Front Suspension Control Arm problems of the 2001 Mazda Tribute

2001 Mazda Tribute. Consumer writes in regards to the vehicle subframe corrosion recall notice. The consumer received a recall notice in early June. However, she had already paid for the repairs. So, she submitted a request for reimbursement, along with a synopsis of the trouble she experienced. The consumer received a letter of denial from Mazda, stating the parts that were replaced or service completed, were not considered covered items under the subframe corrosion recall. On December 26, 2012 while driving on the highway, the consumer noticed a decreased control over the steering. The vehicle fish-tailed multiple times in light snow, which had never occurred before. Due to her steering difficulties, she drove at 30 mph, yet still spun out for no apparent reason. No one was injured and she only hit a median which caused damage to the rear passenger side tail light and body damage. At the time, she attributed the incident to winter weather conditions. However, it made far more sense in the context of the recall. In January 2013, she continued to experience steering problems. She attempted to get an alignment, but ran into problems due to the subframe; which was the first time, she heard of trouble with the subframe. According to invoice, the caster was not adjustable without the subframe adjustment and possibly more. It was 0. 3 degrees from acceptable range, may demonstrate a slight lead or pull. The consumer experienced problems for the next two years. The ball joint and right control arm were replaced. The mechanic informed the consumer the control arm looked as if it was ready to break off, due to corrosion. Also, the left front control arm, along with the struts, rotors and brake hoses, were all replaced.

The contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14v174000 (lower control arm corrosion-regional recall). The contact was still waiting to schedule the repairs however, the recall repairs were not performed due to part availability. The manufacturer was notified of the delay and was unable to provide a time frame that the parts would become available. There were no failures.

This type of failure could very easily lead to a crash, thankfully it did not in this instance. However, my wife is somewhat anxious behind the wheel after this incident. The dealer did adjust the idler and replaced a control module, but they also acknowledged that this problem is apparently somewhat of a mystery for the manufacturer. Please notify me if there is a recall or definite fix found for this problem.