Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems of the 2001 Mazda Tribute

My 2001 Tribute has stalled twice in the last yar. It seems to be related to hills. This life threatening situation could result in a crash because power steering fails, and there is no engine power. Mazda must recall for this issue before someone is hurt.

When consumer depressed brake pedal there was no steering power, and vehicle stalled. Dealership replaced air flow sensor. Please provide more details. . . .

While I was driving the car lost powersteering and power brakes, I pulled over to avoid a crash.

I bought my Tribute in August and just had the first service done recently so when I was driving on Friday, November 16, 2001, I was not expecting any problem. I was going about 45 mph and all of a sudden I couldn't steer the car. The power steering had ceased and I believe the brakes also. I veered off the side of the road and stopped the car. I proceeded to find a phone to call for assistance and when I got the car towed to ridgefield Mazda I spoke with the service manager. We had a conversation about what the problem could be and he was almost certain he knew what the problem was. He told me Mazda had gotten several Tributes come in for the same problem which is the ignition fails and everything goes out like the steering etc. Just what happened to me. Obviously, Mazda knew of the problem, and I questioned how they could not notify other drivers of this malfunction. He told me it wasn't considered a recall as of yet even though they had several customers come in with the same problem. I believe this is a major problem with the vehicle and it should be recalled. The Tribute is a new vehicle and I understand there may still be kinks/bugs to work out with a new vehicle but this isn't a minor problem. I would like this checked into and if possible, make it a recall so this won't happen to other drivers. Luckily, I was able to steer the car to a safe location, but it could have been worse. I would not want to see this happen to someone else. Thank you. .

Vehicle has lost steering and brake power on hills at speeds around 30-35 mph. The only way to regain power is to cut the ignition. This is an extreme health hazard: occurrences are numerous and the dealer has been notified.

While driving vehicle stalls and I lose power/steering. After safely getting my car to the side of the road I am able to restart the car. The dealer has seen my car twice now and finds nothing wrong with it, and expects me to drive the defective vehicle. This stalling has happened twice now.

Engine periodically shuts down at low rpms. Power steering and power brakes fail when engine shuts down and, as a result, the Tribute is difficult to steer and stop. Shutdowns have happened at least eleven times - always at low rpms (1000 rpm or less). Each shut down occurred when I was coasting downhill. Generally, I was also braking at the same time. The dealership's service department has been extremely diligent in their efforts but so far Mazda has been unable to provide the technical assistance needed to resolve the problem. I bought the Tribute in Jan 2001 and expericed the first failures before the first 3000 mile servicing. The first dealer resolution attempt was not documented. The technician queried the onboard computer but there was no code indicating any failure. On 4/28/02, after more failures, the problem was diagnosed as a wiring problem and "fixed". Three more falilures occurred before the Tribute reached 6000 miles. The dealer could not duplicate but on 8/8/01 advised Mazda. No repairs were made. Engine shutdowns continued and on 10/09/01 at 7,639 miles, the dealer removed the bypass air control valve and cleaned the passageway - as advised by Mazda technical assistance. The Tribute then ran fine for eight months. Then in June 2002, the problem reoccurred and the dealer was contacted. Dealer still had seen nothing further from Mazda concerning resolution of the problem and contacted them once more for assistance. Suggestion was to "re-program" the onboard computer the next time the car is brought in for servicing. This is a dangerous situation and will utlimately result in an accident. So far, shutdowns have occurred while I was in an uncongested area but that is simply luck. Mazda and Ford have a really dangerous situation that needs immediate attention and resolution. So far I have received nothing from Mazda letting me know there is a problem with the Tribute. Guess they feel it is not a problem as long as it can be ignored.