Transmission Solenoid problems of the 2001 Mazda Tribute

The contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. In June of 2009, the overdrive light illuminated automatically followed by the engine light. The transmission began to overheat as well. The failure occurred without warning. A diagnostic was performed and the contact was informed that the solenoid kit for the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact paid for the repair, but would like the issue investigated because she feels it was due to a safety related defect. The failure mileage was 115,000.