Wheel Rim Problems of Mazda Tribute

Vehicle: 2005 Mazda Tribute all wheel drive with 36,937 miles - equipped with 16 inch alloy wheels. Problem: two of the four wheel rims are cracking at the lug nut holes (right side of the vehicle), the left side wheels have yet to be inspected. When a routine tire rotation was performed, the wheels were reinstalled and torqued (using a click type torque wrench) to the manufacturers specification of 100 ft/lbs. As torque was applied, the lug nuts felt as though they were stripped, and some lug nuts actually pulled themselves further into the rim than the others as tightening occurred. Subsequent removal of the right side wheels revealed deformed lug nuts, and cracks on both rims at the lug nut holes, from 1/4 long, described by the examining technician as making the vehicle unsafe. The wheels on the left side of the vehicle have yet to be inspected. Mazda USA notified, they will tow the vehicle to a Mazda dealer for an evaluation. I have written a letter to Mazda USA outlining the problem in more detail, copy will be sent to NHTSA/odi under separate cover. Updated 05/06/10.

See all problems of the 2005 Mazda Tribute.

All four rims cracked, causing air to separate from the wheels. Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic determined that the rim were a defectively manufactured. Consumer had to pay for replacement of the rims.

See all problems of the 2001 Mazda Tribute.

The consumer stated the rims cracked, which caused the tires to lose air.

See all problems of the 2002 Mazda Tribute.

Rim failed on front driver's side tire. While traveling on the highway, the front driver side rim failed and caused a sudden lost of air from the tire. The consumer nearly crashed into a concrete road barrier. Per inspection, a 1 inch wide by 3 inch long crack was discovered along the inside on the rim.

Rim failed on front driver's side tire. While driving the rim failed on the driver's side front of the vehicle which caused a sudden and total loss of air from the tire. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle after the failure. Upon inspection the driver noticed a one inch wide by 3 inch long crack along the inside of the rim. The rim was taken tot he dealer to request a warranty repair. After the rim was inspected they concluded that the consumer probably hit something to cause the damage. At that point the consumer was told that the dealer wasn't going to honor the warranty. The vehicle was taken to another facility to be inspected. They determined the rim was indeed the cause of the failure. Based on the independent evaluation the consumer request that Mazda honor the warranty.

Vehicle's rims cracked causing the vehicle to swerve and flatten tire. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Ts.