The transmission is not going into drive gear (D, 1, 2) when switching from P, N, R. another issue or the same, the car doesn't lock into gear but the engine is able to engage the transmission without availability of full power transmitted to the axles.

I can feel the transmission slipping when carrying a load (around 900lbs) in vehicle or towing (total trailer weight was around 740lbs incl. trailer with 2x passengers each 160lbs).

This would be the second time that the transmission would need to be replaced. The first was within the first three years.

As a background, I rarely carry load or tow but know exact weights since I manage a warehouse with measuring equipment.

How long should a transmission last? The 4WD transmission on my 2001 Mazda Tribute lasted only 73,000 miles.. The transmission repair man told me that Mazda Tributes had notoriously bad transmissions and not to expect the new one to last more than 35,000 miles. Get rid of the car as fast as you can he said. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford to go out and buy another car after spending $3,500.00 on it. The second transmission lasted 50 miles. That's right, just 50 miles before having to call a tow truck again. Back to the repair shop and another replacement; another 10 days without a car. This time it was under warranty. Now, at 140,000 miles, it is on it's third transmission, which is about to go out. In the nine years I have owned this car, it has had many more problems than just the transmissions. The catalytic converters had to be replaced, it constantly needs new plugs, coils, wires,and oxygen sensors. It has had oil gaskets and coolant gaskets replaced more than once (hundred of dollars in labor), a broken strut, and master cylinder brakes jobs. The front trim just flew off the car. The leather panels on the sides of the doors have peeled away. The door handle broke, and the rear window wiper won't work. It's really quite an embarrassing car to drive. Overall, when this car isn't nickel and dimeing me to death, it's having a major breakdown, leaving me stuck on the side of the road. It's cost me so much in repairs, it greatly contributed to having to file bankruptcy.

Transmission started slipping in 1st gear. Took it to the dealer and they said I needed to replace the transmission. Luckily it was under the warranty we bought when we bought the vehicle. They tried to put a used transmission in, but my dealer fought for a rebuilt one. 5 months later and the problem of slipping in 1st gear resurfaced. Now they replaced my transfer case (see separate entry) MAZDA used to be a reliable vehicle. Since joining with FORD, they suck ass. I will NEVER buy another ford/mazda product again. I am counting the days until I can trade this sucker. I am sooooo glad I purchased the extended warranty. Do yourself a favor and buy it anytime you get a vehicle. It has saved me $1000s of loot.