One problem related to engine rattling and whining sounds has been reported for the 2003 Mazda Tribute.
Engine Rattling And Whining Sounds problem
1 Drove my 03 Mazda Tribute in typical florda afternoon rainstorm vehicle stalled in middle of road almost causing vehicles following to crash from behind luckily I coasted off to the side quickly after few tries restarted vehicle however after restarted vehicle now making loud rattling sound from engine proceeded to drive rest of way home-about a mile from where stalled prior to pulling into driveway loud pop & grinding from engine coasted into driveway & realized engine blown-oil pouring out underneath thinking this was warranty issue (vehicle well maintained & only year old) took vehicle to local Mazda dealer for repair after having vehicle 3 weeks they now told me that cause of stall & blowing of engine was water from rain or puddles splashing up got into air intake of engine water was pulled into cylinders where it cant be compressed & piston rods bent & broke until they punctured through blowing engine dealers service dept stated air intake for vehicle is located behind front grille about headlight level right where most rain & splashing would end up at front of vehicle-so not very well protected-would not take much for water to get into causing failure Mazda would not repair vehicle under warranty-recommended my auto ins would pay for repair I feel this is serious design flaw with vehicle esp considering many smaller vehicles were driving around in same conditions without incident & if this can happen to me in the conditions & speeds I was driving I would think it could be potential cause of future accidents from these vehicles stalling in wet conditions not only is it safety concern-also would be consumer concern because it can blow engine & if Mazda wont repair vehicles when this happens there will be many upset consumers Mazda Tribute & Ford escape essentially same vehicle so this would apply there also I feel both Ford & Mazda should recall these vehicles & either relocate or better protect air intake so this kind of thing should not happen.