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Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Maintenance and Repair

4133 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2013 at 5:59 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, SUV

    

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Messages Page 246 of 414

#2447 of 4133 recalls by mhaynie1

Apr 15, 2004 (11:52 am)

I am the lucky owner of a 2001 Tribute (V6). My Tribute was recently recalled because of a problem with the seatbelt latch. Now a recall for the engine stall. Add that to the presently illuminating check engine light and I am in great shape. At least Mazda is finally doing something about the stall issue.
 
By the way, other past problems include: replacing both headlights because of condensation build-up; replacing a bad sensor in the engine coolant reservoir; leaking rear window; a transmission that shudders; and the whole brake rotors fiasco.
 
Owning a Tribute really is a love-hate relationship.

#2448 of 4133 I know, I know ... by mdaffron

Apr 15, 2004 (12:34 pm)

I was the unfortunate victim/owner of a 1994 "Mazda B2300SE" (aka Ford Ranger) pickup. I continue to be a Mazda owner -- but of Mazdas stamped "Made in Japan."
 
There IS a difference, folks.
 
Meade
2000 Protege ES

#2449 of 4133 Steve by scape2

Apr 16, 2004 (1:10 pm)

Thanks for the info.. I wonder why I haven't read this in the paper about this recall of Hondas, heard it on the evening news? This is a lot of vehicles.. If it were Ford/GM or Dodge it would be plastered all over the news...

#2450 of 4133 Escape_Misc. by escapenut

Apr 19, 2004 (12:27 pm)

I just read the posted messages above about the
'01-'03 V6 Escape-Tribute recall. I called my
dealership of purchase and they essentially told me to bring it in (w/appointment) and they'll re-scan the TCM/PCM. I've got an '01 Escape XLT 2WD
V6 which I've had for almost three (3) years. Other than my gripe about the front brake/rotor
change at 29K (~$480.00), and an IAC problem,
the car has been very reliable with ~50K miles.
I am very satisfied so far with the dependability. The interior and exterior trim is holding together nicely and the car seems almost
as tight as the day I bought it with few exceptions.
I just changed my spark plugs (Ford OEM Platinum,
100K plugs) with the help of a mechanic friend.
Not that they necessarily needed it, but I've just been used to changed plugs every 30K miles
before. After inspecting the plugs they were
wearing well, other than what my friend called,
'leakage' around the ceramic tower. This would
indicate that some blowby was getting past the
plugs. I'll probably change them again in another 50K miles. The original plugs were obviously degraded to a point where it may've cost me in mileage, drivability, etc. ~75% of my
driven miles are city, but I sure like taking the Escape on Texas farm roads to let the engine breathe a little.
I will probably be changing my front brakes again
soon and upgrading to a rotor that can be turned
and a ceramic pad which will not shed as much dust as the Ford OEM pads. Believe or not the rotors and pads (Raybestos) are cheaper, price-wise, than OEM. Should be able to re-do the front brakes for ~$200.00 for parts, a far cry from the $300.00+ the dealership charged for the OEM parts this last time.
Good luck to everyone with their PCM upgrades.
Hope it solves the problem(s) once and for all.

#2451 of 4133 Ford Escape 2001 by jazzinsue

Apr 27, 2004 (2:21 pm)

I am having problems with the brakes on this vehicle. With only 5,000 miles on it, the dealership had to change out the master cylinder, it was leaking. Then at 15,000 miles I had to have the front right rotor replaced and the brake pads because they were causing vibration upon braking and they kept trying to tell me it was the tires!!! Now, at 30,000 miles I had to have the brake pads and both rotors replaced again, they could not even grind the rotors down to give some more wear time, there was no metal left to grind! I went to Ford dealership and all they said was that this is a known problem with the Escapes and that I would have to live with it - I don't think so! Now, my emergency brake makes a funny grinding sound when I apply it in a parked position. Has anyone else experienced this similar type of problem?

#2452 of 4133 Brand new 2004 Escape XLS needs transmission by bjd2

Apr 28, 2004 (2:30 pm)

Hi All,
 My step-daughter just bought a brand new 04 Escape XLS V-6, 4x4 last week. She has 725 miles on it and it is in the dealer for a complete transmission change-out!
 She was driving home yesterday and the Overdrive light began to flash and the engine RPM started fluctuacting significantly up into the 4,500-5,000 RPM range...
  The dealer has ordered a new tranny for it to be installed tomorrow. I am concerned for her, but I also just bought a new 04 Escape XLT, V-6,4x4 before Christmas w/ only 1500 miles on it. Is mine next to have problems? Any other similar 04 Escape V-6, 4x4 tranny problems ??
  This vehicle was clearly not "Quality...Job One".

#2453 of 4133 Don't Fret by jrc346

Apr 28, 2004 (3:07 pm)

750 miles tells me it is a defect from the factory.

#2454 of 4133 Recall; scape2 ?? by bri66

May 01, 2004 (2:38 am)

It's been a long time since i've been on Edmunds. Even a new way to log on. I just made my appointment today for my Escape. I'm sorry, but I just can't resist. A year ago this was a way over blown problem by only a few. I don't think so anymore.

#2455 of 4133 List of problems I am experiencing w/ 2001 Tribute by ron_69

May 02, 2004 (8:48 am)

Hi, like all Tribute owners, I also have a list of problems occuring on my 2001 Tribute.
 
1- Tires get extremely low traction in wet conditions, and are worn out within 50,000kms or about 30,000 miles. Replaced the oems with toyos. (strongly recommanded)
 
2- Engine lights comes off almost once every month. I had a couple of incidents where the dealer plugged in the computer to check, but no faults was found. One time where this sensor was blown. One time for low coolant.
 
3- Sometimes the battery lights come off for the first 1-2 minutes after starting up. But I have noticed that it mostly occurs during cold weather, so I guess that may be the contributing factor.
 
3- There are noise when I turn all the way and with considerable speed. For example: when making U turns.
 
4- Brakes lock up easily during panic braking on the hwy which causes the vechicle to loose control at that moment. For people planning to make a purchase, I advise you to get ABS. I thought it was standard when I bought it, how naive.
 
5- High fuel consumption. 1 tank full of gas = 330 kms.
 
6- Knocking sounds are noticable after riding on the speed bumps. When I mean by this is that after the vechicle goes over the bump and down, you may notice a sort of knocking sound. It sounds like the shocks are on a loose mount or some sort. But that could be mainly because of the age of my vechicle. I have been driving this thing almost the day it came out.
 
7- The brake pads and rotors do wear out fast on this car. They cost around $600 CDN to replace both front pads and front rotors from the dealer.
 
8- The handbrake cable on the Tribute can get loose easily, especially if you have rear drum brakes like I do. I actually have to goto the dealer 4 times to fix the handbrake alone. I also found that not too many mechanics have the proper knowledge to repair them. There was this repair that made it worst, causing me to go back.

#2456 of 4133 by steve_ HOST

May 02, 2004 (12:20 pm)

1. 30,000 miles out of OEM tires isn't great, but it's not unusual. I got ~36,000 on the ones on my minivan (now riding on Toyos too <g>).
 
3. I always heard it was best not to cut the wheel all the way over for any longer than necessary.
" Turning the steering wheel to the full right or left will increase system pressure and belt squeal." (Integrated Publishing)
 
4, 5 & 7. If you are making panic stops that often, you must be a spirited driver, which would explain the lousy mileage and short pad life on your brakes. Lighten up and enjoy the ride!
 
Steve, Host

Messages Page 246 of 414

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