2006 Mazda Tribute, right rear wheel well rusted away, leaving shock floating and banging around in wheel well first noticed in June 2015

- Stoughton, MA, USA

Cpsc: Mazda Tribute: Consumer stated right rear wheel rusted away leaving the shock floating and banging around in the wheel well..

- Stoughton, MA, USA

Because of the rear end making loud noise and vibration upon contacting road bumps and holes vehicle taken to repair shop where inspection revealed significant deterioration of the metal forming the rear passenger side wheel well, oxidation (rust) to the extent of large hole exposing interior department. Replacement of the rear shocks did not correct the vibrations from road irregularities. Mechanic described the cause as a result of the wheel well loss of metal & change in shape enabling metal to metal contact. Structural integrity duration is of much concern.

- Mccordsville, IN, USA

While driving to work I started to hear a banging sound from the back of my vehicle. It sounded like the back window was open & banging every time I hit a bump. I pulled over and made sure everything was shut. I proceeded to work but the banging persisted. When I got to work I checked the back compartment & removed my cargo incase that was culprit. On my drive home the banging still persisted. My husband looked at the vehicle and said that the shocks/struts were blown. I took it to the garage that night & it turns out that the passenger side rear wheel well was completely rusted through & there was no where for the shock to mount. When the mechanic pulled up my cargo mat in the back it is amazing that nothing fell out, the size of the hole from the rust is comparable to the size of a basketball. Welding is not even an option to repair this damage. There is no other rust or body damage to my vehicle. There was a protective coating on the inner wheel well to prevent this. The driver side is fine and is showing no sign of rust/rot. While searching the web for support I see this is a very common problem in the Ford escape and Mazda Tribute (virtually one in the same). When will something be done about this costly problem? as a side note, this car has been a problem since I bought it in 2006. I filed a magnus and moss warranty act suit against Mazda and won for numerous issues regarding the transmission and power train system.

- Swoyersville, PA, USA