel area. I was only aware of minor surface rust when I bought it. I noticed other Mazdas can get rusty after about 6 years if not undercoated regularly. Most places will apply annual undercoating for $100 or less, which IMHO, is an excellent investment. My former P5 was 5 yrs old when I sold it, and no hint of any rust starting in the bad areas (wheel wells susceptible on those ones).
Oh, my LX does not have leather seats, but my summer car does. When I fold those leather seats, I noticed if the centre seat belt is buckled, it pinches the leather badly, so I know what you mean.
As far as MP3 capabilities....for $10, I bought an FM adapter/charger from Canadian Tire that works great with my used iPod. I just tune to a blank FM station, turn on the iPod, and enjoy the music.
Cheers, Mark

Just a couple days ago I got the fm transmitter mp3 player. I popped in a 1gb card and now I've got 500 songs at my fingertips. I was skeptical at first but it does the job! Sound isn't crystal clear since it's transmitted but for the price and convenience of not having to buy a new deck, try selling the oem, and install.... I should've done this long ago! Thanks!

Ours is a 2001 LX v6 with 73,000 Km. Owned it since new in 2000.

Here's what went down on her:

• Tires (the original crappy Firestone Wilderness) in about 20,000 Km. Nokian WR since, and they have about 60-70% thred left.
• A diode on the alternator went, so we had to replace the whole thang - quite costly. The R&R for these is a pain the neck - I was really busy back then
• One ignition coil went about the same time (a few months span).
• Being among the first batch had quite a few recalls, all fixed by the stealer.
• Front end clunk at low speed over imperfections - have the new sways, will replace them this week.
• Original battery went about 2 1/2 years ago
• Have the dash lights flickering (as in: less bright / normal bright cycle)

That's about it. Drove her from -50°C to about 54°C in the Navajo desert without a hiccup. I can still remeber the Hiway littered with cars/trucks with open hoods and steam coming out. We were cruising at 120Km/hr with AC on (very weak for that temperature), 2 adults 2 kids and luggage that long uphill. Quite faithful vehicle if one would ask me.

(the temperature difference is as in winter / summer cycle. Not from / to thingy)

I have an '06 AWD V6 with 40K miles.
Had water in a head light that was replaced under warranty.
Currently issues are:
1) there is just some wheel noise that stops when the gas pedal is released (tires? bearings? transmission going?)
2) the engine bucks a little at about 4000 RMP in neutral. drives normally otherwise. I noticed this when I cleaned the intake manifold.
3) when the car switches to the last gear between 40-50MPH the RPM drops to 1500 and a noise is heard like the tire hitting the noise strips on the side of the road. It's like a manual car when a higher gear is selected too soon. I can avoid this by accelerating a bit faster to get up to speed.

Knowing that these cars have notoriously weak transmissions I'm babying it when I drive.

I have a 2004 Tribute LX AWD with about 72,000 miles on it, 25,000 when I bought it in early 2007. It has been very reliable so far. I have spent $0 of my own money on repairs in nearly three years of ownership.

Some minor issues, all fixed under warranty:

-leaky headlight lens
-sticky throttle, replaced throttle body (probably wasn't necessary, but dealer replaced it to be safe)
-sway bar links

At full throttle, the battery light flashes very quickly. I assume this is a result of the belt being slightly loose and slipping on the alternator pulley. It hasn't become worse.

WOPJOB:

-Tributes / Escapes are noisy vehicles. In fact, it's the worst atTRIBUTE(clever, huh?) they have. The whining noise you are hearing when you release the throttle is normal gear noise.

-At 40-50 mph, the torque converter gets locked out to eliminate transmission slippage (same hydraulic slippage that lets you stay at red light in Drive without stalling), and this feels like another upshift. What you are feeling/hearing is a slight vibration of the engine under load at a low rpm. This is totally normal. Stepping down on the gas or tapping the brakes will unlock the torque converter and the transmission will revert to delivering power through fluid rather than a mechanical connection. This eliminates some of the load and the noise/vibration of the engine. However, it also makes your tranny run hotter and will reduce your gas mileage. I let it lock up @ 45 mph and just let the speed climb gradually without it unlocking or downshifting to 3rd. I live a rural area with little traffic, so I can get away with this many others in busier areas cannot.

-Keep babying the transmission with gentle takeoffs and avoid frequent shifts or unlocking/locking of the torque converter. The frequent action heats up the tranny fluid and it will deteriorate over time. The transmission is the Ford CD4-E (something like that), straight out of the former Contour/Mystique. I think it used in the Ford Five Hundred too. It has a reputation for being durable and trouble free. When used in the heavier Tribute/Escape, they made it "tougher" with some stronger parts and a transmission fluid cooler. I tow a boat and a snowmobile trailer with mine, and so far, so good. I guess I am the test case for long term transmission durability!

Original '03 Tribute ES-V6 owner with 210K. Main issue has been replacing the alternator every 1.5-2 years. No biggee as I've put her through hell and back in the salty slush :). The location of the alternator isn't the best place :P

Odd things are happening and it's time to take it in for a full check-up:
- Tach and spedometer dials swing to "max" for a few seconds and then to zero and then normal readings
- Doesn't idle properly as it engine "dies", have to keep the at a @750-1000 minimum RPMs when at a full stop or slowing down. Makes for a challenging drive and keeps you awake when tired ;)

Changed the OEM Conti tires for Yoko H/T-S @ 50K and still running with them. Tread depth is a little shallow but still drivable for next spring, summer and fall. Yoko M/S winter tires and steel rims for this winter. Should be fun :)

Love the vehicle but not liking the new Tribute when it comes time to put her out to pasture. Hesitant on purchasing Mazdas in the future primarily due to BS and runaround from Mazda dealership and Mazda Canada for unresolved issues for the '08.5 Mazda 3 GT that I bought for my wife last summer.

JME

The torque converter lock-up sounds like something my wife is experiencing with her '06 V6 AWD Tribby. She says when braking heavily from 60 mph or so and slowing to 40-45 mph or so, then quickly accelerating back to 60 mph or so, there is a quite noticeable "jerking" during the acceleration. Does that sound like it could be the torque converter unlocking to provide power during the demand for acceleration? This doesn't happen often, but anyone who's driven I-83 into / out of Baltimore City during the morning and evening rush know that it does happen!!

Foerster -

The torque converter only gets locked out under light acceleration. That's when the transmission senses extra rpms and power are no longer needed, so it locks out the power delivery via tranny fluid - the torque converter - and locks the drivetrain together mechanically. This is equivalent to a manual shift transmission cruising in gear with the clutch pedal fully released. This saves a lot of gas. You'll notice that rpms drop from about 2500-3000 to around 2000 when T/C gets locked out at 60 mph.

I dont think this is what is happening to your wife's Tribute, since she is experiencing jerking under hard acceleration...the T/C will remain unlocked in these conditions. Perhaps the jerking is the tranny downshifting to 2nd gear at 50 mph for more acceleration and rpms?

04TributeLXOwner...that was my first thought when she told me of the "problem." I've been driving it the last couple of days and I can't duplicate, no matter how many times I try under the same circumstances she says it occurs. I'm still thinking it is the downshift you refer to....that and the fact that I think she's comparing the feel of the drive to my Ford Freestyle with a CVT that has no shift-shock whatsoever.

Thanks!

A common problem with the transmission is a rumble strip type of sensation for a short second or so when shifting at the high end. Searches on this site offered the suggestion of changing your transmission fluid. This solved the problem for me with my 2002 4WD. It seems that the fluid change interval for this car is shorter than my other cars, and you are at the mileage where you may be due.

I have over 193,000 miles on my 01 dx. So far, we've not had much out of standard maintainence on it... brakes, a clutch after 150k, and just replaced the EGR valve. Still resolving the warning light issue on the EGR. I think I have to also replace another part people have spoke of. DPFE?... but other than that... smooth as silk

New "symptom"
 

Same problem as I identified earlier in thread, but a "new" symptom. Doesn't seem to me like transmission issue...the other day I was driving ('06 6-cyl. AWD) and just coasting along in traffic and the car, for lack of a better description, seemed to buck...kind of like a surge forward. I was not accelerating, just coasting along. Didn't notice any increase in RPM or notice engine rev, but it was quick and before I looked down the event was over.

Any ideas?? Would transmission occur more consistently? Bad coil? Fuel filter? Help!

Thanks!!

buck?
 

I got the same sensation when I ran over someone's grandma....KIDDING!

Good luck with that - the intermittent issues are always a challenge to diagnose. Hope it was isolated.

Cheers, Mark :)

On a side note, I have squeezed 73,000 miles out of my original brakes. My mechanic told me tonight that I have still 1/4 left on the front pads. Not bad, eh? :-)

Foerster10
I serioulsy doubt that this is the issue but I've experienced the same small bucking when it's in all wheel drive and I'm slowing down. Now I hardly ever have the all wheel drive engaged but when I do, I get the small bucking sensation at low speeds. I've never worried about it since it's so rare.
Good luck!

Wcraig -

That is the 4WD system binding up probably because your wheels were turning. I am guessing this doesn't happen when you are going straight.

Hey Tom. I saw the posting early on when I got the car. I had t he fluid changed at the dealer - no change. I posted early on in this thread how I'm able to avoid this - by steadly increasing power to go over the "spot" where it happens. usually at 45MPH at that point the RPM drop to about 1500 and the noise happens. The trick is to increase power so that the rpm don't drop below 2000.

Incidentally, I was revving the engine in my driveway in park to see if it would do it, what I found, instead is that if the engine is revved past 5000RPM with no load it "bucks" that is the RPM drop and raise. I'm not sure this is normal but I can't figure out why it's happening. During normal driving this is no issue for be because I hardly ever need to go past 3000 rpm, and the engine is of course under load.

2006 tribute, 135,000 miles, Replaced both front axle asembly,s back shocks, and need to replace frot sway bars. Did the work myself. Parts were cheep. Front axles needed to be replaced becous of the speed sensor ring that misteriosly broke after getting new tires at ntb... This is a small ring that is pressed on tp axle at factory and cannot be replaced by itself. This one little ring sets of both abs warning and 4wd warning. The engine in this car is the as my ford taurus that went 300.000+ before i traded it for this. A nice srong car that if maintained will last,,

I have an 01 dx 4 cyl with 213,000 on it. Only repairs outside the maintainence were EGR, back window hinge, and battery after its 6 yrs service! Still runs perfectly!

just reached 56,000 sun/moonnroof quit with a BANG something broke in the mechanism. can't flip up or open. The motor runs though.:mad:

From Aug 23, 2009: 2001 Tribute DX, 5 spd, 4 cyl - 2.0 litre. 376, 600 miles. I bought it new and outside of the usual replacement items: two clutches, EGR valve, an alternator, front axles (both left and right twice), accelerator sensor, front calipers, inside door handles, both hinges for the rear glass. I still get 25-27 mpg all around (50-50 hwy-city). I've never had to allign it, the exahust is original. I can't complain. It starts every time and runs fantastic. My buddy and I did everything but the clutches and alternator. It is easier to work on then the 6cyl engine.

Update: 403,300 miles (649,000 km for the metric). Just passed inspection. Fuel pump just failed. Outside of that, still going strong (knock wood).

We have a 2006 V-6 with now 62,000 Km. I have had to change the rear Strut Bushings at about 35,000 and have now just done the brakes. My wife loves it in the winter as it has amazing traction.

I must have the lemon of the group. I've got 167,000 on my '02 ES, and I've got quite a list of troubles. It was great up until 120K, but now? I wish I could afford to trade her.

- 3 alternators (and this one is now going bad)
- transmission full rebuild in June
- coolant leaking (can't find where, driving me nuts)
- door handle on inside driver door
- airbag on driver side has had error light since I got it (dealer swore they couldn't find why)
- 4 EGR valves (last week was most recent)
- 2 thermostats
- driving (fog) lights will not turn off (this is going right now -- what the heck? I had to unhook the battery last night!)
- and of course the usual tires, brakes and bulbs

I guess I just have bad karma...

93000 miles on Mazda tribute
 

Hi

This is my first post, I own two Mazdas and they have been great. Both are 2004, mazda 6 purchased two years ago with 75000km/45000miles and only needed to replace a rear brake caliper, has a 125000km/75000miles now.

The tribute I own is 2004 bought back in Feb for $6700 with 155000km/93000mil, had to replace Rear axle seal for both sides, cost $250, but since I got such deal on the vehicle I thought it par for the course. This is the first SUV I have owned and I was looking to get one with tow package as I use it to pull a boat I inherited. It easily can launch and pull the boat out of the water. Most SUVs I looked at were over $10 000, so I found a good deal from 1 owner.

Not too impressed with the gas milleage, about 315km/190miles per tank for straight city driving. Overall a solid SUV, doesn't have much rust, waiting for the snow to arrive so I can test the 4X4.

2002 ES-V6 FWD, leather, moonroof. 99,000 miles. No major problems. Maintenance, interior climate fan failed, brakes, tires, serpentine belt, broken windshield washer line to the rear window,

Had something in the emissions replaced when the check engine light came on, don't remember what it was.

Only annoyance is the vinyl on the interior door panels is coming off. The glue has failed.

Just bought a 2007 MX-5 to use as my fun car and keeping this as my foul weather, utilitarian all purpose vehicle.

Update: I just sent in a check to the bank who holds the lien on my Tribute, and it is now paid off!! :-)

I am at 105,000 miles...still going strong with no problems. I am getting some slight ticking during cold starts; I am guessing one of the exhaust manifold gaskets has developed a leak.

I have called around to get quotes on spark plug replacement and have been advised to do the coil packs too. One Mazda dealer quoted me $1000 to do 6 plugs/6 packs. Yikes. He told me to save $300, do the rear only as they are exposed to the most heat and are most likely to fail first. The front ones are a piece of cake to do. Supposedly. I see that there are plenty of people who have not replaced their plugs/packs with way more miles than I have and have not experienced problems. Something to consider.

still driving my '04 Tribute with 180,000 miles...

wear and tear work i've had done:

replaced front struts (shocks) at 150,000 miles...

replaced rear shocks at 170,000 miles...

did my own transmission flush at 145,000 miles...13 quarts of tranny fluid...

original battery needs to be replaced, will do that this Fall...

4 new tires just done, replaced my second set of tires with 85,000 miles on them...

Spark Plug coil packs...if i had one complaint about this truck, this is it...i've had to replace 5 coil packs so far, and not on 5 different cylinders...typical replacement cost averages $300 per coil pack including diagnostic...

that's about it...

Update - I traded in my Tribute for a 03 BMW Z4. Not because of the problems, I did not have many. I fixed the sunroof with a kit purchased on line. The only problem I was still having was an indescribable noise coming from the tires or wheel hubs or differential, It was a low steady noise almost imperceptible until you knew it was there then you heard it all the time. At 66K miles not a bad run for me ( I got it at 30K used) very economical to run (22MPG) and no major problems. My friend has a 2010, boy what a lemon, tranny replaced 4 times. I guess with these cars, if you get a good one then it's going to be good. I would stay clear of the new ones.