2003 Mazda Tribute problems
Owners have filed 266 complaints about the 2003 Mazda Tribute with NHTSA. Vehicle speed control accounts for 15% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 13.5%.
Complaints266
Crashes22
Fires11
Injuries20
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Vehicle speed control 15.0% · 40
Air bags 13.5% · 36
Structure 10.9% · 29
Power train 9.8% · 26
Engine and engine cooling 8.6% · 23
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.6% · 23
Electrical system 5.6% · 15
Suspension 5.3% · 14
Severity
Of those complaints, 22 describe a crash, 11 describe a fire and 20 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 7 model years of the Mazda Tribute in this data, 2003 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2001 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 29 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 77,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Accelerator pedal is sticky right from the start of depressing the pedal. Once the resistance is overcome the vehicle lurches forward. Dealer claims carbon build up (contamination) on or near the throttle plate is causing initial resistance. Two occurrences (approximately 5,000 and 10,000 miles) have resulted in dealer cleaning area to remove contamination. Vehicle speed control · reported at 10,500 miles
Mazda 2003 Tribute the accelerator pedal has been sticking off and on since march 2009. When the car is going on high speeds, it would not slow down. Have to put in neutral and turn off. Took to mechanic, unhooked cruise and new accelerator cable in 2009. No changes. Traded car in for a honda in january, 2010. Mazda would not do anything. Vehicle speed control
When it is cold the accelerator sticks after going about an inch. When the accelerator becomes unlocked it causes the vehicle to lurch forward. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who informed the consumer that there was a carbon buildup on the cable. This incident occurred at least twenty five times. The manufacturer was aware of the problem. Vehicle speed control · reported at 7,200 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…