Mazda Tribute 2001 shuts off while driving without warning. This has happened twice and when it does, steering and braking become difficult. I have taken it to the dealership for repair, but they don't know the cause.

- Simpsonville, SC, USA

This is about our 2001 Mazda Tribute LX, 4X4, V6. Our VIN. # [xxx], but your system is not accepting this number. Our Tribute has stalled more than 5 times over the last 2 years. We have called the Mazda dealer to ask if they have had this problem with other Tributes. They claimed they were not aware of that type of problem three occasions between April 2001 and November 2001. Something we were doing wrong. August 2002, after another stalling episode we decided it was too dangerous and took the car into the dealership. They then informed us that they had a lot of other 2001 and 2002 Tributes with the same problem. They had our Tribute at the dealership repair shop for 63 straight days before the Mazda H.Q. called us from irvine, ca to tell us that our Tribute had been repaired and they were sure that it was not going to stall again because they had not had any other Tributes that were repair for the stalling problem repeat the problem. About a month later our Tribute again stalled exactly as it had done many times before. I was asked to come to the dealership and talk to them about buying the new 2003 model Tribute at a reduced price because of our trouble. When we went to the dealer to drive the 2003 model we were told they could not let us drive the new model because it was stalling. Dt information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Captain Cook, HI, USA

Was traveling down a steep, curvey hill at approximately 35-45 mph when the vehicle stalled. I lost control of the steering as well as the brakes. The engine lights came on. I was meeting a vehicle at the time and luckily missed running into the oncoming vehicle due to incident occuring in a curve. This is the second incident that this has occurred. It has been reported to the dealership and they said that they had never heard of this occuring before now. This is a real safety concern for me and my family. Gg--ky

- Burkesville, KY, USA

Vehicle is intermittently stalling. At low speeds, under 40 mph, vehicle will stall while in motion causing loss of power steering and brakes. When vehicle was repaired by dealership resulting in problem happening more frequently than before. Vehicle tends to stall on slight inclines or declines in the road. One stall nearly caused driver to rear end another vehicle due to loss of power brakes. Vehicle is back at dealer for second attempt at repair of problem. Dealership has provided above average customer service while handling problem however repair attempt has only made problem worse. After 1st repair attempt vehicle still stalls and has begun hesitating (nearly stalling) under acceleration.

- Edgewater, CO, USA

The engine cut out for no reason while driving, causing sudden loss of power brakes, steering etc. Luckily, no other traffic was on the road or there may have been an accident. This is the second time this problem has occurred on this vehicle. One year ago, the engine stalled while driving while driving down a hill, and a multi-car accident was narrowly avoided at the bottom of the hill. The dealer claims that Mazda told them to replace the "pcu" at the time, and then called me back later to confirm this was indeed the fix to this reported nationwide problem. Obviously, since the problem has now re-occurred one year later, Mazda's initial fix was wrong and Mazda still does not know what is causing this problem. Your website reports numerous similar consumer complaints, which is disturbing. What is the government doing to protect consumers" there should be a forced recall. This is a real safety issue - a downhill stall!!! must we wait until deaths occur" I would like to hear a response from NHTSA. I plan to forward this list of complaints to my congressman.

- Bensalem, PA, USA

Vehicle stalled without warning. No brakes, no steering. Going downhill 35-40 mph. Ended up going into oncoming traffic until I wrestled car back into lane. 3rd time this has happened. Mazda solutions are unacceptable. Nlm

- Smyrna, GA, USA

1. mositure in passenger side headlight at 10kmi. 2. coolant indicator light @ 14K mi. 3. engine light @ 15K mi. 4. engine shuts down, lose brakes and steering, traveling at 55-60 mph approaching and slowing down to make a left-hand turn at a slightly downward slope in road. Had to put vehicle in park and restart engine. Could have turned in front of oncoming vehicles and been hit broadside due to loss of all power.ake. Nlm

- Akron, OH, USA

Vehicle stalls at speeds under 30 mph, with foot off gas, or when idling. Stall often occurs during a turn, disabling the power-assisted steering until engine can be restarted. (restart occurs promptly.) five visits to dealer service dept. Since 7/12/02 have failed to correct problem. Mazda-recommended service on power-train control module was performed, to no apparent effect. Related work done on idle, throttle, solenoid. Stalling continues. Nlm

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

While driving down hill engine will suddenly stall, cause unknown. Took vehicle to dealer, dealer reprogramed computer chip. Problem keeps reoccurring.

- Marietta, GA, USA

Engine just shuts off when you least expect it as you are driving down the road. This results in a loss of brakes and steering. Very dangerous situation!! I have a fear of driving this SUV. And I wish I could get my money back and get out of this unsafe vehicle.

- Easton, PA, USA

My Mazda Tribute stalls at high speeds. Most recently, going downhill at 45 mph. Engine died, battery lights and oil lights turned on... no warning at all. I lost power to the steering wheel and brakes. Very dangerous because it happened so suddenly, and there was no safe place to get off the road. This is the third incident with this car, the second stalling. My car only has 21,000 miles.

- Mililani, HI, USA

While driving at 35mph on flat surface and with no warning vehicle will shut off, and will be hard to start back up. Dealer notified.

- Litteton, CO, USA

While driving in traffic, down a slight hill, engine shut off without warning. Second time this has happened. First time back in 2001, dealer had for 2 days, unable to find problem or correct. Consider this a serious safety hazard. Will contact dealer again.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

Vehicle would cut off intermittently while driving at normal speed. Vehicle been to dealer on four occasions, and unable to duplicate the problem. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Aguas Buenas, PR, USA

The vehicle has stalled several times without warning. The first two times the vehicle stalled while at a stop light. The second two times the vehicle was in motion. Neither time did the check engine light illuminate. The vehicle restarts with no problem. Consumer called the service department and was informed that there was nothing that could be done if the check engine light did not illuminate.

- Hickory, NC, USA

While driving at any speed vehicle would shut off, and in doing so brakes and/ or steering did not work. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was aware of problem, but only had a temporary solution. Consumer smells fuel inside the vehicle and took the vehicle to the dealer four times, but the problem was not found.

- West Mifilan, PA, USA

Vehicle will automatically shut off while the consumer is driving, there is no warning signs regarding that problem. Contacted dealer who was not willing to do anything. The dealer informed consumer that Mazda knows of the problem, they just dont know what is causing the problem. This defect creates a potentially dangerous situation because the vehicle loses power steering, it must be stopped completely and shifted into park before it can be restarted.

- North Huntingdon, PA, USA

Engine stalled in 5:00 P.M. traffic. Completely shut down. No brakes and no steering. Can't believe I did not get hurt or killed. Mazda must make a recall on Tribute before someone is killed.

- Placitas, NM, USA

While driving at any speed and without any indication vehicle would stall. Dealer has been contacted.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

While in motion the vehicle experienced complete system failure. The ignition turns itself off while in motion, thereby rendering steering, brakes and control of the vehicle useless. The dash lights come on indicating all systems are down. Mazda is aware of the defect. There have been other complaints. The solution, Mazda replaced the ignition switch. The vehicle failed again. Mazda Canada can offer no explanation for the failure or advise on repair.

- Calgary, CD, USA