Component
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Manufacturer
Mazda North American Operations
What Happened
The lower control arm is a metal piece that attaches to your vehicle's frame and helps your Tribute handle turns. In some 2001-2004 Tributes, this area can corrode and weaken over time, especially in areas with high salt use.
Risk if Unfixed
If the lower control arm breaks, your steering wheel could feel loose or even lock up, making it hard to steer your vehicle. This could cause you to lose control and increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will install a reinforced metal bracket to protect the lower control arm from corrosion — at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Tribute vehicles manufactured May 22, 2000, through December 19, 2003, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 29, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7514D.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →