general problems of the 2006 Mazda Tribute

Wheel well on right passenger side has completely rusted out.

The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Tribute. While driving at any speed, the vehicle made a rattling noise. A mechanic diagnosed that the rear passenger wheel well and the shock mount were extremely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Because of the rear end making loud noise and vibration upon contacting road bumps and holes vehicle taken to repair shop where inspection revealed significant deteriation of the metal forming the rear passenger side wheel well, oxidation (rust) to the extent of large hole exsposing enterior department. Replacement of the rear shocks did not correct the vibrations from road irregularities. Mechanic described the cause as a result of the wheel well loss of metal & change in shape enabling metal to metal contact. Structural integrity duration is of much concern.

There was constant knocking from the rear of the vechile and I took the SUV to dealer. The dealer says "the right rear strut is not connected to the body of the car. There is heavy rust and this is not a safe condition to try the car". Over the weenked, the shock mount bracket completely fell off. It doesn't seems to be a good design orriginally to use the sheet metal of the fender well as the connection point, without extra measure to secure the shock to the body. It is a defect.

While driving to work I started to hear a banging sound from the back of my vehicle. It sounded like the back window was open & banging every time I hit a bump. I pulled over and made sure everything was shut. I proceeded to work but the banging persisted. When I got to work I checked the back compartment & removed my cargo incase that was culprit. On my drive home the banging still persisted. My husband looked at the vehicle and said that the shocks/struts were blown. I took it to the garage that night & it turns out that the passenger side rear wheel well was completely rusted through & there was no where for the shock to mount. When the mechanic pulled up my cargo mat in the back it is amazing that nothing fell out, the size of the hole from the rust is comparable to the size of a basketball. Welding is not even an option to repair this damage. There is no other rust or body damage to my vehicle. There was a protective coating on the inner wheel well to prevent this. The driver side is fine and is showing no sign of rust/rot. While searching the web for support I see this is a very common problem in the Ford escape and Mazda Tribute (virtually one in the same). When will something be done about this costly problem? as a side note, this car has been a problem since I bought it in 2006. I filed a magnus and moss warranty act suit against Mazda and won for numerous issues regarding the transmission and power train system.

Not sure, but think there is a leak at the transfer case. It smells when sitting for a few moments, there is no oil leaks.

Mazda 2006 Tribute awd 4 cylinder with 20,000. At 17,000 miles on it noticed all four tires showing sidewall wear and feathering on tread. Had car aligned by dealer, told car alignment was out by 0. 25 degrees. At 20,000 miles noticing cupping on all four tires. Driving 85% highway no off road activity. Noticing alignment was out after 3500 miles. Average yearly driving miles 20,000. Beginning to fell that there is a problem in front end geometry.