Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System Problems of Mazda Tribute

My 2001 Tribute has stalled twice in the last yar. It seems to be related to hills. This life threatening situation could result in a crash because power steering fails, and there is no engine power. Mazda must recall for this issue before someone is hurt.

See all problems of the 2001 Mazda Tribute.

When consumer depressed brake pedal there was no steering power, and vehicle stalled. Dealership replaced air flow sensor. Please provide more details. . . .

Without warning my brand new Mazda Tribute stalled on 5 separate occasions. The power brakes and steering both go out causing it to be extremely difficult to stop and pull off to the side of the road. I have brought my vehicle into the service center two times for the same problem and they tell me that they're pretty sure they have it taken care of this time. The service manager also told me that "Mazda is well aware of the problem. " Mazda is well aware of the problem, however, they are unwilling to recall this vehicle until they find a definate fix. This is a serious safety issue that I believe Mazda should take responsiblity for before someone gets seriously injured or killed from their careless ways. Mr.

See all problems of the 2002 Mazda Tribute.

While driving vehicle the whole system failed. All lights on dash light, lost brakes and steering. While on the highway.

While traveling 40mph on highway and without prior warning vehicle stalled, and electrical power brakes/ steering , and lights were lost. Dealership was aware of problem.

While I was driving the car lost powersteering and power brakes, I pulled over to avoid a crash.

I bought my Tribute in August and just had the first service done recently so when I was driving on Friday, November 16, 2001, I was not expecting any problem. I was going about 45 mph and all of a sudden I couldn't steer the car. The power steering had ceased and I believe the brakes also. I veered off the side of the road and stopped the car. I proceeded to find a phone to call for assistance and when I got the car towed to ridgefield Mazda I spoke with the service manager. We had a conversation about what the problem could be and he was almost certain he knew what the problem was. He told me Mazda had gotten several Tributes come in for the same problem which is the ignition fails and everything goes out like the steering etc. Just what happened to me. Obviously, Mazda knew of the problem, and I questioned how they could not notify other drivers of this malfunction. He told me it wasn't considered a recall as of yet even though they had several customers come in with the same problem. I believe this is a major problem with the vehicle and it should be recalled. The Tribute is a new vehicle and I understand there may still be kinks/bugs to work out with a new vehicle but this isn't a minor problem. I would like this checked into and if possible, make it a recall so this won't happen to other drivers. Luckily, I was able to steer the car to a safe location, but it could have been worse. I would not want to see this happen to someone else. Thank you. .

On November 2 driving 40mph with no warning my engine shut off and I lost power to my steering and brakes. I was able to get the car to the side of the road after applying all my weight to the brakes and steering wheel. I missed an oncoming car and a tree by luck. I took the Tribute to the dealership and was told by the service manager that this was an ongoing problem. They were going to put me back in the Tribute until Monday when they had an opening. I requested a rental car because I did not feel safe driving the car untill the problem was resolved. The manager also told me that the Tributes that have been repaired for this same problem have been different porblems. I returned home and called the Mazda customer service department and reported the problem. They assured me that they would look into it and get back with me, this never happened. On November 6th I received a call from the dealership that my car was ready. I asked to speak with the sevice manager who informed me they could not find anything wrong and I could pick up my car. I told him I would not pick up the car until there was a solution to correct the problem and the car was not safe to drive. He infomed me that his hands were tied and to contact Mazda. I contacted Mazda and they contacted the sevice manager who had already contacted the regional manager. I was told I would be contacted by him tomorrow November 7th. I have a 15 year old son who has his learners permit and who I strongly believe would not have been able to avoid what could have been a fatal accident. The car is still at the dealership. My Tribute is the first 2002 that they have seen with the problem. Obviously this serious safety problems continues.

Vehicle has lost steering and brake power on hills at speeds around 30-35 mph. The only way to regain power is to cut the ignition. This is an extreme health hazard: occurrences are numerous and the dealer has been notified.

While driving vehicle stalls and I lose power/steering. After safely getting my car to the side of the road I am able to restart the car. The dealer has seen my car twice now and finds nothing wrong with it, and expects me to drive the defective vehicle. This stalling has happened twice now.

On four different times the vehicles power steering leaked fluid from engine which caused loss of control. The dealer has repaired the vehicle four times but now the vehicle is on it's fifth.

Engine periodically shuts down at low rpms. Power steering and power brakes fail when engine shuts down and, as a result, the Tribute is difficult to steer and stop. Shutdowns have happened at least eleven times - always at low rpms (1000 rpm or less). Each shut down occurred when I was coasting downhill. Generally, I was also braking at the same time. The dealership's service department has been extremely diligent in their efforts but so far Mazda has been unable to provide the technical assistance needed to resolve the problem. I bought the Tribute in Jan 2001 and expericed the first failures before the first 3000 mile servicing. The first dealer resolution attempt was not documented. The technician queried the onboard computer but there was no code indicating any failure. On 4/28/02, after more failures, the problem was diagnosed as a wiring problem and "fixed". Three more falilures occurred before the Tribute reached 6000 miles. The dealer could not duplicate but on 8/8/01 advised Mazda. No repairs were made. Engine shutdowns continued and on 10/09/01 at 7,639 miles, the dealer removed the bypass air control valve and cleaned the passageway - as advised by Mazda technical assistance. The Tribute then ran fine for eight months. Then in June 2002, the problem reoccurred and the dealer was contacted. Dealer still had seen nothing further from Mazda concerning resolution of the problem and contacted them once more for assistance. Suggestion was to "re-program" the onboard computer the next time the car is brought in for servicing. This is a dangerous situation and will utlimately result in an accident. So far, shutdowns have occurred while I was in an uncongested area but that is simply luck. Mazda and Ford have a really dangerous situation that needs immediate attention and resolution. So far I have received nothing from Mazda letting me know there is a problem with the Tribute. Guess they feel it is not a problem as long as it can be ignored.