Hi.

I have driven a Mazda for 12 years and currently own a 2002 Mazda Tribute LX FWD. While on vacation in British Columbia 2 weeks ago, our engine died from a spun connecting rod bearing. The engine had 103,000km (only 20,000km and/or a few months over warranty!!). All required maintenance has been done and the oil level was fine. No warning lights came on until after the engine died (oil light then began to flicker) and we were already pulling over to the side of the road. At the time, we were climbing a long steady incline at approx 110km/hour (4000 RPM or so). As we were on vacation, we rented a car and had the repairs (used engine installed - 38,000km) done quickly to avoid further delay in our vacation plans.

I am currently compiling a case for Mazda to reimburse the repair costs as there must be some sort of defect for an engine to die this young without warning and without neglect on our part. We are willing to use an arbitrator (see http://www.camvap.ca) or go to small claims court if necessary to fight this. Has anyone out there heard of any similar problems??

Regards,
Steve

3 year 80,000km powertrain warranty

Your milage is over in KM's

bad luck i'd say,Considering the Tribute is a great Vehicle.


Did you know most people only drive 20,000km per year?

I recognize the problem
Last september I bought me a 2001 Tribute ES (3.0 V6 4wd 40.000 miles) The car was imported from USA to The Netherlands in 2003.
Two weeks ago we drove to Paris (France) towing a 1000 kg caravan. Driving 100 km/h the motor ran 5000 rpm, a little uphill on the motorway. I heard a strange, ticking sound. Better slow down I tought: driving 80 km/h and 400 rpm the noise didnt dissappear. After another 5 km there was a place for a safe stop, there I phoned for assistance.
A french monteur called it a "grande problem", the Trib on transport back to Holland and we got alternative transport: in a Volkswagen Touran I towed the caravan one day later to Paris and our holiday could start.
Louvre, Eiffeltower, Montmartre etc. Real nice. :-)

Now the Trib is back, my dealer found a damaged crankshaft, the ......bearings (I dont know the word for the connection from piston to crancshaft) were found back in little pieces. The only way to get this kind of damage is to run an engine without oil, but oil was on max level.

So far my Trib experience. Glad I bouht the car with 1 year guarantee ....