general problems of the 2003 Mazda Tribute

Coil failure, replaced and same coil failures reoccur. Pcm failure causing coil failure.

The contact owns a 2003 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, smoke was seen coming for under the hood. The contact opened the hood to allow the smoke to exit and called a tow trunk. The tow truck driver stated that the vehicle was safe to drive however, when the contact started the vehicle, the check engine and the abs warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle and parked the vehicle again. The vehicle was on fire and destroyed the vehicle. The fire department was called to extinguish the fire. The fire department did not state what caused the fire. The contact called the manufacturer to file a report. The manufacturer stated they would not take a report until there was a fire report issued that stated what caused the fire. The contact did not have a report of what caused the fire. The failure mileage was 139,000.

My wife was in the parking lot at church waiting for a car to pull away so she could park. The car started to roll forward so she stepped harder on the brake. The car lurched ahead crashing into the car in front of her. My wife is quite sure she had her foot on the brake. As she told me about this I started remembering an event. This car had belonged to my father who has since passed away. He purchased it new. I'm not exactly sure of the date, but I believe it was in the first year of ownership. He was parking at a hospital when all of a sudden the vehicle was taking off and pushing the car in front of him. I figured he was having a senior moment and had his foot on the wrong pedal. I did some quick research today and found that others have had this problem. Maybe my father was doing all the right things and it really was the cars fault. I also see that there have been recalls on this matter. I'm not sure if any of these issues were addressed when my father had the car, but I will be checking it out. I hope you will be continuing to follow up on this. This is a scary and dangerous issue that deserves your attention. When things start effecting your driving record, insurance costs, and make you pay deductibles when it is not your fault something needs to change!.

The first 2 to 4 times the accelerator is used (not pushed hard), the cable sticks. We have to push harder on the pedal, then it suddenly releases. This causes the vehicle to jump in the direction chosen. It is very difficult to smoothly back our of the garage or parking space. Then the accelerator is slow to return to idle. It appears to be the same issue as recall NHTSA campaign #04v583000 for 2004 Tributes, but our vehicle was built at the end of 2003.

The contact owns a 2003 Mazda Tribute lx(na). The contact stated that when trying to start his vehicle, the engine suddenly exploded but did not ignite; parts flew and penetrated the hood. The vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to the type of engine, which was called an "interference engine" and the design of it. The mechanic recommended that he replace the engine. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Upon starting, a severe explosion occurred, denting the hood from parts of engine. Smoke poured out from hood, but ignited gasoline did not leave engine. Engine is an interference Ford product and SUV has always been well maintained and serviced. The severity of the danger of this explosion cannot nor should be overlooked or dismissed. Had the hood been open, someone could have resulted in severe injury or possibly death. I have tried to work with Mazda for a resolution in this matter and all attempts have failed. As a previously satisfied customer for almost 30 years, I am frustrated and infuriated by their denials to work out a resolution, in either a new engine or substantial trade on a new vehicle. An engine with this low mileage exploding is unheard of and, certainly, not expected. My letter to Mazda ceo and president james o'sullivan and my mechanic's assessment is available.

Wife drove 2003 Mazda Tribute to arby's (I was meeting her there), got out of car and walked up to the entrance. As she got to arby's door, someone outside mentioned to her that her car was smoking. She came inside to get me and as I came out a lot of smoke was coming out of the engine compartment. I unlocked the car cracked the hood slightly where I saw flames close to the firewall. Used fire extinguisher to put out flames. Fire seemed to originate towards the back of the engine close to brake master cylinder. I have many pictures of the engine compartment if needed. Seems similar to NHTSA action # pe06048.

When accelerating the vehicle first hesitated and then accelerated. The dealership was notified but did not resolve the problem.

The rpm on this vehicle jumps even if I am at a full stop sometimes it races even if the car is in park took the car to several shops had severely parts replaced.

Intermittently, the vehicle hesitates before starting when the keys are turned in the ignition. Also, the vehicle loses power while driving. The dealership indicated that they are aware of this problem and performed the repairs indicated by the manufacturer. The dealership also test drove the vehicle and the failure didn't occur in their presence so they are refusing to service the vehicle.

While driving 100 mph the vehicle began to buck.