Two problems related to suspension noise have been reported for the 2003 Mazda Tribute.
Suspension Noise problem
1 The contact owns a 2003 Mazda Tribute. While pulling out of a parking space, a screeching noise started. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle was unable to be driven due to severe rust in the subframe and suspension components. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
Suspension Noise problem
2 Tires began making extremely loud road noise above 30 mph. I was told at the time that the tires were "cupped" probably the result of defective tires. I had the Mazda 2003 Tribute serviced at the local dealership, "jay Mazda" in columbus, GA and the tires were replaced at approximately 84978 miles on the vehicle on 04-22-11. Around approx 112000 miles on the vehicle I began experiencing the same road noise I had experienced earlier on 04-22-2011. I began hearing the loud road noise again. I again had my Mazda 2003 Tribute serviced at "jay Mazda" in columbus, GA on 08-31-2013 at approximately 114190 miles where I had my oil changed, brakes replaced , & spoke with the Mazda tech about the extremely loud road noise I was again experiencing since I purchased the tires on the vehicle from jay Mazda on 04-22-2011 for the same trouble. Upon picking up my vehicle the technician told me that my tires were again "cupped" and that was what was causing the loud vehicle noise and they were "cupped" due to me not having my tires rotated at the proper interval. I told the technician that I never experienced the noise until sometime after having the tires rotated the 1st time. The technician said he found no problems with the vehicles suspension that "lack" of rotation was the only cause. I believe that there is a problem with the rear suspension that causes the rear tires on Mazda 2003 Tributes to "cup" & that rotation of the tires only worsens the problem. I believe this because the Mazda technician told me that if I had my tires rotated now that the noise would only get "worse".