Fuel Injection Problems of Mazda Tribute

The contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact heard a loud noise coming from the engine compartment when she turned on the ignition. The passenger compartment became filled with smoke. The contact exited the vehicle. When the smoke finally cleared, the contact raised the hood and discovered extensive damage. They vehicle was towed to a shop, and after two days of inspecting the damage, they believed that two of the injectors were leaking fuel and caused the engine to explode. Mazda stated that due to the age of the vehicle and the fact that it was no longer under warranty, nothing could be done. The current and failure mileages were 82,000. Updated 05/20/08.

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With just over 12000 miles, the throttle became very sticky in cold weather. The butterflies in the throttle body hold the accelerator pedal closed, requiring excessive force to push (and excessive acceleration). In cold weather, throttle would stick closed whenever the pedal was released, no matter how long the vehicle was driven. The dealership (hall Mazda in virginia beach) replaced the throttle body, and commented that the throttle body should be cleaned every 12000 miles for varnish buildup. There is no TSB that I could find on this problem. I believe the problem is the pcv system, allowing oil to collect on the throttle body, and causing it to bind during cold weather.

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1). Three recalls on my vehicle: 1st - power train control module re-calibration recall 1904d. 2nd - b4000 dpfe sensor warranty extension program special service program (ssp) 59. 3rd - accelerator cable recall 2704l. Completed all recalls; last on 3/2/05. 2). 2/2005 I started experiencing intermittent problems with my vehicle: - the car stops running usually when slowing down for a stop sign or red light. The car has stopped in the middle of traffic, in the height of rush hour. The car stopped exiting a post office backing up traffic causing motorist to seek another exit. Have had various other stops but have been lucky not to cause any accidents. - the car will not start; usually upon short trips. After waiting 3 - 5 minutes have been able to start the vehicle. Have encountered this numerous times. I limit driving at night due to the unpredictability and lack of confidence in my vehicle. 3) I have had my car service at oakland Mazda (510)893-7282 (3/2/05-recall, 4/9/05, 4/19/05, 5/11/05, & 6/20/05) and have discussed the problem with the serv advisor, ken miller & service manager. The dealership informed me they thoroughly checked-out my car each time they serviced it. They have repeated the recall which mostly describes my symptoms (re-calibration recall 1904d) at least twice. They also contacted the Mazda headquarters service center for documentation on how to check out my vehicle. I also contacted the Mazda customer assistance center at (800)222-5500 in may of 2005, they told me that if necessary they could dispatch a service technician to fly in and repair my vehicle; they also sent a report to the oakland district mgr. I contacted the Mazda cust assist center again on 7/14/05 , they told me that they would not be able to help me further with my car problem. 7/15- I contacted the dealership in fremont (where I bought the car) explained my problems and asked if they would consider taking a look at my car but the serv mgr never called me back.

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Passenger cabin continues to get fuel fumes at restart. Understand that this is a design problem and that new gaskets are in the works to correct. We expect dealership to replace old ones with new gaskets when available. Check engine light has come on twice in first 2000 miles. Both times we were told that gas cap was opened when vehicle was turned on. This has not been the case and we continue to argue over this. We refuse to pay the reset fee for the check engine light to be turned off. When we bought the vehicle, it was clear that Mazda knew of this potential problem as the saleman went out of her way to explain that the cap must be tight at all times. This we have done. Dealership currently looking at vehicle for this second check engine problem.

Problems with vehicle jerking, problem believed to be the result of a defective transmission. The transmission was flushed but the problem remained the same. The dealer later replaced the transmission. (the vehicle would jerk between the speeds of 45-50, but after the replacement, down to 35-45 mph. The vehicle stalled while approaching a traffic light with no warning. The manufacturer refused liability.

The vehicle emits a strong fuel vapor smell, which is easily noted rising from the engine, when it is shut off hot. The vapors get into the passenger compartment, through the air vents, when the engine is started and when the vehicle is idling or driving slowly in traffic. Turning the ventilation control to off stops the smell inside. The vehicle also is getting only 15-16 mpg in mixed suburban/highway use.

Fuel odor in engine compartment enters cab via vents on warm restart.