2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE Suspension Problems

Passenger rear shock mount toatly rusted through. A big hole!

Rear passenger shock mount rusted out completely

The wheel well rusted out, completely leaving the shock tower and stability of the car at risk, rusted out completely, I'm a light backyard mechanic and I've seen the Ford do the same . The repair is almost the value of the car, and unless you trust them your basically buying a new vehicle, because while you're there may change the set of shock's and absorber that's about 700. To include. This car had a rumor of being as good as the Everlasting Santa Fe, and Toyota 4runner. Vehicle is in pristine shape aside from the fatal rust.. recall recall recall recall

AS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER MAZDA TRUBUTES, THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE STRUT IS NO LONGER HELD IN PLACE, YET PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE THAT REQUIRED A RECALL FOR OTHER MAZDA TRIBUTES, BUT NOT THE 2005 VERSION. ACCORDING TO MANY FORUMS, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER 05 TRIBUTES.

RIGHT REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ENOUGH TO CAUSE BRAKE AND SHOCK ISSUES CAUSING A PERFECTLY GOOD VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. THE SHOCK AND BRAKE LINE BROKE AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP.

Mileage: 180,000

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT SUCH THAT THE SUSPENSION IS NOW PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHEN REGULAR RATTLING FROM THE AREA PROGRESSED INTO LOUD BANGS WITH EACH BUMP. THE MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED STATED THAT THE RUST WAS ABNORMAL, EVEN FOR THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, AND THAT NONE OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS EXHIBITED ANY SIGNS OF RUSTING. HE STATED IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THAT THIS CONDITION WAS MOST LIKELY THE RESULT OF SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT (AS OPPOSED TO REGULAR AND EXPECTED OXIDATION).

Mileage: 175,000

HAVE HAD VEHICLE SINCE NEW IN 2005. PASSENGER SIDE REAR WELL SEVERELY RUSTED OUT, UPPER PORTION OF SHOCK HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME AND MOUNTING BRACKET DISINTEGRATED. SHOCK SWAYING FROM BEING DETACHED AND BODY SHOPS WILL NOT TOUCH DUE TO LIABILITY ISSUES. VEHICLE UNABLE TO BE SAFELY DRIVEN. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL.

Mileage: 132,000

WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE ON A PAVED CITY STREET, I NOTICED A SUDDEN LOUD CLANKING/POUNDING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE, REAR WHEEL WELL AREA. ASSUMED IT WAS A BAD SHOCK BUT SOON DISCOVERED THAT THE THE WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT, THERE IS NOW A HOLE TO THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. SOME, BUT NOT MUCH RUST ELSEWHERE ON THE VEHICLE (THE OTHER THREE WHEEL WELLS LOOK GREAT), BUT THAT PART OF THE VEHICLE RUSTED THROUGH TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NOT DRIVEABLE ANYMORE UNTIL THIS IS ADDRESSED. THE VEHICLE ITSELF IS VERY MECHANICALLY SOUND AND WILL CARED FOR. THERE ARE LOTS OF EXAMPLES ON ONLINE FORUMS OF THIS EXACT ISSUE, ON BOTH TRIBUTES AND FORD ESCAPES. APPARENTLY THERE IS A RECALL FOR THESE VEHICLES 01-04, BUT NO FURTHER. EXACT SAME ISSUE, EXACT SAME WHEEL WELL. PLEASE HELP!

Mileage: 150,000

BEGAN HEARING LOUD BANGING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. UPON INSPECTION, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK MOUNT IN THE WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN FREE AND THE SHOCK BANGING AROUND. IT HAD PINCHED THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND THEY STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. UPON RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON ISSUE WITH FORD ESCAPES AND MAZDA TRIBUTES OF THIS VINTAGE BUT ONLY ON THE RIGHT REAR. SO MUCH SO COMPANIES LIKE DORMAN MAKE A REPLACEMENT PART FOR IT TO REPLACE THE WHEEL WELL WHICH REQUIRES WELDING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD ADDRESS. NEVER HAD THIS HAPPENED TO ANY OTHER VEHICLE.

Mileage: 178,000

CAR IS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE AND VIBRATION AND CHATTER FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL.I HAD NEW SHOCKS PUT IN AND HE MECHANIC '":TOLD ME THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTING OUT.AND I SHOULD GET IT FIX AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!!

Mileage: 900,000

TAKATA RECALL THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT TO WHERE IT MAKES A HORRIBLE CLUNK SEVERE METAL TO METAL RATTLE WHILE DRIVING. I REFUSE TO ALLOW MY WIFE TO DRIVE IT DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS OF THE SHOCK COMING LOOSE AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS NOISE CAN BE HEARD DRIVING AS SLOWLY AS 5MPH WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AND TURNING ON A FLAT SMOOTH ROAD. PLEASE MAKE A RECALL FOR THIS YEAR OF MAZDA TRIBUTE AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE

Mileage: 180,000

MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE REAR FRAME OF VEHICLE COMPLETELY RUSTING OUT. THE MECHANICS SAID IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND COSTS THOUSANDS TO FIX. MOST PEOPLE WILL NOT NOTICE THIS UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE.

Mileage: 159,000

REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT SO THE SHOCK THAT IS MOUNTED TO SAID WHEEL WELL IS FREELY SWINGING AROUND. MAZDA RECALLED TRIBUTES UP TO THE YEAR 2004 BUT THE 2005 WHICH HAS ESSENTIALLY THE EXACT SAME DESIGN WAS NOT RECALLED. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE WHEEL WELL IS DESIGNED WITH THIN SHEET METAL AND NEITHER THE GRADE NOR THICKNESS PREVENT RUSTING. WHILE THE WHEEL WELL IS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE FORCES GENERATED BY THE SHOCK IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THOSE FORCES UNDER CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND VERY EASY TO OVER LOOK OR NOT NOTICE ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FAILURE AT MEDIUM TO LOW SPEEDS.

Mileage: 98,000

TRUCK STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE INNER WHEEL HAD RUSTED BADLY AND LEFT SHOCK MOUNT HANGING ON BY A SMALL METAL BAND. TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP THEY SAID BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTRUCTED THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIX. I HAVE NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE FOR 2001-2004 MODELS AND IT APPEARS FOR THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MODEL ON THIS REGISTRY THAT 2005 SHOULD BE NEXT.

Mileage: 168,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SUBFRAME AND SHOCK MOUNT WERE EXTREMELY CORRODED. HALBINSEL VOLKSWAGEN MAZDA (LOCATED AT 200 N 30TH ST, ESCANABA, MI 49829, (906) 789-9650) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WHEN COMPARED TO THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS YOU CAN SEE THE WHITE FOAM THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. THERE IS ALSO A PLASTIC PIECE MISSING DUE TO THE SCREWS LOOSING THEIR HOLD. THE CAR MAKES A NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING BOUNCING AROUND IN THE BACK WHEN IN REALITY IT IS THE SUSPENSION.

Mileage: 175,000

THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT. ALL OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS LOOK FINE. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS NEW. 2000-2004 IS COVERED IN A RECALL. WHY IS 2005 NOT COVERED? LOOKING ONLINE IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 AND FOR SOME REASON AN UNSAFE 2005 TRIBUTES SEEMS TO HAVE MADE IT PAST BEING COVERED

Mileage: 121,000

RIGHT REAR STARTING MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND, INVESTIGATED AND FOUND SHOCK TOWER MOUNT WAS RUSTED OUT, AND BANGING INTO THE INNER BODY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE. BANGING HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING.

Mileage: 200,000

PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL SEVERELY RUSTED, SHOCK/STRUT DETACHED FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. LOUD THUMPING/BANGING NOISE COMING FROM REAR WHEEL. TOOK TO MECHANIC TO HAVE INSPECTED, DEEMED UNSAFE TO OPERATE ON ANY ROADWAY.

Mileage: 110,000

THE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE SHOCK TO POKE A HOLE THRU THE BACK OF MY CARGO AREA. THIS CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR DRIVING. MY SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ALMOST LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE CAR DUE TO THIS. MAZDA HAS RECALLED 2004 AND OLDER FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED 2005.

Mileage: 99,997

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PUGI MAZDA (1850 OGDEN AVE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515, (877) 827-9086) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND THE REAR SHOCKS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,100.

Mileage: 146,100

RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED WHERE IT HOLDS SHOCK. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM OF RECALLED 2001-2004 MAZDAS. THIS YEAR SHOULD BE RECALLED ALSO.

THE SHOCK TOWER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR. IT IS POSSIBLE TO SEE THE TIRE. THE RUST BEGAN IN GASOLINE ENTRY AREA PER THE MECHANIC AND THEN SPREAD TO THE SHOCK TOWER. THIS HAS ALSO EFFECTED THE THREADS ON THE TIRE. I BELIEVE THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. THIS A DANGEROUS ISSUE. I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS RELATED TO THE RUST TOTALING $1056. DOES NOT INCLUDE THE NEED TO REPLACE THE WORN TIRES.

Mileage: 110,000

BOTH REAR WHEEL WELL HOUSINGS , SUB FRAME , MAIN SUPPORTS RUSTED OUT , CAR NOW CANNOT BE DRIVEN. BROKE WHEN IT WAS BEING DRIVEN, CAR SANK DOWN ON PASSENGER SIDE , STARTED MAKING ALOUD POUNDING SOUND , IT HAPPENED ON A BUSY CITY STREET.

Mileage: 126,000

THIS MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS EXTENSIVE AND UNREPAIRABLE RUST TO THE BODY, UNDERSTRUCTURE AND SUSPENSION PARTS THAN MAKES IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY IS COMPROMISED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, VEHICLE IS PRONE TO VEER OUT OF CONTROL DUE TO MISSING SUSPENSION PIECES AND GAS AND EXHAUST FUMES LEAK INTO THE CABIN DUE TO RUSTED OUT AND MISSING INNER BODY PANELS. *JS

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE CORROSION ON THE A-FRAME AND REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT FRACTURED. WILKINS MAZDA (750 N YORK RD, ELMHURST, IL 60126, (630) 279-3000) WAS CONTACTED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

Mileage: 147,000

OUR 2005 TRIBUTE MODEL HAS THE SAME RUSTING OUT OF THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL WELLS THAT THE 2001-2004 MODELS OF THE TRIBUTE HAVE EXPERIENCED. THOSE MODELS WERE REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL, BUT THIS YEAR'S MODEL AND FORWARD STILL HAVE THE SAME RUSTING OUT PROBLEM. DEALERS FOR MAZDA AND FORD WON'T EVEN LOOK AT THIS TO REPAIR IT. CAR IS NOW BASICALLY UNDRIVABLE. AND FROM WHAT I'VE FOUND, MAZDAWORLD.COM SAYS THAT MOST OF THESE VEHICLE WERE ACTUALLY MANUFACTURED IN 2004 BUT DATED TO 2005 MODEL YEAR. BUT AVOIDED THE 2004 RECALL BECAUSE OF THIS I CAN FIND A KIT ON EBAY TO FIX, BUT NO DEALERS WILL DO THE WORK. THERE HAVE BEEN PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS, BUT NO ACTION ON THIS KNOWN PROBLEM THAT HAS EXISTED IN PRIOR MODEL DESIGNS.

Mileage: 126,000

RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER RUSTED OUT, CAME APART FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH

Mileage: 186,476

PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH LEADING TO FAILURE OF THE SHOCK MOUNT. SHOCK ENTERING THE VEHICLE CARGO AREA THROUGH THE BODY.

Mileage: 142,000

REAR SHOCK TOWERS EXCESSIVE RUST.

Mileage: 100,000

PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL INCLUDING STRUT FOR TOP OF SHOCK ABSORBER RUSTED CAUSING A DANGEROUS CONDITION. IN THE 10 YRS I OWNED THIS CAR, NO IMPENDING FAILURE OF THAT AREA WAS DETECTED IN ALL ANNUAL AND OTHER INSPECTIONS.WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRUCK TRAFFIC ON I87 (PA) I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION, SMELLED BURNING RUBBER, AND TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, EXAMINED THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE AND BEND PIECES OF METAL THAT WERE RUBBING ON THE TIRE. THIS IS APPARENTLY A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TRIBUTES AND FORD ESCAPES (2001-?) AND HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THOSE COMPANIES MULTIPLE TIMES. I WAS ABLE TO CAUTIOUSLY PROCEED DRIVING WITH VEHICLE TO MY DESTINATION. THE CAR IS UNSTABLE WHILE MAKING TURNS, ESPECIALLY IF THE ROAD CAUSES THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TO BOUNCE. NONE OF THE RECALL NOTICES I RECEIVED SINCE BUYING THIS CAR IN 2007 HAVE EVER MENTIONED RIGHT REAR RUST PROBLEMS. IF I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS IMPENDING DANGEROUS CONDITION I WOULD HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO PREVENT IT. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE MAZDA AND FORD DO THE RIGHT THING TO CORRECT THE OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN 2001-PRESENT (?) TRIBUTES AND ESCAPES?

Mileage: 140,000

RIGHT (PASSENGER) REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT SO THAT SHOCK IS EXPOSED AND UNATTACHED. SUSPENSION AFFECTED TO THE EXTENT THAT CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 180,000

RUSTED THROUGH BODY BACK RIGHT WHEEL CAUSING SHOCK TO PUSH THROUGH INSIDE OF CAR.

Mileage: 140,000

ON JULY 12, 2017 WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK I NOTICED SEVERAL LOUD THUMPS COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY CAR. I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION TO SEE WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM AND NOTICED THAT MY RIGHT WEAR WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED OUT. I WALKED OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE AND NOTICED NO EROSION OR RUST. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE TO A NEAR BODY SHOP AND THE TOTAL TO REPLACE THIS WOULD BE OVER $2,000. I ALSO SEARCHED ON THE WEB AND FOUND A WEBSITE CALLED ABOUTAUTOMOBLE.COM WHO HAD A LIST OF 51 OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS AS MINE.

Mileage: 60,000

I HEARD A LOUD CREAKING/THUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AREA WHILE DRIVING OVER ANY SIZE BUMP/DEPRESSION ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. LOOKING CLOSER, I SAW THAT IT WAS BECAUSE THE METAL AROUND THAT PARTICULAR SHOCK MOUNT HAD RUSTED AND CRACKED, AND THE MOUNT WOULD FLEX INWARDS WHEN THE SHOCK WAS COMPRESSED. THE PROBLEM IS ONLY ON THAT WHEEL, AND IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MODEL, SO IT MUST BE A DESIGN FLAW.

Mileage: 145,000

BOTH REAR WHEEL WELLS RUSTED OUT (PASSENGER SIDE MUCH WORSE) CAUSING SHOCKS TO COME UNMOUNTED. DISCOVERED BY HEARING THUMPING NOISE WHILE DRIVING.

Mileage: 99,000

THIS VEHICLE IS OWNED BY ME BUT USED BY MY SON IN COLORADO. ON A RECENT TRIP NEAR MOAB, UT ON THE WAY TO A CAMP SITE, MY SON HEARD A STRANGE NOISE. UPON INVESTIGATION HE NOTED THE FRAME IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HOLDING THE UPPER END OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER HAD BROKEN IN TWO PLACES FROM RUST INTRUSION. AN INSPECTION OF THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL INDICATED MINIMAL RUSTING. SINCE THE TIRES WERE RECENTLY REPLACED THIS FAILURE WAS A SURPRISE AS THE MECHANIC DIDN'T NOTE EXCESSIVE RUST, CRACKING OR SIGNS OF METAL FATIGUE. WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURED MY SON WAS DRIVING ON A GRAVEL ROAD TOWARD A DESIGNATED CAMPGROUND JUST A SHORT DISTANCE FROM A PAVED HIGHWAY. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS 4 WHEEL DRIVE, IT WAS NEVER USED IN A ROUGH MANNER SUCH AS FOR 4 WHEELING OR ON ROUGH UNEVEN SURFACES. THIS WAS MY PERSONAL VEHICLE UNTIL A YEAR AGO. WE HAD JUST SPENT $1,500 FOR NEW TIRES, A CARBURATOR REPAIR AND A NEW WINDSHIELD THAT A ROCK HAD CRACKED. IT WAS OUR INTENT TO OWN THE VEHICLE A FEW YEARS LONGER SINCE IT HAS ONLY 135,000 AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION. MY SON WAS ABLE TO SAFELY RETURN TO STEAMBOAT, A 5 HOUR DRIVE FROM MOAB, BUT WAS VERY CONCERNED THE ENTIRE SHOCK WOULD PUSH THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LIST OR DRIFT RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OR A ROLLOVER, I.E. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. A LOCAL BODY SHOP REFUSED TO MAKE REPAIRS DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. TO MAKE THE VEHICLE SALVAGE BASED ON ITS CURRENT VALUE AND CONDITION IS UNTHINKABLE, YET IF REPAID CANNOT BE MADE AT A REASONABLE COST, THIS MAY BE OUR ONLY CHOICE. MY RESEARCH SUGGEST THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL RUST IS FAIRLY COMMON IN TRIBUTES AND ESCAPES, YET NO RECALL.

Mileage: 135,000

PASSENGER SIDE INNER REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND COMPLETELY SEPERATED SHOCK FROM FRAME. I WAS DRIVING ALONG LAST WEEK AND SUDDENLY STARTED HEARING A RATTLING SOUND. I PULLED OVER TO INSPECT ONLY TO FIND NOTHING IN TRUNK. TOOK TRUCK TO MECHANIC ONLY TO BE TOLD THE ENTIRE SHOCK HAD SEPERATED FROM FRAME. THE OTHER WHEEL WELL IS RUST FREE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN MAZDA TRIBUTES ONLY RECALLED FROM 2001-2004, WHEN TRIBUTES FROM 2001-2006 HAVE INTERCHANGEABLE PARTS AND TONS OF PEOPLE ONLINE IN ALL FORUMS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME RUST PROBLEM IN THE SAME LOCATIONS ALL OVER THE US.

Mileage: 123,089

LOUD BANGING FROM REAR OF AUTO DURING DRIVE, FOUND THAT REAR PASSANGER SIDE SHOCK MOUNT AND HOUSING COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. CANNOT DRIVE AUTO AS ITS A SAFETY PROBLEM AS SHOCK IS NOT ATTACHED TO ANYTHING

Mileage: 120,000

THE RIGHT, REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND LOOKS LIKE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THE SHOCK MOUNT IS CONNECTED TO THIS PORTION OF THE FRAME AND WILL MORE THAN LIKELY SHEAR OFF SOON. UPON SEARCHING THIS ISSUE, IT APPEARS THAT SEVERAL OTHER 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE AND FORD ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT. MAZDA/FORD RECALLED 2001-2004 MODELS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT HAS YET TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM FOR THE 2005 MODEL YEAR. BASED ON THE WIDESPREAD NATURE OF THE PROBLEM, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS A FACTORY DEFECT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED EITHER WILLINGLY OR UNWILLINGLY.

Mileage: 117,000

PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS EXTREMELY RUSTED OUT AND CAUSED REAR SHOCK MOUNT TO BREAK CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SHOCK MOUNT BROKE WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY ON CITY STREETS. DETERMINED EXTENT OF RUST DAMAGE AFTER THIS EVENT. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL APPEARS TO BE IN MUCH BETTER SHAPE. RESEARCHING IF ANYTHING SIMILAR HAS OCCURRED TO OTHER PEOPLE UNCOVERED FOR ME THAT THIS ISSUE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE 2001 TO 2004 RECALL OF MAZDA TRIBUTES AND SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE.

Mileage: 163,000

I WAS DRIVING ON AN ICY ROAD, HEARD A LOUD BANG, FOLLOWED BY A LOUD THUMPING NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. IT CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND SLIDE INTO A SNOW BANK. THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK HAD BROKEN LOOSE AND BROKE THROUGH THE INSIDE OF CARGO FLOOR. I NEEDED THE SUV FOR GOING TO WORK AND HAD TO GET IT REPAIRED AT THE COST OF OVER $1000. I FEEL MAZDA SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR BILL. THE WHOLE SHOCK TOWER WAS RUSTED THROUGH.I STILL HAVE A HOLE IN THE INSIDE CARGO FLOOR.

Mileage: 59,700

THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE MOUNT IS LOOSE ATTACHED TO NOTHING. NOTICED IT WHILE RIDING DOWN A SMOOTH STREET WHEN I HEARD A LOUD THUMP. IN THAT MOMENT I THOUGHT I LEFT MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR OPEN. I WAS LUCKY I WAS RIDDING ON THE HIGHWAY.

Mileage: 108,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, LOOKED UNDERNEATH, AND FOUND THAT THE SHOCK OF THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS DETACHTED. THE SHOCK WOULD LEAN AGAINST THE TIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TURNED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK WAS DETACHED AND THE AREA WERE THE SHOCK WAS LOCATED WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE INSIDE FINDER PANEL AND THE SHOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY A RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Mileage: 145,000

WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE. MECHANIC CHECKED IT OUT AND FOUND THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT STATING IT WAS A DANGER TO DRIVE THE CAR HE CHECKED WITH A BODY SHOP AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT WANT TO REPAIR BECAUSE OF LIABILITY ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

STARTED HEARING BANGING NOISES WHILE DRIVING. FINALLY REALIZED IT WAS COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL, WHICH WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THIS CAUSED THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO DETACH AND BANG ON THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR IS IN OTHERWISE GOOD CONDITION, WITH NO OTHER RUST PROBLEMS. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON THE 2001-2004 MODELS, BUT NOT 2005. *TR

Mileage: 138,000

I OWN A 2005 TRIBUTE THAT HAS BEEN KEPT IN METICULOUS CONDITION. ALWAYS GARAGED AND TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE RUNS LIKE NEW WITH NO SIGNS OF WEAR AND TEAR, AND HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR. THAT ALL CHANGED WHEN A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH DOWN A RESIDENTIAL STREET, AND HIT A SMALL PATCH OF BUMPS IN THE ROAD (NOT POTHOLES, JUST NORMAL UNEVEN PAVEMENT SPOTS) AND ALL OF A SUDDEN HEARD A JACKHAMMER NOISE FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED, LEAVING THE WHEEL/SUSPENSION DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE BODY/FRAME. NOTHING WAS HOLDING THE SUSPENSION TOWER TO THE CAR. HAD I BEEN GOING FASTER OR DIDN'T STOP RIGHT AWAY THIS COULD HAVE KILLED ME. I HAVE THREE SMALL KIDS AND I AM SO UPSET THAT SUCH A DANGEROUS CONDITION IS WELL-KNOWN. THE WAY I FOUND OUT WAS THAT I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE FORD/MAZDA DEALERSHIP WHEN THE NOISE HAPPENED. THEY TOOK IN THE CAR AND CALLED ME THE NEXT MORNING TO SAY THEY WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH IT BECAUSE THEIR CORPORATE FORD/MAZDA POLICY INSTRUCTED THEM NOT TO ACCEPT OR WORK ON VEHICLES WITH THIS DEFECT. I'M SHOCKED THAT FORD/MAZDA WOULD CONCEAL SUCH A DANGEROUS KNOWN CONDITION IN THEIR VEHICLES, PUTTING THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AT RISK WITHOUT ANY WARNING. IF I HAD RECEIVED SOME KIND OF NOTIFICATION THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTED I WOULD HAVE GONE TO GET IT FIXED RIGHT AWAY AT MY OWN EXPENSE IF NEEDED, BUT INSTEAD I DROVE THOUSANDS OF MILES ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR IGNORANT TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR COULD HAVE BROKEN APART AND CAUSED US TO CRASH WITHOUT ANY WARNING. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

WHILE DRIVING LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE.RIGHT REAR INNER FENDER WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED OUT. SHOCK MOUNT NO LONGER ATTACHED TO VEHICLE. POSSIBLE SUSPENSION COLLAPSE IF DRIVEN. MAZDA ISSUED A PREVIOUS RECALL ON MODELS UP TO 2004.

Mileage: 100,000

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD BUMPING NOISE. MY MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK TOWER WAS UNSUPPORTED.

Mileage: 190,000

IN THE REAR PASSENERGER SIDE WHEEL WELL,RUSTED OUT SO BAD REAR SHOCK HAS PULLED AWAY FROM BODY,CAUSING JOLE ALL WSY THRU CAR. SAW ONLINE THIS IS A COMMOM PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND SISTER FORD ESCAPE HEARD RECALLS FOR 02 THRU 04 MODELS.

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 35 MPH I FELT WHAT APPEARED TO BE A FLAT TIRE. AFTER CHECKING THE TIRE, THERE WAS NOTHING OBVIOUS SHOWING. AT SPEEDS ABOUT 55 MPH THE SENSATION OF A FLAT TIRE CEASED, HOWEVER, AS SOON AS I WOULD SLOW DOWN, IT WOULD RETURN, ALONG WITH A LOUD NOISE. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO FIRESTONE TIRE. THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THE STRUT HOUSING IS EXPOSED AND THE WHEEL IS AT RISK FOR LITERALLY SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TOLD THAT ANY SMALL REAR IMPACT COULD CAUSE THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE REST OF THE CAR. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY SEVERAL DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND BODY SHOPS WE WERE TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND REQUIRES OVER $5800 IN REPAIRS. AFTER CONTACTING MAZDA, THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A RECALL AND THE ONLY OFF THEY MADE WAS FOR $1,500-$3,000 OFF THE PURCHASE OF A BRAND NEW MAZDA. WE HAVE CARED FOR OUR VEHICLE IMPECCABLY. IT ONLY HAS 135,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS HAD ALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED. ALL OTHER AREAS OF THE VEHICLE ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE WITH THE PARTS THAT WERE USED ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE DURING PRODUCTION. I FIND IT VERY HARD TO BELIEVE THAT ONLY ONE SIDE IN ONE AREA OF THE VEHICLE WOULD RUST OUT LIKE THIS. MAZDA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED.

Mileage: 135,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME AND SHOCK MOUNTS FRACTURED FROM EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Mileage: 131,000

PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, EXPOSING AND CAUSING FAILURE IN THE ASSOCIATED SHOCK. THE REAR BUMPER NOW RATTLES OVER EVEN THE TINIEST BIT OF UNEVEN PAVEMENT AND THE CAR WILL SWAY IN THE BACK REAR OVER LARGER BUMPS HIT WITH THAT BACK WHEEL. FIRST NOTICED GOING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT AFTER BEING PARKED FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS. NOTHING PROMPTED IT OTHER THAN A PIECE OF UNEVEN ROAD MAY HAVE BEEN THE FINAL STRAW. THIS IS APPARENTLY BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTES AND WAS ADDRESSED IN A RECALL FOR 2001-2004 TRIBUTES. SAME PROBLEM, SAME AREA (PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL) THIS IS NOT SAFE!

Mileage: 135,000

LOUD CLUNKING ON BUMPS AND A TENDENCY FOR AN UNUSUAL SWAY IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY LED TO TAKING A LOOK UNDER THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR. A WHOLE 8"X12" ROUGHLY OVAL PIECE OF THE RIGHT REAR INNER WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT IS ATTACHED. RIGHT REAR SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE CAR AT THE TOP. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. IT APPEARS THIS WAS A RECALL ISSUE IN PRIOR YEARS, WHICH WAS NOT CORRECTED FOR THE 2005 YEAR.

Mileage: 106,700

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS EXPOSED AND BARELY SUPPORTED. THE DRIVER SIDE IS FINE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PRIOR 4 YEARS TO THIS. IT WILL BE UN-DRIVEABLE SOON.

Mileage: 89,000

MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. MY BODY SHOP TOLD ME THIS SHOULD NOT EVER HAPPEN. ALSO TOLD ME IT WAS A BAD PIECE OF STEEL USED IN THE MANUFACTURE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF IT HAD NOT BEEN DETECTED AND I KEPT DRIVING IT. THE REST OF MY SUV IS IMMACULATE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS. IT IS COSTING ME $1500.00 TO REPAIR. I WAS DRIVING AND STARTED HEARING A RATTLING SOUND AND STOPPED AT A MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THANK GOD YOU STOPPED BEFORE YOU GOT HURT.

Mileage: 43,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD BUMPING NOISE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Mileage: 97,000

INNER WHEEL WELL RUSTED CRACKED LEAVING SHOCK TOWER UNATTACHED. MAZDA HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON 2001-04 MODELS. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS ON THE 2005 MODELS AS WELL BUT THERE IS NO RECALL.

Mileage: 180,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FELT LIKE IT WAS FLAT. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS TO KEEP IT IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AT THE FORWARD ATTACHMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

2005 MAZDA WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE HAD RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK TOWER HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. THE LEFT WHEELHOUSE IS CLOSE BEHIND. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM ADDRESSED BY A MAZDA RECALL FOR 2001-2004 MODELS. WHY HASN'T MAZDA BEEN FORCED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 MODEL?

Mileage: 180,000

SIMILAR TO OTHERS, STARTED HEARING A KNOCKING/RATTLING IN THE RIGHT REAR. UPON INSPECTION THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT, AND THE KNOCKING CONTINUES TO GET WORSE. SIMILAR TO THE RECALL BY MAZDA FOR 2001 - 2004 MODELS. CAR WILL BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY MAZDA.

MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE AWD S IS RUSTED OUT IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE ALONG WITH THE SHOCK TOWER. NOT DRIVABLE AND SITTING STATIONARY. WHY RECALLS ONLY UP TO 2004 MODELS? VERY DISAPPOINTED. DOESN'T MAKE SENSE AS THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. I HAVE A CAR NOT DRIVABLE AND NO MONEY FOR A NEW ONE. RETIRED WITH A FIXED INCOME. HELP!!??

Mileage: 112,000

A NOISE IN THE LEFT REAR DEVELOPED AND THE REAR SHOCK BROKE OFF. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE ENTIRE FRAME FROM BEHIND THE FRONT SEAT AREA BACK RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I CONTACTED MAZDA CORP AND WAS TLD THAT YES THERE WERE KNOWN CASES OF EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THAT ER AS WELL AS FORD ESCAPES DUE TO DEFECTIVE METAL USED IN MANUFACTURING. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT MY FAULT AS I COULD NOT HAVE PREVENTED IT. THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AS THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTEE. THE MAZDA DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE STATED IT WAS NE OF THE WORST CASES THEY HAD SEEN AND NOT TO DRIVE IT. I WAS FORCED TO TRADE IT IN AT A GREAT LOSS BECAUSE I NEED A VEHICLE.

AS OTHERS HAVE STATED THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS A SERIOUS FACTORY/MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT MAZDA HAS BLATANTLY IGNORING. WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY LIMITS THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER REAR. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THAT THERE WAS BEYOND MAJOR RUST MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 123,817 MILES. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND MAZDA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. MAYBE THEY PREFER TO SEE SOMEONE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED BY THE KIND OF ACCIDENT THIS FAILURE COULD CAUSE. A VEHICLE IN OTHERWISE GOOD CONDITION WITH THIS MILEAGE SHOULD NOT RELEGATE THE VEHICLE TO THE JUNK YARD OR LEAVE THE OWNER WITH A $2000- $3000 REPAIR.

Mileage: 123,817

START HEARING LOUD NOISE THUMBING SOUND IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BACK END BY THE SHOCKS AS WE WERE DRIVING. IT STARTED GETTING LOUDER AND MORE CONSISTED. TOOK TO FORD DEALER THEY LOOKED AT IT SAID IT WOULD COST ABOUT $3,000+ TO FIX. THEN WE FIND OUT THAT THE 2001-04 HAD A RECALL ON THEM FOR THE SAME ISSUE, BUT THEY OVERLOOKED THE 05 THIS IS NOT RIGHT. FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS BECAUSE I AM SURE THEY NEW THAT THEY SHOULD OF RECALLED THESE TRUCKS AS WELL. LOOK HOW MANY JUST ON HERE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. FORD SAID THEY JUST HAD SEVERAL IN THAT THEY JUST FIXED. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A PROBLEM. WHEN WE FIRST TOOK IT TO GET LOOK AT CAUSE WE WERE NOT SURE WHAT THE NOISE WAS THEY TOLD US WE NEED TO GET IT FIXED THE SHOCK COULD POSSIBLY COME THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARD IF NOT.

Mileage: 1,390,000

THERE IS EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE REAR STRUCTURE OF MY MAZDA. THE NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER REAR BECAME A THUNKING AND TODAY I FOUND THE TOP PORTION OF THE STRUT HAD RUSTED AND BROKE OFF. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE REAR HAS EXCESSIVE RUSTING TO THE STRUCTURE. I FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM RESULTED IN A RECALL OF THE SAME VEHICLE 2001-2004. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE MECHANIC STATED HE COULD NOT PUT THE VEHICLE ON A LIFT DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE CORROSION OF THE FRAME. I CONTACTED MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY STATED THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR CORROSION IT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VIN. THE REAR STRUT BEING BROKEN AND THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE ARE NO LONGER ATTACHED.

Mileage: 137,000

AS RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THE 2001 - 2004 TRIBUTES HAVE RECALLS ON THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE, MY 2005 HAS THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE SUBFRAME AND IS SO RUSTED OUT THAT IT IS READY TO BREAK APART. I BELIEVE THIS IS THE SAME PART AS THE EARLIER MODELS AND MY VIN HAS BEEN LEFT OUT OF THE RECALL, I WOULD REALLY BE GREAT FULL IF WE CAN HAVE THIS MATTER RESOLVED BEFORE IT BECOMES A TRAGIC MATTER WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. I REMAIN. MY VEHICLE WILL BE GOING INTO THE DEALER TOMORROW MORNING FOR A DIFFERENT RECALL MATTER AT BAY SHORE MAZDA IN LONG ISLAND N.Y. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 130,000

WITH NO PREVIOUS VISIBLE INDICATION, RUST ATE AWAY AT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT. WE NOTICED A LOUD SQUEAKING ONE DAY FROM THE BACK AND, UPON INSPECTION, NOTICED TEH SEVER RUST DAMAGE. THE METAL HAD CORRODED BEHIND THE UNDERCOATING. THE SHOCK MOUNT IS NO LONGER ATTACHED AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. INSPECTION DOES NOT SHOW EXCESSIVE RUST ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE BODY.

Mileage: 157,000

THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THIS VEHICLE IS RUSTED AS PER THE COMPLAINTS, ONLY YEAR NOT RECALLED AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN. BUT UNRELATED TO THAT. DRIVING DAUGHTERS 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE AND BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR NOT ALLOWING ME TO STOP THE CAR. I HAD TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. IT WAS A TORN BRAKE HOSE THAT WAS SPEWING OUT FLUID THAT IMMEDIATELY DRAINED AND LEFT THE VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE. HAD TOWED TO SHOP TO REPAIR BRAKES, LEAK RUINED CALIPERS, REPLACE FRONT LINES TO ACCEPT NEW HOSES, ETC. $877 TO FIX. IF 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAD TAKEN CAR BACK TO COLLEGE, 6 HOURS ON INTERSTATE, COULD'VE BEEN CATASTROPHIC!

Mileage: 114,000

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR STRUT UPPER MOUNT RUSTED AND BROKE AWAY FROM THE BODY AFTER 11 YEARS AND 126, 500 MILES. THE MAZDA WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE 2005; AND ROUTINE AND AS NEEDED MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BY THE SAME MAZDA DEALER. I NOTICED RUST IN THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE WHEEL WELL IN 2014 AND BEGAN ASKING THE MAZDA DEALER ABOUT IT. DURING ALL MAZDA FULL CIRCLE SUSPENSION CHECKS PERFORMED BY THE MAZDA DEALER, THE SUSPENSION WAS MARKED OR CHECKED "OK" "GREEN", AND THEN IN JAN 2016- THE STRUT MOUNT RUSTED OUT OF THE BODY AND THE DEALER SAID THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I BELIEVE THIS WAS WAY TOO EARLY FOR THE CAR TO RUST OUT. I ALSO QUESTION THE INTEGRITY OF MAZDA'S FULL CIRCLE INSPECTION AND THE MAZDA DEALER. HAD THE MAZDA DEALER BEEN CANDID AND TOLD ME ABOUT THE RUST PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR RATHER THAN YEAR AFTER YEAR CONTINUING TO SUGGEST OTHER MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICE, MOST LIKELY I WOULD HAVE TRADED OR SOLD THIS MAZDA BEFORE IT RUSTED OUT. BASED ON THIS EXPERIENCE, I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER MAZDA.

Mileage: 126,500

REAR INNER WHEEL WELL SHOCK MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. SHOCK COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY FROM FRAME ON PASSENGER SIDE WITH DRIVERS SIDE CONDITION SOON TO FOLLOW. PROBLEM NOTED 04/27/15 AT 95,000. MILES. PHOTOS TAKEN OF ISSUE. PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON RESIDENTIAL STREET. HEARD NOISE IN REAR OF VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY BOUNCING IN THE REAR END.

Mileage: 95,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK MOUNT WAS CORRODED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

WHILE DRIVING, MY PASSENGER AND I NOTICED A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. AFTER INSPECTING IT, WE DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT AND THAT THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WAS DISCONNECTED. HENCE, THE ENTIRE AREA IS BEING CUT OUT AND REBUILT. AFTER SPEAKING WITH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM MAZDA, MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF ANY CONSIDERATION OF ASSISTANCE FROM MAZDA BECAUSE OF THE AGE AND MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 196,000

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL HAS A LARGE HOLE GOING THROUGH TO THE LIFT GATE AREA OF THE VEHICLE. IT'S ALL RUSTED OUT.

I HAVE HAD THIS SUV SINCE NEW AND HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. WE DO NOT DRIVE IT IN WINTER AS WE HAVE ANOTHER CAR IN FLA. BUT STILL LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER TRIBUTES, ESCAPES AND MARINERS THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED OUT ALONG WITH INTER FINDER WHEEL WELL!. WHICH HAS LEFT US WITH A VERY UNSAFE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 108,000

UPON BRINGING MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE INTO THE MAZDA SERVICE CENTER FOR UNRELATED REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL WAS HEAVILY RUSTED AND THE SHOCK WOULD SOON BREAK THROUGH THE RUST AND DISENGAGE FROM THE VEHICLE. I CONTACTED MAZDA CORPORATION TO INITIATE A COMPLAINT AND INVESTIGATION. AFTER THE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE (CONTACTING THE DIAGNOSING MAZDA SERVICE CENTER), I WAS INFORMED MAZDA CORPORATION WOULD NOT REPAIR MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THIS ISSUE WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL, THE VEHICLE WARRANTEE EXPIRED, AND MAZDA WAS UNAWARE OF ANY SIMILAR ADDITIONAL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. THIS TRIBUTE HAS 109.000 MILES AND BASED ON THE DEALERS SERVICE CENTER ASSESSMENT IS IN IMMACULATE CONDITION: ALWAYS GARAGE PARKED, NO OTHER RUST EXISTS (INCLUDING THE UNDERCARRIAGE) ON THE VEHICLE, ALL MAINTENANCE FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER, AND THIS VEHICLE NEVER INCURRED BODY DAMAGE (NO ACCIDENTS). AS ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE, WE INITIALLY PURCHASED THE CORROSION PROTECTION AND EXTERIOR PAINT SEALANT (THE RUSTPROOFING MATERIAL IS STILL VISIBLE WITHIN THE WHEEL WELL). WE HAVE BEEN VERY RESPONSIBLE AND LOYAL MAZDA ORIGINAL VEHICLE OWNERS, ALTHOUGH AFTER INVESTIGATING THIS ISSUE I HAVE DISCOVERED HUNDREDS OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS WHICH OBVIOUSLY RELATES TO A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD FOR UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS OF THIS VEHICLE. I AM APPALLED THAT MAZDA AND THE NHTSA HAVE NOT INVESTIGATED AND RECALLED THIS VEHICLE TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT. IT IS TIME TO TAKE ACTION AND RESPONSIBILITY TO REDUCE THE SAFETY HAZARD FOR ALL OWNERS AND DRIVERS, ESPECIALLY SINCE MAZDAS OWN INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THEY WERE UNAWARE OF OTHER COMPLAINTS. OBVIOUSLY THIS WAS NOT THE TRUTH BUT INSTEAD A COVER UP RESPONSE TO AVOID CULPABILITY.

Mileage: 109,000

I HEARD A LOUD THUMP COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. I ASKED MY HUSBAND TO LOOK AT IT WHEN I GOT HOME AND FOUND THE REAR PASSENGER FENDER WELL RUSTED OUT AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION AND IS ONLY TEN YEARS OLD.

Mileage: 103,408

WHILE REPLACING THE BRAKES ON MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE, I DISCOVERED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPROMISED BY EXCESSIVE RUST. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR QUALITY DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THIS VEHICLE AND SIMILAR FORD AND MERCURY MODELS (ESCAPE AND MARINER). I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR, BUT ONLY NOW NOTICED THE RUST. SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE CALLING FOR FORD TO ISSUE A RECALL/REPAIR FOR THESE VEHICLES FOR THIS ISSUE. I AGREE WITH THEM.

Mileage: 184,400

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE REPAIR, THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HOUSING AND STRUT WERE CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED IRREPARABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. *CN

Mileage: 87,000

WHILE TURNING INTO A BUSINESS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT CAME APART AT THE SUBFRAME. THERE APPEARS TO BE SUBSTANCIAL RUST IN THE AREA.

Mileage: 125,000

I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD THUD THE WHEEL WELL ROTTED OUT SO BAD THAT BROKE THE SHOCK ON THE REAR BACK PASSENGER SIDE. THIS CAUSED ME TO SWERVE AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT.. YOU RECALL THE 2001 AND 2004 MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE WHY NOT ADD THE 2005 BECAUSE THERE IS BEEN HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS.

2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE, REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED. WHILE DRIVING MY WIFE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, SHE THEN TELLS ME THERE IS A RATTLE. SO I DRIVE IT THE NEXT DAY. THE RATTLE WAS VERY EASY TO HEAR. UPON INSPECTION THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAD DISINTEGRATED AND WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE, AND THE RATTLE WAS THE STRUT THAT HAD COME UNDONE HITTING THE CARGO COMPARTMENT. JUST HAD TIRES AND BRAKES REPLACED AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AS WELL ONLY 2 MONTHS PRIOR WITH NO MENTION OF ANY OTHER PROBLEMS. NOW IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NO HELP FROM MAZDA, INSURANCE, OR THE SUPER WARRANTY THAT COVERS EVERYTHING BUMPER TO BUMPER(OR SUPPOSE TO). COME TO FIND OUT WHILE DOING SOME RESEARCH, THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR MAZDA. THE 01-04 TRIBUTE HAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME THING EXCEPT CALLING FOR THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL WELL. WHEN YOU TAKE IT IN THEY REPLACE ALL FOUR. IT ALSO SEEMS THAT THE 05 MODEL YEAR HAS JUST AS MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS AS WELL. BOTH OF US WORK AND HAVE TO BE ABLE TO GET THERE AS WELL AS GETTING THE CHILDREN TO MULTIPLE PLACES. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THINKING THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE A GOOD AND SAFE WAY TO GET WHERE WE NEED TO GO. TURNS OUT IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF TIME WITH THIS ISSUE. WE ARE LUCKY THAT IT WAS THE BACK I GUESS AND NOT THE FRONT AS SHE HAD THE KIDS WITH HER WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND IF THE FRONT WOULD HAVE COME LOOSE AT HWAY SPEED IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT OUTCOME. I HOPE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE. 2 ESTIMATES TO REPAIR BOTH ARE $5-7000. CAN'T PAY TO FIX, AND CAN'T TRADE IT IN AS IT IS WORTHLESS RIGHT NOW. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THE NHTSA AND MAZDA NEEDS TO ADDRESS. IT IS NOT ONLY MONETARY BUT A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL. WE WORK HARD FOR WHAT WE HAVE AND FEEL LIKE WE JUST GOT ROBBED OF OUR MONEY. THE DEALERS AND MAZDA GOT THEIRS THOUGH.

Mileage: 128,500

THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL HAS BEEN COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT THE SUSPENSION BROKE THROUGH INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE LEFT REAR AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL WELLS LOOK TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION WHICH SEEMS ABNORMAL FOR JUST ONE WHEEL WELL TO BE AFFECTED BY EXTREME RUST AND CORROSION. WE BOUGHT THIS MAZDA TRIBUTE LESS THEN A YEAR AGO FROM THE DAN WOLF CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP IN NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS, WITH IT "PASSING INSPECTION". SINCE THEN MY FAMILY AND I HAVE TREATED THIS CAR WITH EXTRAORDINARY CARE BY REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OVERALL CLEANLINESS. THE MY FAMILY OF FIVE (THREE CHILDREN) HAVE USED THIS VEHICLE EVERYDAY TO DRIVE TO WORK AND SCHOOL NOT KNOWING THE DANGER IT APPOSED ON US AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. WHEN RESEARCHING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM WE NOTICED THAT THIS VERY DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TO OWNERS OF THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE ACROSS THE U.S. (HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/MAZDA/TRIBUTE/2005/BODY_PAINT/WHEEL_WELL_COMPLETELY_RUSTED_OUT.SHTML) THE DEALERSHIP NOR MAZDA HAVE BEEN ANY HELP TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT A RECALL FOR THIS CAR SHOULD BE MADE TO AVOID ANY HARM OR THREAT TO FAMILIES AND DRIVERS ON THE ROAD.

Mileage: 100,100

WHEN I TOOK MY TRIBUTE IN TO GET MY ANNUAL INSPECTION STICKER THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE RUST UNDERNEATH MY VEHICLE HE SAID IT WOULD NOT SUPPORT THE SHOCKS IN RESEARCHING THIS VEHICLE I FOUND THERE WERE 332 COMPLAINTS AND 53 WAS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE I THINK MAZDA SHOULD RECALL MY VEHICLE OR PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED OR I THINK ALL OF US SHOULD FILE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST MAZDA OR FORD BECAUSE THEY OWN MAZDA

Mileage: 80,000

THE UPPER REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT CAME APART DUE TO RUST, THE SHOCK ABSORBER CAME LOOSE AND WAS HITTING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL OR TIRE. REPAIRS WERE MADE AT A COST OF 4600. THE OTHER REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT ON THE DRIVER SIDE DID NOT SHOW ANY SIGNS OF RUST. UPDATED 09/29/15*JB... UPDATED 09/30/15*BF

Mileage: 130,000

NO CRASH BUT THE UNDERSIDE IS RUSTED AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS IT DOES NOT SUPPORT THE SHOCKS THIS CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED I UNDERSTAND MAZDA RECALLED A LOT OF THESE CARS FROM 2001-2004 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM MY CAR HAS NEW TIRES NEW BRAKES AND NEW SPARK PLUS AND PISTONS ONLY 80,000 MILES AND RUNS GOOD BUT IT IS RUSTED MY DAUGHTER HAS A HONDA WITH 123,000 MILES AND IT RUNS PERFECT WITH NO RUST THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO ME THAT THE MAZDA IS RUSTED. I WOULD NOT ADVISE ANYONE TO BUY A MAZDA BECAUSE THEY DO NOT LAST VERY LONG.

Mileage: 80,000

THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM THE RIGHT REAR. UPON INSPECTION BY OUR MECHANIC IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A COMPLETE RUSTING THROUGH OF THE RIGHT REAR WELL, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO NO LONGER BE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE SHOCK WAS ACTUALLY VISIBLE FROM THE INSIDE REAR OF THE CAR. WE WERE TOLD THE CAR WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. MAZDA WAS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE FAILURE, IN SPITE OF MY FINDING NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE SAME FAILURE ON BLOGS. A FRAME SHOP HAD TO INSTALL A NEW INNER WHEEL HOUSE PANEL. COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $2000.

Mileage: 87,000

I OWN A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WITH 80,000 MILES, NEW TIRES, NEW BRAKES, NEW SPARK PLUGS AND PISTONS (INSTALLED IN APRIL ) COST=1200.00 TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN INSPECTION IN MAY AND MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE RUST ON THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL AND MAY NOT SUPPORT THE STRUTS HE ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE IT AND I TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY SAID D1500.+ NOT INCLUDING LABOR AND THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THEY COULD GT RID OF THE RUST, NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT-MY CAR RUNS GOOD BUT I AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. 75 RETIRED AND THIS IS MY ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AND I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR. I NOTICED ON LINE MAZDA HAS RECALLED A LOT OF CARS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM-DO THEY NOR UNDERCOAT CARS ANYMORE.

Mileage: 80,000

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT. SUSPENSION IS NOW PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE EXTENT OF THE RUST IS ABNORMAL, EVEN FOR THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA. IT IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. CONDITION IS RESULT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT. CONTACTED MAZDA USA TO ASK WHEN THEY WILL BE SCHEDULING RECALL BASED ON HUGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RE: SAME ISSUE AND THEY STATED THAT THE ISSUE IS DUE TO IMPROPER WASHING OF THE CAR AND SENT PARAGRAPH ON HOW TO WASH A CAR. USELESS.

Mileage: 110,000

TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT ON 17 JUNE 2015, MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE SUDDENLY GAVE A LOUD THUMP, A TIRE SCREECH, AND STOPPED. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE UNDER ITS OWN POWER, AS THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS POINTED IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION THAN THE LEFT ONE, AND IT WAS CLEAR THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD BEEN PULLED OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE, AS THE WHEEL WAS TOO FAR OUT AND ALMOST BACK AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. UPON INSPECTION AT A REPAIR SHOP, IT WAS CLEAR THE RIGHT FRONT SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH, CAUSING THE LOWER ARM TO DETACH FROM THE CHASSIS. RESEARCH INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL OF PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS. IT SEEMS THAT THE RUST-THROUGH PROBLEM WITH THIS ASSEMBLY IS STILL A PROBLEM. THIS IS GOING COST A LOT TO FIX. NOT HAPPY. UPDATED 09/03/15*LJ

Mileage: 92,520

MY MAZDA 2005, HAS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER BACK WHEEL WELL. THE SUSPENSION IS AFFECTED AS WELL. THE REPAIRS ARE GOING TO BE VERY COSTLY AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE 01-04 MODELS HAVE DONE THE SAME AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. MAZDA NEEDS TO EXTEND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THE 05 MODEL AS WELL. I AM ALSO FILING A REPORT WITH MAZDA.

PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING STRUT TO PUSH THROUGH INTO INTERIOR TRIM. A MINIMUM $1,000 REPAIR ESTIMATE.

Mileage: 134,000

PASSENGER BACK WHEEL CARRIAGE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. SUSPENSION IS EXPOSED ALONG WITH SHOCKS. MADE LOUD NOISES WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS - I HAD NO IDEA THAT MY ENTIRE WHEEL CARRIAGE WAS COMPLETED RUSTED. THIS WILL COST HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX. WORST CAR I HAVE HAD. WILL NEVER EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER MAZDA. I AM AMAZED AND DISGUSTED THAT MAZDA HAS NOT RECALLED THESE CARS. WHAT A DISGRACE TO OWNERS OF THESE CARS.

Mileage: 98,600

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND LEFT THE SHOCK ATTACHED TO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

Mileage: 130,000

SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE STRUT IS HANGING LOOSE. YOU LOOK UP FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SEE INTO THE INTERIOR INSULATION. STRUT CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ROTTED OUT WHEEL WELL CAN ALLOW EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE VEHICLE CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Mileage: 93,000

EXCESSIVE, LOCALIZED RUST HAS DEVELOPED IN THE RIGHT, REAR WHEEL WELL, RESULTING IN THE SHOCK BEING LOOSE AND MAKING A LOUD BANGING SOUND WHEN GOING OVER EVEN SMALL BUMPS. THE LEFT SIDE AND THE REST OF THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM INDICATING A LOCALIZED MANUFACTURING/ENGINEERING DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 245,000

THE RIGHT REAR TOP SHOCK MOUNT ON MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE TOTALLY RUSTED OFF THE UNIBODY FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 185,000

LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME DURING NORMAL DRIVING (SLOW SPEED - 25MPH) DUE TO WHAT APPEARS TO BE A FAULTY DESIGN. ALL CONNECTING BOLTS, WASHERS AND NUTS ARE INTACT AND SECURE IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER AND MOUNT AREA. THIS HAS RESULTED IN A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS FORTUITOUS THAT THE DRIVER WAS NOT OPERATING IN HIGHWAY OR MORE INTENSE CONDITIONS WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED. I HAVE CONTACTED MAZDA NORTH AMERICA AND HAVE RECEIVED A SERVICE REPORT FROM THE LOCAL MAZDA DEALER IN CHARLOTTE, NC. (INFORMATION AVAILABLE IF NEEDED). WHILE THE VEHICLE IS 10 YEARS OLD, A FAILURE OF THIS TYPE IS UNUSUAL AND RARE BUT IDENTIFIED FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES AS CORROSION ISSUES THAT FORD / MAZA HAVE ON THE 03 TO 05 MODELS WHICH SHOULD RESULT IN A RECALL AND REMEDY BY THE MANUFACTURER. HAVING RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE IT'S CLEARLY A MANUFACTURE FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THIS MODEL, NOT JUST BECAUSE AS AN OWNER I HAVE AN ISSUE TO DEAL WITH, BUT AS A CONSUMER WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNUSUAL NATURE OF THIS FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 78,035

THE ENTIRE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED AWAY AND THE SHOCK IS COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE FRAME ON OUR TRIBUTE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AS THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 10 YEARS OLD AND IT IS ONLY HAPPENING ON THE REAR PASSENGER. IT IS GOING TO COST ME A LOT TO FIX AND WILL DEFINITELY BE THE LAST MAZDA I BUY (UNLESS BY CHANCE MAZDA SEES HOW THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH TRIBUTES/ESCAPES AND MAKES IT RIGHT). *TR

Mileage: 173,000

I PURCHASED MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE BRAND NEW FROM MARTIN MAZDA, LOCATED IN NEWARK, DE. MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I JUST DRIVE IT BACK AND FORTH TO WORK. IN JANUARY I STARTED HEARING A LOUD NOISE IN THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE WHICH STARTED TO GET LOUDER AND LOUDER. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS BOUNCING/RATTLING AROUND. ON FEBRUARY 10, 2015 I TOOK MY CAR TO NUCAR MAZDA IN NEW CASTLE WHO HAS SERVICED MY VEHICLE SINCE 2005. [XXX] , MAZDA SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMED ME THAT THE RIGHT REAR SUBFRAME AND WHEELWELL HAD RUSTED AWAY AND THAT IT WAS UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE. THE BRAKE LINE HAD STARTED TO RUST, AS WELL. THE SHOCK ATTACHED T THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED AWAY, AS WELL. HE EXPLAINED THAT THE REAR COULD COLLAPSE. I CONTACTED MAZDA HEADQUARTERS AND THEY SAID THAT DUE TO THE WAY THAT DELAWARE SALTS THEIR ROADS IS WHY THIS RUST OCCURRED ONLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE. A FAMILY MEMBER SUGGESTED THAT I GET AN ESTIMATE FROM A BODY SHOP. NORTHEAST BODY SHOP WAS ABLE TO REPAIR ALL OF THE PARTS THAT HAD RUSTED OUT AT A COST OF $2,710.00. [XXX] , OWNER STATED THAT THIS RUSTING OUT WAS DUE TO THE UNDERCOATING WAS NOT COVERING THE PARTS THAT RUSTED OUT. HE PROVIDED ME WITH THE ENTIRE PIECE THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I FEEL THAT MAZDA SHOULD TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT ON MY VEHICLE. I BELIEVED IN MAZDA AND I AM VERY UPSET THAT I WAS DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE FOR THIS PERIOD OF TIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 110,000

REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT ON PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED AND BROKE OFF FROM FRAME WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

AFTER HEARING RATTLING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER-SIDE WHEN GOING OVER POTHOLES, I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SHOCK/STRUTS. I WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS NOT MY SHOCKS, BUT THAT THE WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT. THE SHOCKS WERE OK, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING TO ATTACH THEM TO. I WAS FURTHER TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN CORROSION THIS BAD ON A 10YR OLD CAR WITH 50,000 MILES. ADVICE WAS TO FIND A BODY SHOP TO FABRICATE A PART. I'VE READ THAT THIS IS OCCURRING WITH LOTS OF MAZDA TRIBUTES AND FORD ESCAPE IN DIFFERENT YEARS. SO WHY ISN'T MAZDA/FORD MAKING THESE REPAIRS. THIS IS A DEFECT. I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN A HONDA: SOMETHING I TRUST. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

THE RIGHT BACK SIDE BY THE TIRED THE CHASSIS IS ALL RUST IT AND THE SHOCK IS LOOSE I CAN MOVE IT WITH MY HANDS AND THE LEFT SIDE IS ABOUT TO GET LIKE THE OTHER SIDE. *TR

Mileage: 122,210

DRIVING CROSS COUNTRY AND HEARD A LOUD THUMP IN RT REAR WHEEL WELL. AFTER THAT EVERY BUMP NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE THUMP BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED. STOPPED TO CHECK THINGS OUT, RT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH EXPOSING SUSPENSION AND CORROSION ON ATTACHMENT TO FRAME. ABLE TO DRIVE HOME SAFELY, HAD DEALERSHIP CHECK IT OVER AND COST OF REPAIR TO FRAME DAMAGE OVER COST OF VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP REPORTS ONGOING ISSUE WITH RT REAR WHEEL WELL ON 2005 YEAR. WAY TO EARLY FOR THIS MUCH CORROSION. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS RUSTED OUT IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE AROUND THE SHOCK MOUNT.CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THEY HAVE NO FIX FOR AND TO TAKE IT TO A WELDING/FAB SHOP.THE MAZDA TRIBUTE ONLY HAS 71000 MILES ON IT SO IT IS NOT DUE TO ANY EXCESSIVE DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 71,000

JUST WANT TO ADD MY TRIBUTE TO THE LIST OF 2005 ESCAPE, TRIBUTE, AND MARINER RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL / UPPER SHOCK MOUNT RUSTING TO FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 136,000

THE SUB FRAME AND AXLES COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND EVERYTHING SUPPORTED CAME LOOSE. IT ALL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT ON THE SAME VEHICLE YEARS 2001 - 2004 AS WELL AS MANY FORD ESCAPES. THEY HAVE BEEN RECALLED SO WHY WOULD NEWER UNITS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM NOT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. FOR A NEWER CAR TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WOULD MAKE THIS ISSUE BE EVEN WORSE THEN THE MANUFACTURER IS REPORTING. EVERY DEALER AND EVERY JUNK YARD TELLS ME THE SAME THING, THIS IS NOT ISOLATED TO THE 2001 - 2004 MODEL YEARS. I HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO FIX THE MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND HOPE THAT THEY ADMIT MORE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED. THEY SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM AND PAY FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR TO REPAIR THEIR PROBLEM WHICH THEY KNOWINGLY PASSED ONTO THE CONSUMER. I WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO INFORM AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO NEVER BUY A MAZDA OR FORD VEHICLE UNTIL THEY PROVE THAT THEY ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THE CONSUMER, RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND PAY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. THEY ARE PUTTING PEOPLE IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THEY KNOW IT! ANOTHER PROBLEM HAS BEEN THE ENGINE. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH FAULTY IGNITION COILS AND SENSORS AND THE RUSTING OF THE REAR WHEEL WELLS, WHICH WERE RUSTED THRU AND HAD TO BE WELDED BACK TOGETHER SINCE THEY SEPARATED FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR AND I HAD A LOUD RATTLE AND SHAKE. THANK GOODNESS THIS WAS RECOGNIZED BY THE REPAIR SHOP AS THEY FOUND IT BEFORE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. WHAT IS A OWNER TO DO? *TR

Mileage: 110,000

RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE HAS RUST AND CORROSION AT 102,000 MILES, AND THE STRUT MOUNTING IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY FROM THE FRAME MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE. THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP WILL NOT FIX AS IT AFFECTS THE FRAME AND THEY DO NOT WANT THE LIABILITY. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS VERY ISSUE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND OTHERS FOR THE 2005. IN ADDITION, MAZDA ISSUED A RECALL IN 2014 FOR THE 2001-2004 TRIBUTES. *TR

Mileage: 102,000

RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AT 146,000 MILES, AND THE STRUT IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME. MAZDA HAS DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE DESPITE THE FACT THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS VERY ISSUE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE 2001-2004 TRIBUTES WERE RECALLED AND REPAIRED FOR CORROSION ISSUES. THE MECHANIC AND COLLISION REPAIR CENTER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN RUST THIS BAD IN THE SAME AREA OF MAKES OF VEHICLES. THE COLLISION REPAIR CENTER ALSO STATED THAT THIS IS A $4,000-$6,000 REPAIR THAT THE OWNER SHOULD NOT BE STUCK WITH AS IT IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. THEY MANUFACTURED THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE FRAME IN THE SAME PLANT AND THEY SHARE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH AND THE SHOCK BROKE FREE RIGHT BEHIND MY SONS CARSEAT, THE SHOCK WAS TOUCHING THE INNER PLASTIC . LUCKILY I PULLED OVER TO FIND OUT WHAT THE NOISE WAS. MAZDA SEEMS TO HAVE NO CONCERN FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS SAFETY. CUSTOMER BEWARE.... AND IF YOU HAVE A CHILD AT LEAST PUT THEM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FOR SOME SAFETY. LETS ALL HOPE MAZDA WILL STAND UP FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT........ *TR

Mileage: 146,000

ENTIRE RIGHT (PASSENGER) REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED AWAY, INCLUDING THE SHOCK MOUNT. *TR

Mileage: 106,780

THE FRAMEWORK UNDERNEATH AND AROUND THE VEHICLE'S REAR PASSENGER TIRE HAS ROTTED AWAY, AND THE SHOCK HAS PENETRATED THE WHEEL WELL. THE ENTIRE REAR OF THE VEHICLE "RATTLES" LOUDLY BECAUSE OF THIS. IT APPEARS THAT THIS DEFICIENCY WAS FIXED, TEMPORARILY, BEFORE THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE WAS PURSUED. *TR

Mileage: 156,000

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL STRUT MOUNT IS ONLY HANGING ON BY A SMALL AMOUNT OF STEEL. YOU CAN SEE THE INTERIOR TRIM PLASTIC ON 3 SIDES OF THE UPPER STRUT MOUNT BRACKET. PIECES OF RUSTED STEEL PEEL AWAY WITH 2 FINGERS. THERE IS NO UPPER STRUT SUPPORT AND THE TOP THREADING OF THE STRUT IS HITTING THE PLASTIC INTERIOR PIECE IN THE TRUNK AREA. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN; IF THE LOWER STRUT MOUNT IS LOOSE, THEN THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE AREA AND POTENTIAL THE UPPER BRACKET GETS INTO THE TIRE. MY FAMILY'S SAFETY IS MY #1 PRIORITY. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALL. BOTH THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE AND THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE HAVE A HIGH VOLUME OF THIS DEFECT. BASING MY EXPERIENCE AS A QUALITY ENGINEER IN A SHEET STEEL FABRICATION FACILITY, THIS TYPE OF DEFECT CAN BE RELATED TO EITHER POOR MATERIAL QUALITY OR CHOICE OF MATERIALS, POOR ENGINEERING PRACTICES, POOR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, AND/OR POOR PROTECTION OF THE WHEEL WELL AREA (MORE DURABLE COATINGS). EITHER WAY, BASED ON MY ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE AND OPINION, THIS DEFECT REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE HAD OLDER VEHICLES THAT NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF DEFECT. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A SIMILAR TYPE OF VEHICLE BY THIS MANUFACTURER AGAIN DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THE NO RECALL CONDITION OF THIS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THE MANUFACTURER IS TURNING A BLIND EYE TO QUALITY AND SAFETY RELATED ISSUES ON THE TRIBUTE AND ESCAPE. I DO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS AN OLDER VEHICLE, BUT SOME QUALITY ISSUES DO NOT SHOW UP UNTIL YEARS LATER AND THE MANUFACTURER IS STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE TYPES OF SAFETY CONCERNS THE PUBLIC IS OBVIOUSLY HAVING WITH THESE VEHICLES. *TR

Mileage: 133,000

RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE HAS RUST AND CORROSION AT 128,000 MILES, AND THE STRUT IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME. MAZDA HAS DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE DESPITE THE FACT THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS VERY ISSUE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE 2001-2004 TRIBUTES WERE RECALLED AND REPAIRED FOR THIS VERY ISSUE. THE MECHANIC AND COLLISION REPAIR CENTER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN RUST THIS BAD IN A VEHICLE HOUSED AND DRIVEN IN THE SOUTHEAST WHERE THERE IS LITTLE TO NO SNOW/SALTED ROADS, AND NO HISTORY OF FLOOD DAMAGE. *TR

Mileage: 128,182

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK DETACHED FROM VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Mileage: 132,000

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I BEGAN TO NOTICE A LOUD BANGING COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. AFTER INSPECTING THE REAR DOOR TO VERIFY THE SOUND WAS NOT AN OPEN DOOR, I FOUND THAT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR, SPECIFICALLY THE REAR RIGHT AXLE, WAS RUSTED AND DETERIORATING. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT HAD RUSTED, A PROBLEM THAT WILL SOON CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR THE WHEEL MOUNT. THERE ARE A MULTITUDE OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE, ALL POINTING OUT THAT THIS IS A FACTORY ISSUE, AND ALL MAZDA TRIBUTES AND FORD ESCAPES IN THIS YEAR RANGE HAVE THIS EXACT PROBLEM. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT MUST BE FIXED IN THE NEXT WEEK OR ELSE I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR- A CAR I HAVE OWNED FOR LESS THAN A YEAR. *TR

Mileage: 60

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL HOUSING AREA RUSTED SO BAD THAT THE TOP OF SHOCK BRACKET RUSTED AWAY AND SHOCK STARTED BANGING AGAINST FLOOR. TOOK IT TO MY MAZDA DEALER AND SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS NOT RIGHT THAT THIS SHOULD HAPPEN. HE KNOWS THAT I GARAGE AND TAKE CAR OF MY VEHICLES.HE GAVE ME THE NUMBER TO CALL MAZDA FOR HELP. MAZDA SAID THEY WOULD NOT HELP! I CAN'T DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE. BECAUSE OF FAMILY MEDICAL ISSUES I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED AND I WILL NOT TRADE IT OFF TO AN UNSUSPECTING BUYER. DON'T KNOW WHAT I WILL DO. LOOKED ON INTERNET AND FOUND MANY OF THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE TRIBUTE AND FORD ESCAPE (BOTH, WHICH I BEEN TOLD BY CAR DEALERS' SERVICE PERSONAL, ARE THE SAME VEHICLE). YOU WOULD THINK A AUTO COMPANY WOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I'M NO LONGER PROUD OF THE FACT THAT I HAVE OWNED ABOUT 10 MAZDA VEHICLES. *TR

Mileage: 96,000

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING THERE TO BE NO CONNECTION BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE REAR SHOCKS. LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL IS STARTING TO RUST. NO OTHER RUST ON THE CAR OTHER THAN THE WHEEL WELLS. ESTIMATE FROM THE SHOP IS OVER $4000. ONLY 9 YEARS OLD AND 125,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 125,262

WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE REAR WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ON MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE STARTED TO KNOCK AND BANG. ONCE I ARRIVED HOME, UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND ROTTED. I ALSO NOTICED THAT AND THE SHOCK MOUNT WAS FULLY RUSTED AWAY FROM THE BODY. FURTHER RESEARCH SHOWED ME THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE AND MAZDA TRIBUTE FRAMES. *TR

Mileage: 127,185

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT SUCH THAT THE SUSPENSION IS NOW PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHEN REGULAR RATTLING FROM THE AREA PROGRESSED INTO LOUD BANGS WITH EACH BUMP. THE MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED STATED THAT THE RUST WAS ABNORMAL, EVEN FOR THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, AND THAT NONE OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS EXHIBITED ANY SIGNS OF RUSTING. HE STATED IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THAT THIS CONDITION WAS MOST LIKELY THE RESULT OF SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT (AS OPPOSED TO REGULAR AND EXPECTED OXIDATION). *TR

Mileage: 101,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH OVER A BUMP, A RATTLING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Mileage: 98,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD CLANKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK WAS RUSTED AROUND THE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 09/09/14*LJ UPDATED 9/10/2014 *JS

Mileage: 200,000

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE SHOCK TO COME OFF ON THE TOP. I HAVE CONTACTED MAZDA AND NHTSA TO SUBMIT CLAIM CASES. I WAS RIGHT AWAY TURNED DOWN BY MAZDA. I AM NOW MAKING A CASE WITH NHTSA TO HOPEFULLY GET THIS ISSUE FINALLY REPAIRED AS A RECALL. WE LIVE IN A WINTER STATE SO SALT IS BAD. *TR

Mileage: 240,000

THE CAR IS RUSTED THROUGH LIKE SO MANY OTHERS IN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. THE SUSPENSION IS TWISTING AND POKING THROUGH. I DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL I HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

I AM THE CURRENT OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE I. BOUGHT IT THROUGH NORTH SHORE BANK OFF LEASE... I TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE CAR AND HAVE IT MAINTAINED REGULARLY . RECENTLY THE REAR PASSENGER AREA HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE, I THOUGHT IT MAY BE A BROKEN SHOCK OR SOMETHING TO THAT AFFECT. I TOOK IT INTO GOODYEAR IN RACINE WI. COME TO FIND THE WHOLE WHEEL WELL IS ROTTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.. THE MECHANIC SAID HE COULD NOT FIX IT AND TAKE IT TO RACINE AUTO BODY ALSO IN RACINE, WI. THEY ALSO SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT HAPPEN TO A CAR OR SUV EVER BEFORE. HE SAID IT HAS TO BE DUE TO A BAD FACTORY PROCESS OR SOME FLAW THAT HAD BEEN WHEN THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. THEY WANT $1600.00 TO FIX THE AREA AND I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THE FLAW FROM THE MAZDA MANUFACTURER. I FEEL IT ISN'T SAFE TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT MORE DAMAGE BEING ADDED. I REALLY WOULD APPRECIATE SOME SORT OF HELP OR REPLACEMENT OF THE FACTORY FLAW. THE CAR IS IN FAIRLY DECENT SHAPE AND AT THIS POINT I CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW CAR.. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY OTHER SIMILAR ISSUES ON ANY OF YOUR OTHER VEHICLES. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BROKE OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER FRAME WAS COMPLETELY COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 06/25/14 *BF UPDATED 07/1/2014 *JS UPDATED 8/11/14*CN THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER UNDER THE ENGINE THAT SUSPENSION WAS ATTACHED TO RUSTED AWAY AND BROKE CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO MOVE INTO THE RIGHT FRONT INNER FENDER, BREAKING THE AXLE SHAFT WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING. UPDATED 09/23/14

Mileage: 80,000

2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE FREEWAY AND SHE HEARD A LOUD THUD. SHE PULLED OVER BUT DID NOT SEE ANY APPARENT DAMAGE. SHE DROVE HOME AND THE SOUND BECAME LOUDER. WHEN SHE RETURNED HOME I LOOKED AT THE TRIBUTE. THE ENTIRE SHOCK BODY WAS DISENGAGED FROM THE FRAME. THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK ASSEMBLE WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK WAS SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. IT HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE RUST ANYWHERE ELSE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR IN FOR MOST NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND TIRES AND THEY NEVER MENTIONED ANY CONCERNED WITH THIS BECOMING DETACHED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUES. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT HURT. RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUES SUGGEST THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE TRIBUTE AND ESCAPE VEHICLES. IT IS ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR THE RIGHT REAR SECTION. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? *TR

Mileage: 130,000

THE RIGHT REAR PANEL IS RUSTING OUT AND MADE THE SHOCK BROKE LOSE FROM THE BODY AND I HAD TO TAKE THE REAR UNDERNEATH PANEL OFF AND REMOVE THE SHOCK. THIS HAS HAPPEN TO TWO OTHER TRIBUTES THAT IN MY AREA THAT I KNOW OF. *TR

Mileage: 108,000

FAILED STRUT MOUNT - HEARD A RATTLE NOISE IN THE VEHICLE - THIS NOISE INCREASED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. LOOKING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING LOOSE OR ABLE TO CAUSE PROBLEM. CHECKED INSIDE RIGHT REAR STORAGE AND FOUND LARGE HOLE TO SEE TIRE. REMOVING THE INTERIOR PANEL REVEALED THE ENTIRE WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED OUT LEAVING THE STRUT HANGING BY ABOUT 2-3 INCHES OF METAL. THIS WAS BANGING AROUND CAUSING THE NOISE. IF THIS HAD FULLY FAILED DURING DRIVING, IT MAY HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TIRE LEADING TO MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH INJURY. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING IT UNTIL THERE IS A SUITABLE FIX. *JS

Mileage: 92,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, HE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL HOUSING WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

PULLED AWAY FROM HOUSE TO LEAVE FOR WORK AND AT ABOUT 30 MPH I HEARD THE WORST SOUND. IT CAME FROM THE REAR RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. IT WAS WORSE OVER BUMPS, STOPPING ETC. TOOK IT TO AN AUTO MECHANIC WHO DROVE IT FIRST AND BROUGHT ME BACK TO SHOW ME A RUSTED OUT WHEEL WELL WITH INTERIOR EXPOSED. ALL REMAINING THREE WHEEL WELLS WERE PERFECT, FINE HE STATED. I STARTED BY CALLING MAZDA WHO IS SENDING ME TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THE DEALERSHIP WILL THEN PASS THAT INFO ON. IT IS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND I THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED. IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN 2005 AND WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. NO ACCIDENTS OR MISHAPS TO THAT AREA OF THE CAR. WE KNOW THIS WILL COST A BUNDLE AND READ SO MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE FORD ESCAPE 2005 HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. IT SAID THE TWO ARE "MECHANICAL SIBLINGS." I WROTE DOWN WEBSITES I VISITED WITH COMPLAINT/QUESTION FORUMS AND THE QUOTES FOR REPAIRING ARE ASTRONOMICAL FOR A ERROR MADE ON THE MANUFACTURERS END. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR THE SHOCKS TO GO THROUGH THE REAR OF THE CAR RIGHT BEHIND MY SONS CAR SEAT. *TR THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE FRAME WAS CRACKED, DUE TO A RUSTED OUT WHEEL WELL. UPDATED 06/10/14 UPDATED 08/03/15. *JB UPDATED 09/21/15.*JB UPDATED 09/28/15. *JB

Mileage: 90,000

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL METAL AS WELL AS THE STRUT ATTACHMENT ARE RUSTED. PARTS OF THE WHEEL WELL DISLODGE WHILE DRIVING. MECHANICS TELL ME THAT THE RIGHT REAR STRUT WILL BECOME UNATTACHED. THEY SAY THAT THIS IS EVIDENT ON FORD ESCAPES AS WELL. THE RIGHT REAR IS THE ONLY AFFECTED AREA. POTENTIALLY A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. MAZDA CLAIMS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY - TOO BAD. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

DURING THE LAST STATE INSPECTION, IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT ALL 4 TIRES ON MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WERE WORN ON THE INSIDE EDGE ONLY. THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND THAT THE SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE WAS TO JUST REPLACE THE TIRES. THE CAR HAS 26,843 MILES ON IT, HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN OFF-ROAD OR USED TO TOW ANYTHING. I COULD UNDERSTAND WEAR ACROSS THE TREAD, BUT THIS IS LIMITED TO JUST THE INSIDE EDGE. I CALLED THE MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER IN CALIFORNIA AND AFTER SPEAKING TO A MANAGER A REPRESENTATIVE DID STATE TO ME THAT HE HAD HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AS WELL. I DID TALK TO CONTINENTAL, THE TIRE MANUFACTURE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT FIRST OF ALL THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON OEM TIRES, AND THIS KIND OF WEAR CAN ONLY MEAN THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I HAVE DOCUMENTED SERVICE RECORDS AND THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN FOLLOWED TO THE LETTER INCLUDING TIRE ROTATION. THE FINAL DECISION TO HELP ME WAS THE DISTRICT MANAGER FROM MAZDA AND HE TOLD ME QUOTE ?THE CAR HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT, YOUR LUCKY TO GET THAT KIND OF MILEAGE FROM THOSE TIRES, YOU SHOULD JUST GET NEW ONES? I AM ALSO AFRAID THAT JUST PUTTING NEW TIRES ON THE CAR WILL ONLY BE A BAND-AID AND I WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN IN 30,000 MILES. *TR

Mileage: 26,856

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP FOR ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION, THE TWO FRONT TIRES LOOKED EXCESSIVELY WORN. THE INSIDE TREAD OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOWED THE STEEL BAND AND THE PASSENGER SIDE PRESENTED EXCESSIVE WEAR. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES MIGHT HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO COVER THE COST OF NEW TIRES IF A DEFECTIVE PART WAS FOUND DURING THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS.

Mileage: 31,000

2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS A DEFECT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHEN THE CONSUMER WOULD LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE LEFT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE VEHICLE'S ALIGNMENT WAS ADJUSTED, ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED AND THE FRONT END SUSPENSION CRADLE WAS MOVED BUT NONE OF THESE REPAIRS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE BRAKES MADE NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE ROTORS WERE RESURFACED THEN REPLACED BUT THE NOISE PERSISTED. AT ONE TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TOT HE FLOOR. *NM

WHEN THE BRAKES OF THE CONSUMER'S 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. *NM THERE WAS A RATTLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THE DRIVERS MIRROR VIBRATED, THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE AUTO DIMMING MIRROR REGISTERED INCORRECTLY, THE WIPER DID NOT HAVE COMPLETE CONTACT WITH THE WINDOW AND THERE WAS A RUST SPOT ON THE INSIDE LIP OF THE MOON ROOF. *SC *JB

VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SWERVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE, BECAME UNSTABLE. *BF WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER THE VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE AND FELT AS IF WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT HA NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. *NM

MAZDA TRIBUTE VIOLENTLY ROLLED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *MR THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY UNSTABLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE NEARLY ROLLED OVER. *SC