Recalls: Mazda J14 Tribute
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mazda J14 Tribute
- In October 2001, a recall was issued for Mazda J14 Tribute vehicles due to a potential fuel leak from the Fuel Delivery Module seal, situated in the fuel tank (PRA 2001/5035).
- In October 2002, a recall was issued for Mazda J14 Tribute vehicles due to a brake lamp switch malfunction which could render the brake lamps inoperative (PRA 2002/5761).
- In February 2004, a recall was issued for Mazda J14 Tribute vehicles due to front seatbelt stalk buckles which may not latch properly (PRA 2004/6819).
- In November 2012, a recall was issued for Mazda Tribute models fitted with 3.0-litre V6 engines, factory-fitted cruise control and available for sale from 12 December 2000 to 6 February 2007. In these vehicles, inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the cruise control cable could allow the engine to be stuck at full power when the accelerator pedal is almost or almost-fully depressed – this could result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle. This risk exists regardless of whether or not cruise control is being used (PRA 2012/13362). The recall applied to vehicles in the following VIN ranges:
- JM0 CU081* 11 100009 – 107092;
- JM0 CU081* 21 107110 – 114027;
- JM0 CU081* 31 114061 – 121213;
- JM0 CU081Y 41 200006 – 211395;
- JM0 YU081* 11 100008 – 107085;
- JM0 YU081* 21 107093 – 114024;
- JM0 YU081* 31 114038 – 121262;
- LFA C* **VX 62 000002 – 001501; and,
- LFA C* **VX 72 001502 – 001541.
Problems and faults: Mazda J14 Tribute
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Mazda J14 Tribute: camshaft ticking noise
In July 2007, Mazda USA issued service bulletin 01-031/07 for Mazda J14 Tribute vehicles with 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines. In these vehicles, a ticking noise may be heard from the left bank cylinder head while the engine was running at its normal operating temperature. For the repair procedure, please refer to the service bulletin.
Mazda J14 Tribute: other problems and faults
- For Mazda Tribute models fitted with the 3.0-litre V6 engine, the ‘low coolant’ warning light may illuminate because the float in the coolant recovery tank sinks; a revised float assembly was subsequently released.
- For Mazda Tribute models with automatic transmissions, harsh or late upshifts may occur after the transmission has been repaired due to a problem with the turbine-shaft speed sensor.
- For automatic models, the engine may stall when coming to rest after cruising at highway speeds because the lockup torque converter fails to release.
- The air conditioning compressor front seal may leak, causing a loss of refrigerant.
- The fuel tank may fill slowly and the ‘check engine’ light may illuminate if the fuel tank vent line becomes clogged by debris or, potentially, ice. If so, the line needs to be cleared and possibly relocated to prevent recurrences.
- A whining noise from the front of the vehicle when traveling at 30-70km/h may require the half-shafts to be replaced with units that have dampers.
- Clunking or rattling noise from the front of the vehicle may be due to a problem with the power steering return line; a revised hose was subsequently released.
- A high-pitched squeaking noise from the rear suspension may be caused by the shock absorber bushings moving out of position.
- For early Tribute vehicles, some heater cores experienced recurring failures that were attributed to electrolysis. If so, the coolant may need to be flushed and replaced, while additional ground connections to the engine may also be required.
- If the door handle was pulled while trying to unlock the door with the remote locking, the doors would not open and new door latches may need to be installed.
