Engine Head Gasket Failure Problems of Mazda Tribute

My 2003 Tribute has been leaking oil from the oil pan gasket between the oil pan and engine block. Of course after time it would leak but I have heard that the Tribute has a bad design with the oil pan and gasket. The dealership tried to sell me the new oil pan replacement for the defective one and the new gasket replacement for also that defective part. Mazda redesigned the oil pan with an embedded o ring in lieu of a gasket. The dealers want to sell the newly designed pan installed for $440 + tax (medford, NY). I would think that it is a defect and would like this agencies opinion. If the design was good from the start Mazda wouldn't put the time and money into redesigning the oil pan and gasket, and recommending the replacement. Mazda will not do the gasket replacement unless the new designed pan and gasket was used. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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: the contact stated while driving about 30 mph, with accelerator pressure applied, the accelerator pedal pulled to the floor without warning. The vehicle accelerated at a high speed onto the highway. The contact attempted to disengage the accelerator pedal by pumping the pedal several times without success. The vehicle slowly responded to brake pressure and the vehicle was placed in park. While parked, the engine revved until the ignition was turned off. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who determined the casing on the cruise control cracked which caused the cruise control cable to stick, although the cruise control was not engaged at that time. The dealer replaced the cruise control casing and cables which corrected the problem. The valve cover and gasket were replaced. Updated 07/07/06.