Driveshaft Problems of Mazda Tribute

The transmission failed with less than 600 miles on the car due to a hose clamp not being secured during manufacture. Ever since then I have had problems with the car hesitating and almost stalling when accelerating from a stop just after starting the car. It also happens more often if the car is not level at the time, either on an incline or decline. If I let the car warm up for a few minutes, I generally do not have this problem. I have also had a problem with the gas pedal feeling like it sticks or is catching on something, I have noticed this problem more often when the outside temperature is below 75 degrees. When the accelerator finally activates, the car general lunges forward or will spin the tires, I have learned to let my foot off of the accelerator to keep the car under control. I have also had problems with the car shifting abruptly between gears, but this has subsided quite a bit. I have also felt a vibration in the car around 45 and 70 mph. I don't feel the vibration in the steering wheel, it feels like it is coming from the middle of the car, more in the transmission/drivetrain area. I have had the tires rotated a balanced 3 times and also had the alignment checked, but the vibration still occurs. I have taken the car back to the dealership numerous times and they always say they can not duplicate the problems. I have researched all of the complaints and recalls for the Tribute and the Ford escape, since they are basically the same vehicle, and there are quite a few similar complaints. I think the hesitating problem is related to the recall for the "stalling" problem, I think the problem is more widespread than they thought or the fix for the recall did not solve the problem entirely.

See all problems of the 2003 Mazda Tribute.