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I find interesting that, as an owner why they couldn't get their membership before to post their existing car problems to seek solutions? As, 2-3 years old escape /trib with 20-30K mile, according to owner,problems have been there since purchase, and when I look at the profile, membership is created either today or yesterday.
Another interesting part that some of them never shows up again after posting couple messages.
Just to clarify, it took as long as it did to fix the problem due to a back-order on the speed sensor. Erin Mills Mazda did not provide a loaner for the day that my vehicle sat there for nothing. They did provide a rental that evening for the following day while the service was being done.
Now with the service completed, everything seems fine. No more ABS indicator light or oil leak.
As for the veteran posters asking "why they (new members) couldn't get their membership before to post their existing car problems to seek solutions?" - simple, you're supposed to first go to the dealer to resolve problems. If the problem is not resolved, then you turn to forums to see if i. anyone else is having the same problem, and ii. if and how it was resolved.
As for the loaner, they said they only had 1 and that there was a waiting list for it, with not even a rough estimate as to when it would be available. Not wanting to continue driving with a brake problem and driveway staining oil leak, I just wanted the problem fixed and had made arrangements to work from home. So I was stranded at home with no vehicle only to find out that nothing had been done all day when I went back to the dealer via shuttle van. It was only at this point that they coughed up a rental.
Based on a conversation with an insider at the dealer (title withheld to protect individual), many customers are unsatisfied with the service. The problem is unlikely to change any time soon however, since these vehicles sell themselves, especially the 3's. It would be nice to equate high sales volumes to high levels of service, but this is not the case here at Erin Mills Mazda in Mississauga Ontario.
There were not 33 recalls for Ford/Mazda Escape/Tribute. I think you were referring to technical service bulletins (TSB's) which are not the same as a recall. And to put this in perspective, Mazda Tribute has 33 and Honda CRV has 32.. Fact is, every car that has been around for several years is going to have TSB's, and the majority of these TSB's only impact a minority of owners. My Tribute has never had any issues due to to a TSB, but I have only had it for about 4K miles now
I understand your frustration with your Tribute, but if you bought this vehicle used, is it possible that the original owner abused the vehicle or did not keep up with the maintenance? The reality is that the Escape/Tribute is the best selling vehicle in it's class and there are going to be problems for a minority of owners. Go read the CRV boards, they have just as many issues (engine fires, cars pulling to the right and cannot be fixed, etc).
I respect people's right to complain and the fact that they want to share their experiences with other owners. At the end of the day if you have had frustrating experiences with a vehicle to dealer, it is important to let others know. At the same time, people who read these boards need to put this in perspective. To say that every single Escape or Tribute is a piece of junk because of a handful of users who have had bad experiences is not fair either. The fact is there are hundreds of thousands of happy Escape/Tribute drivers who have never had a problem (two of my co-workers bought their Escapes in 2001 and 2002 respectively and have had no major issues to date). These users typically do not post to forums though, because they have no reason to..
Anyway, just my .02 cents..
I meant some others
For the loaner dilemma, don’t forget that you paid for loaner car, this option is listed on your windows sticker. If they don’t have any availability, they gotta go to Enterprise and get you a loaner, period.
Today my brother returned the car back to Dufferin Mazda; even though I had taken so much care of the vehicle they still charged him $350 for a cracked fog lamp. So the security deposit of $425 is now only $75.
I think all car dealers are crooks, Mazda, GM or whatever. When they want your sale they will even make a donkey your father; as soon as the cheque is cashed it's a whole new ball game.
All I can say is that you pay your money and take your chances; and hopefully find 1 honest dealer amongst the thousands out there.
I have also visited Erin Mills Mazda in Mississauga, Ont to purchase vehicles. Kept me waiting for 1 hour just to see a salesperson. As for their service, I would'nt personally take my dog in there.
I am a pretty easy going guy, but I am no sucker, and I certainly am not going to let a car dealer take advantage of me.
You must have liked your 01 Tribute to purchase another 05 Tribute? I really like my Tribute, and was very satisfied with my dealer experience. They gave me a great price, great trade in (Kelly Blue Book after quite a bit of negotiation), and also did not pressure me when I told them that I did not want any additional warranties, undercoating, etc..
I totally agree but not all of them, majority of them.
I have to wonder that had I not done my homework (knew current lending rates and my credit score, and about the $1000 Mazda finance rebate), if I would have gotten such a sweet deal. But to be honest the Browns Alexandria Mazda finance person I worked with was very pleasant, and this was the easiest purchasing experience I have ever had
"As for their service, I would'nt personally take my dog in there."
(3) plugs are within easy reach, in-view, and
a breeze to get to if necessary. I've changed the plugs once with a friend who's a mechanic. I'd rate the difficulty on a 1-10 scale, a 7-8. I don't believe that I could've done it without his help. Luckily the plugs don't have to be changed that often. Ford says that the plugs are
good for 100K. I changed mine at 50K anyway. Cheap investment for a better running engine. The lower or backside intake cover must be removed and new intake gaskets (about $6.00 total) put in too. Took about 1.5 hours total time. So at a regular shop a basic spark-plug change could cost a couple of hundred dollars, mainly on labor.
Good help (and dealers) are hard to find. Any one in the Toronto area have any service experience with Gyro Mazda on Laird?
I checked my Tribute manual and it clearly states to use Mercon ATF fluid for the transmission. Hope this information is helpful!
Thanks for pointing that out!
I have 4 years of Ford experience from my X 00 Taurus which has more reliable transmission (with MerconV) than Escape.
During my ownership, I realized that after 16-18K usage, transmission oil was starting to smell gasoline (contamination) and getting darker quickly. So that, I was following 20K/2 years interval. I never had any issue with it.
My advise to you guys, check your oil often and smell it and check its color. Don't wait 30K or 50K or whatever interval you want to follow. If necessary replace it.
It is very easy to replace transmission oil on Escape/Trib line. If you are inclined to replace your engine oil, you can replace our tranny oil as well.
Or just spend the $50 and get another remote.
If that fails a dealer or a really good mechanic will probably have to jimmy the hatch open somehow.
I have an 01 LX Trib. and from time to time the
red light from the dash board for coolant comes up,
and I checked the coolant tank it is still in the
full level. Anybody knows why?? Please let me know...
Thanks,
Praky
transmissionn discussion, however, I just changed to Mobil 1 Synthetic transmission fluid at 60K.
This fluid is compatible with any transmission and fluid combination. Previously I'd been running Mercon V as previously posted because the diptsick was marked as such (manual said Mercon ATF). Multiple mechanics that I talked to were divided on their opionions as well. Some said always go with the dipstick, some said the manual. Currently I've got nearly 64K on my tranny, which is a modified-enhanced CD4E that Ford used from a 90's Mazda 626 platform for the Escapes/Tributes. Effectively, my transmission has never skipped a beat despite what I was running in it. Not to say that it won't, I'll just have to wait and see. But from this point on, until I get rid of the vehicle, I will be flushing with the Mobil 1 at $50/case every 20-25K miles. Cheap mechanical insurance if it stays working past 100K miles.
Ford will not blink an eye if my tranny fails d/t their other multiple problems and recalls with other vehicles. I've talked with dealer service advisors and Ford Customer Care. Both effectively were distancing Ford from any responsibility eventhough if a 'dipstick' at the factory put in the wrongly labeled disptick then Ford should 'fess' up to it. But they never would I don't think.
I still enjoy my Escape very much and want to keep it for several more years if possible even with potential repairs/replacement starting. It's paid for and cheaper tham new car payments. '01 XLT V6 2WD.
If you are mechanically inclined, order the tank from the dealer and install it yourself. Cost about $53. Took me 20-30 minutes. A couple of nuts hold the tank to the fender. There are two hose clamps and an electrical connection.
I undid the tank from the fender first then positioned it to catch the coolant, so it did not spill everywhere. You will see the coolant out of the tank is pretty nasty with alot of crud. I strained it thru cheese cloth before recycling it back in the tank or you can put some fresh stuff in.
The replacement tank included a new pressure cap too. Cannot just get a float. You don't want to get into ensuring a proper pressure seal if you were able to replace just the float.
Hope this helps.
miles for peace-of-mind. The vehicle specs. state
that plugs are not needed before 100K. I've always been used to changing my plugs every 30-35K
previously. So I just extrapolated a little further out to 55K and did it. My Escape wasn't running bad or anything yet, but again for my peace-of-mind, or maybe I'm little too retentive, but it doesn't necessarily have to be done, especially at that price.
Cheers,
Don
Also Mazda TSB 0101703 DEC 03 "Instruments - False Low Coolant Level Warning Lamp" appears to address this but I have not found a copy yet.
I am not sure you know what you are talking about...
Just to put the 2001 Escape's 34th TSB into perspective, the 2002 Honda CRV has had 33 TSB' s...
Hey, at least the dealer/Ford fixed your problem well after the warranty was over.. I had a Volkswagen that was about 1000 miles over warranty and they would not even meet me halfway for an expensive repair.
Good luck on your next vehicle.. Just remember there are no guarantees in life, or in cars
Cheers,
Don
I have two 01 tribs that were bought in 01 and 02. The first one was one of the first vehicles delivered to the dealership and the second was left over inventory with 6 months no payments and 0% interest. Both these vehicles have been VERY good to me.
Problems I've had:
1. Transmission - small oscillation when shifting at 45 mph - ECM update and tranny flush fixed this.
Same issue started on the second trib at about 35K miles, tranny flush fixed it.
2. Leaky brake fluid cap, dealer replaced on both tribs
3. Coolant fluid sensor bad on both tribs, warranty replacement of entire tank. I had to take a video of this for them to see that it was actually happening.
4. Airbag light on - bad connector under drivers seat - warranty covered
5. Engine light - bad EGR sensor - warranty covered at 67k miles, yes that far our of warranty!
6. Brake light on on both tribs, kids spilled soda on the break lever in both vehicles, my problem! I sold the kids to a sweat house!
Pros -
Gas mileage with 5 people and gear to Iowa 19-22 mpg. When I travel in Colorado by myself I get between 25-27 mpg with the V6 4WD.
I pulled a 6X6X12 motorcycle trailer from Iowa to Colorado. The trib came with a tow package and this was a large trailer. Head wind in Nebraska and I could only hit 75 mph when drafting a semi. The tranny spit out a bunch of fluid because the dealership over filled it! Once it was down to the 'full' mark and I stopped for dinner it was at the correct level and I had no more problems.
I have 80K on both tribs and I'm please as can be with their performance.
I had one stolen last sept and I was about to go buy a third one.
Gas milage isn't the greatest but for a V6, its about average.
They are an excellent value, zippy and handle great, look sharp and are loaded with safety features.
Worth a look for those who are shopping this segment.
And no - I don't work for them - just a satisfied customer!
They are probably just following procedure, because even with an extended warranty the scheduled maintenance is required. At least they're not trying to deny your claim. If it were mine, I would hang on to it after the new transmission is installed. Once you get the stalling problems, torque converter problems, and ball joint problems resolved they're pretty reliable cars (no I'm not being sarcastic). If you trade for another used car you may be buying somebody else's problems all over.
By the way, what part failed in the transmission?
I want out, the only problem is that for the past few weeks I have been looking into other SUV's and it seems like they are ALL having problems. Not so sure which way to go now.
Kibbles