I am disgusted. In April of this year $1200 was spent on new spark plugs and pistons. Then in May it started making a noise. I took it to my local garage where I have work done and to get an inspection sticker. He said: "Oh my gosh, there is significant rust underneath your car on the right side and the struts may fall off". He told me to take it to this body shop. They told me maybe $1500 just for the part or maybe more and that did not include labor and he advised not to do it as it is hard to stop rust once it starts.

I am retired 75 and cannot afford another car and have no means of transportation. On browsing the internet and remarks from friends who own Mazda's I know this is an ongoing problem with Mazda's and I understand they have recalled 139,000 of 2001-2004 Mazda's. I was surprised to find out that Ford makes this car. Very annoyed. Mazda should be responsible for this condition as I have new tires, new brakes and new spark plugs and pistons and the car runs well, but it is not safe to drive because of the rusting.

My one owner, garaged, dealer maintained, great looking Tribute started to rattle from the right rear. As I examined the car and looked at the passenger rear wheel well, I almost couldn't believe my eyes. The wheel well was rusted as if the car was 50 years old. The shock was holding on by rusted, crumpling metal. In other words by nothing. The left wheel well was fine.

I took the car back to my dealer service and naturally the manager had never seen let alone heard of this problem even though I brought in the 5 other complaints I read about on this website all of which are my story exactly. He proceeded to tell me that he owned a Mazda Tribute even an 2005 with 250,000 miles on it and his was in perfect condition. I have removed the shock to keep from causing more damage. The shock was pushing its way through the interior of the car.

My biggest complaint is the dealership. I realize these things happen but when inferior parts are used to assemble cars the MAZDA/dealership should fess up. He didn't even offer to report the problem or help in any way with even advise. If my car and others have shown the same issues I'm sure there are many many more. ....good bye Mazda!!

The right rear wheel well shock housing completely rusted out and the car I'm told is junk. The left side is perfectly fine. This is a perfectly good vehicle that now has to be junked because it would cost more than the value of the vehicle to fix. It appears from the complaints its always the right rear which would indicate a design flaw to me. Was so happy with this car till now, will never buy a Mazda again. Can't afford throw away cars. If you have one you might want to get rid of it before this happens to you. $5000 dollar lose according to blue book. If your thinking of buying one I would stay away from a Mazda Tribute.

The right rear wheel housing area rusted so bad that the top of shock bracket rusted away and shock started banging against floor. Took it to My Mazda dealer and Service Manager said it was not right that this should happen. He knows that I garage and take car of My vehicles.He gave me the number to call Mazda for help. Mazda said they would not help! I can't drive this vehicle because it is dangerous and unsafe. Because of family medical issues I can't afford to have it fixed and I will not trade it off to an unsuspecting buyer. Don't know what I will do.

Looked on internet and found many of the same problems with the Tribute and Ford Escape (both, which I been told by Car Dealers' service personal, are the same vehicle). You would think a Auto Company would stand behind their product. I'm no longer proud of the fact that I have owned about 10 Mazda vehicles.

Rotted Right rear wheel well? With no big rust anywhere else underneath? The frame is fine - the normal wear and tear on the mechanicals etc.. but with only 124,000 miles I was planning on another few years with this car we have enjoyed driving. A rotted wheel well with an exposed shock barely hanging on? This is a nightmare because I am told I have to take this loss and just junk the vehicle? Ridiculous! As I see others complaints of this exact nature, one cannot help but wonder what the flaw actually is in the design that made this area so vulnerable to the rust. Mazda, help!

ON a positive note - it made such a loud noise that I stopped to check what the problem was and it did not just fall apart and cause serious bodily harm to me or another vehicle on the road (and the passengers).

This was my third Mazda (MPV and 626 prior to the Tribute) and will be my last.

I am not in the habit of throwing away thousands of dollars like this. Hard working regular people just cannot afford it - and should not have to! With all we put into the car over the years after purchase and warranty has been outlived, I had an expectation of a car that responded to my responsible care. Could not have prevented this odd rusting in right wheel well. It is just awful.