Component
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Manufacturer
Mazda North American Operations
What Happened
The metal structure of your Tribute's frame and members is like the skeleton of your car, keeping everything in place. In certain areas with high road salt use, this metal can corrode over time, weakening the lower control arm that connects to your steering system.
Risk if Unfixed
If the lower control arm breaks, you could lose steering control, making it harder to drive and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will install a reinforcement cross-brace to protect the lower control arm from corrosion, and this repair is completely free. They'll contact you when it's time to schedule the repair, and you can also reach them at 1-800-222-5500.
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 →