Front Suspension Control Arm Problems of Mazda Tribute

The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Tribute. While driving 40 mph, the rear passenger side tire felt like it was flat. The contact had to steer the vehicle in excess to keep it in position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 115,000.

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Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, there was an abnormal snapping sound. The brake pedal was applied, but the vehicle hesitated to stop and the front passenger tire locked. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for repairs. The mechanic replaced the sub frame, cv joint, and lower control arm. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle started to make a vibrating motion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Mf.

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While turning into a business the lower control arm mount came apart at the subframe. There appears to be substancial rust in the area.

2003 Mazda Tribute with a recall that Mazda refused to repair. The vehicle has a recall for corrosion to the sub-frame resulting in separation of the lower control arm increasing the risk of a crash. Instead of replacing recalled sub-frame they put an inexpensive brace underneath the corroded part for the recall. Mazda said if the corroded part hasn't actually snapped in half then they put a cheap brace underneath it. Now 8 months later the corroded part snapped in half and Mazda says they are off the hook since they put a cheap brace under the corroded sub-frame. I have been informed that if the vehicle is driven now the wheels will fall off. How can they justify fixing a recall by installing a meaningless so called brace under the corroded part when it does nothing. Once the sub-frame brakes the lower control arm still separates and you still are in risk of a crash.

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Hard to turn in sounds like my lower control arm is about to come off.

See all problems of the 2002 Mazda Tribute.

2001 Mazda Tribute. Consumer writes in regards to the vehicle subframe corrosion recall notice. The consumer received a recall notice in early June. However, she had already paid for the repairs. So, she submitted a request for reimbursement, along with a synopsis of the trouble she experienced. The consumer received a letter of denial from Mazda, stating the parts that were replaced or service completed, were not considered covered items under the subframe corrosion recall. On December 26, 2012 while driving on the highway, the consumer noticed a decreased control over the steering. The vehicle fish-tailed multiple times in light snow, which had never occurred before. Due to her steering difficulties, she drove at 30 mph, yet still spun out for no apparent reason. No one was injured and she only hit a median which caused damage to the rear passenger side tail light and body damage. At the time, she attributed the incident to winter weather conditions. However, it made far more sense in the context of the recall. In January 2013, she continued to experience steering problems. She attempted to get an alignment, but ran into problems due to the subframe; which was the first time, she heard of trouble with the subframe. According to invoice, the caster was not adjustable without the subframe adjustment and possibly more. It was 0. 3 degrees from acceptable range, may demonstrate a slight lead or pull. The consumer experienced problems for the next two years. The ball joint and right control arm were replaced. The mechanic informed the consumer the control arm looked as if it was ready to break off, due to corrosion. Also, the left front control arm, along with the struts, rotors and brake hoses, were all replaced.

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The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. While driving approximately 2 mph, a loud bang sounded from the front end of the vehicle and the front passenger side suddenly collapsed onto the wheel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where both of the sub frame bars were being replaced. In addition to the repair, the trans axle and front passenger side lower control arms required replacement. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Contact states the motor mount needs to be replaced. In addition,, having problems with the sway bar on the driver's side. Also, the front lower control arm bushing needs to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14v174000 (lower control arm corrosion-regional recall). The contact was still waiting to schedule the repairs however, the recall repairs were not performed due to part availability. The manufacturer was notified of the delay and was unable to provide a time frame that the parts would become available. There were no failures.

This type of failure could very easily lead to a crash, thankfully it did not in this instance. However, my wife is somewhat anxious behind the wheel after this incident. The dealer did adjust the idler and replaced a control module, but they also acknowledged that this problem is apparently somewhat of a mystery for the manufacturer. Please notify me if there is a recall or definite fix found for this problem.