2003 Mazda Tribute Consumer Discussions

Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Care and Maintenance

Re: Paint on 2003 Tribute ES [CindySFBay]

Written by: barfeningjodi on Nov 16, 2009 07:05 PM

Just wondering if you were able to find a good solution to your paint issue. I have a 2003 Tribute and less than 75000 miles on it and the paint problem just started with mine-- it came off in a huge sheet in one area while I was driving- I thought it was a piece of paper! It was the first sign and now there are more spots. I took it to a body shop who said that it was a faulty manufacturer's ... Read More...

Mazda Tribute Transmission Problems

I'm on my 3rd. Mazda Tribute transmission.

Written by: cjad on Aug 07, 2009 11:55 AM

I have a 2003 Mazda Tribute (bought new in 2004) with 59,635 miles on it. The miles are at least 80% highway miles. I'm 64 years old and I don't abuse this vehicle. I'm on my third transmission. The first failed with 18,742 miles on it. Polar Mazda (White Bear Lake, Minnesota) replaced that transmission with a rebuilt one. The second transmission failed 7-19-09 ... Read More...

Re: No reverse on my "04" [lobster4]

Written by: cjad on Jul 24, 2009 11:35 PM

Get rid of it now before the transmission goes out. I'm on my third transmission with only 59,635 miles on my Tribute. It's a 2003. My 1st. transmission only had 18,000 miles on it and that's how it started, no reverse. Mazda puts junk for transmissions in their vehicles. Actually the V6 is a Ford engine with a Ford transmission. No more Mazda or Fords for me. Read More...

Mazda Tribute Electrical Problems

Re: 2003 Mazda Tribute- short problem ? [tribute2004]

Written by: jrmazda on Jul 18, 2009 03:03 PM

I experienced the same issue. It was a bad coil. Unfortunately it was on the backside of the engine so the manifold had to be dropped. I replaced the coils, wires and plugs while I had access to them. I replaced the other plugs and wires since I have over 113,000 miles on the 2003. It is strange that a could could do that, but it did fix it. The dealer was clueless. Read More...

Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Maintenance and Repair

2004 Tribute ES with 100k miles -questions

Written by: motrcyclr on Jul 14, 2009 03:42 PM

Just bought this mazda, it rides nice, has alll the options 'cept heated seats. was a 2 owner, 1st put 52k on it, 2nd 48K. no idea what maintenance has been done, since I got if from a dealer. extremely clean inside, been garaged since the underside is super clean and corrosion free. Body looks like new. paint shows no defects. originally built in august of 2003. What ... Read More...

Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Care and Maintenance

Re: Paint on 2003 Tribute ES [fordtough3]

Written by: CindySFBay on Feb 17, 2009 00:10 PM

I am having very similar problems with my 2003 Mazda Tribute and my Mazda dealer said that they won't be responsible. I have noticed a number of Mazda's in my area with peeled paint. My car has 74000 miles and is almost 6 years old but I don't think that the paint should be peeling off and rusting. Has anyone else had this problem? Who did you contact to resolve this? ... Read More...

Mazda Tribute Transmission Problems

transmission failure

Written by: captcm on Dec 13, 2008 08:00 AM

My 2003 Mazda Tribute had performed beautifully since I bought it new. I have the 2WD model. It has 105,000 miles on it, and I have had the transmission oil changed twice. The transmission died on a trip to Santa Fe. Luckily family lived there. It took 1 week with expedited shipping and $4500 to replace the transmission. I was also charged 16 hours of labor. Seems ... Read More...

Mazda Tribute Start Stall Idle Problems

mazda tribute 2003

Written by: lindgyle on Sep 18, 2008 10:01 AM

i having trouble with my mazda this morning i was almost out of gas but it stall and when i went to start it back it would only click it wouldn't do anything else. got any suggestion what could be wrong with it. please let me know asap. thanks Read More...

Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Maintenance and Repair

Re: 2003 Mazda Tribute gauge problem [tribute2004]

Written by: bigdog59 on Jun 29, 2008 08:21 PM

HI, ANY NEW UPDATE ON YOU GUAGE PROBLEM, IAM STILL TALKING TO MAZDA TECH'S THEY STILL HAVE NOT FOUND THE PROBLEM..... Read More...

Re: 2003 Mazda Tribute gauge problem [nvbanker]

Written by: bigdog59 on Jun 20, 2008 07:19 PM

WELL I HAVE A 04 TRIBUTE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE GUAGES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THREE DEALER AND THEY CAN'T TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THEY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR,BATTERY,GAUGE CLUSTER AND THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. LUCKY FOR ME THEY DID NOT CHARGE ME FOR THE PARTS THAY REPLACE. I TOOK ALL THE CONNECTOR I COULD FINE AND ALL THE RELAYS, FUSES, RELAYS,BATTERY ... Read More...