2002 Mazda Tribute. Consumer writes in regards to safety recall 6712A concerning ABS system repairs and seeks reimbursement the dealer informed the consumer, there was nothing they could do until she received a notification letter saying the part was in stock. The consumer took the vehicle to an independent shop because the brake light illuminated on the dashboard. The brake master cylinder was replaced.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the master cylinder was leaking brake fluid. As a result, the vehicle fails to stop when the brakes are applied. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 07E023000. The contact feels that the failure could cause a crash. The current mileage was 74,000 and failure mileage was 35,000.

- Rockville, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the brake pedal must be completely depressed to the floorboard in order for the vehicle to stop. The failure has previously occurred at least 5 times, and no warning lights illuminated to indicate a malfunction. A mechanic diagnosed the failure as a leak in the master cylinder seal. The contact stated that neither weather nor speed were factors. On March 20, 2007, a mechanic flushed the brake system and replaced the master cylinder. No brake failures were reported since. The current and failure mileage were 70000. Update 5/5/08 the consumer stated even though it stops very slowly/gradually to the point of being dangerous it feels as if the brakes are failing. Updated. 05/05/08

- West Chester, OH, USA

My mechanic found these problems for me when I took the vehicle in for oil change, so fortunately, there was no accident. Here is a description of the problems as described to me: 1) failure of master brake cylinder. It was spewing brake fluid. This would have led to full failure of the brake system. Both the master cylinder and right front half-shaft were replaced. 2) right front knuckle holding wheel to axle was unsafe. There was a fracture of the metal holding the pinch bolt that is used to fasten the wheel to the lower ball joint. A rupture of this fracture would have caused the wheel to break away from the ball joint. My mechanic felt like this was most likely caused by the factory tightening the pinch bolt too much when assembled. The knuckle was replaced. It was also mentioned to me that a similar master brake cylinder problem was reported on a Ford escape which is essentially the same vehicle as my Mazda Tribute.

- Bloomington, IL, USA

Since I purchased the auto in April 2002, there has been a burning smell coming from the engine. Every time I took the auto in for an oil change (every 3000 miles) I asked them to take a look at the engine because of the smell and every time they said they couldn't find anything except excess oil on the engine. If it is a brand new auto why is there oil on the engine?? no answer from the service dept. Finally after a year of complaining they actually looked at the engine and found a cracked block. The service dept said it must of happened when the engine was factory installed. I was told it was still ok to drive. They would get back to me when the "part" was in. Also they didn't believe me that something was wrong with the brakes. Once again everytime I took it in for an oil change I told them the brakes didn't feel right. I would have to pump the brakes to stop sometimes and other times sitting a light they would depress to the floor. Surprising nothing was found until the service dept actually drive the auto around (for the above problem) did they discover that I needed a new master cylinder!!! this is unbelievable, I have had both problems since the auto was purchased. Luckily it never stalled on me. What the heck it up with this model year"?"

- Wilmington, DE, USA

The brakes failed on 11/22/02 at 16,714 miles. The dealership changed the master cylinder as defected. On 1/03/03 at 19,632 miles the brakes failed again. Again the dealer changed the master cylinder as defective. I questioned whether this was the cause since it happened twice and didn't feel this was the root cause. On 1/10/03 at 20,634 miles the brakes failed again. In all three cases the brake pedal goes to the floor and will not stop the vehicle. The daelership now says its an ABS problem. The emergency brake does not stop the vehicle either.

- Denham Springs, LA, USA

The light on the instrument panel indicating a door is open comes on by itself anytime it's hot outside. I am unable to keep the overhead interior lights on in the vehicle. There have been three attempts to fix this. The master cylinder clutch has also gone bad at 8K miles...

- Midlothian, VA, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Fairfield, PA, USA