2002 Mazda Tribute

High concern

Owners filed 384 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 9 times.

Avoid One of the Mazda Tribute years to avoid: an unusual share of fires, crashes and deaths for a car of its age. Which Mazda Tribute years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
68,900 milesMedian miles at failure

210 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Mazda Tribute problems

119 of the 384 complaints (31%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine63
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine31
020
Air Bags · airbags30
407
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration21
713
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes21
050
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine19
040
Service Brakes · brakes16
020
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission13
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches13
000
Electrical System13
030

2002 Mazda Tribute engine problems

31% of all complaints

119 of the 384 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • stalls64% · 76
  • loses power11% · 13
  • sets off warning lights on the dash8% · 9
  • loses steering assist or the wheel locks7% · 8
  • smokes or smells of burning6% · 7
  • turns on the check engine light4% · 5

Share of the 119 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
17,995 mi
median of 41 reports
Peak year of filing
2002
55 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 8 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“I had just bought the vehicle feb 7 2015 from mid state auto sales and it seem to be in really good conditions til the night before the 24 it had stalled out but started back up and ran fine was told it was bad gas but then the 14th me my husband son daughter and grandson was going to the store to get a few things for breakfast so we wouldn't be late for church sunday morning made it about 4 to 5 miles down our road …”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 17, 2015 at 148 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mazda tribute. The contact stated that while driving in reverse at approximately 5 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle within minutes however, the failure recurred whenever the gear shifter was moved into reverse. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 04v175000 (power train) but the VIN was not included in the recall.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 2, 2013 at 110,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2001: 9 complaints, 8 about the engine'012002: 88 complaints, 55 about the engine2003: 54 complaints, 32 about the engine'032004: 29 complaints, 7 about the engine2005: 27 complaints, 5 about the engine'052006: 19 complaints, 2 about the engine2007: 12 complaints, 0 about the engine'072008: 18 complaints, 2 about the engine2009: 15 complaints, 1 about the engine'092010: 12 complaints, 0 about the engine2011: 13 complaints, 1 about the engine'112012: 33 complaints, 3 about the engine2013: 10 complaints, 1 about the engine'132014: 12 complaints, 0 about the engine2015: 12 complaints, 2 about the engine'152016: 4 complaints, 0 about the engine2017: 3 complaints, 0 about the engine'172018: 5 complaints, 0 about the engine2019: 3 complaints, 0 about the engine'192020: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2021: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'212022: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine2023: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine'23Recall 04V175000 (transmission)Recall 04V583000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 07E023000 (brakes)Recall 07V157000 (brakes)Recall 12V016000 (brakes)Recall 12V357000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 14V174000 (body and frame)Recall 15E045000 (suspension)NHTSA investigation EA10002NHTSA investigation RQ09002NHTSA investigation DP09003NHTSA investigation PE06048NHTSA investigation EA02027NHTSA investigation PE01043
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2002 Tribute peaked in 2002, with 88 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 31% of the complaints. In 2023 owners filed 2 so far.

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing15E045000
Filed Jun 3, 2015576 vehiclesTimken Company

Defect. The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Risk. Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

Structure › Frame and Members14V174000
Filed Apr 4, 2014109,000 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. 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.

Risk. A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables12V357000
Filed Jul 27, 2012217,500 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.

Risk. A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Remedy. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module12V016000
Filed Jan 20, 201252,390 vehiclesMazda Motor Corp

Defect. MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 2000, THROUGH JULY 19, 2002. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID. IF BRAKE FLUID LEAKS, IT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.

Risk. CORROSION MAY DEVELOP IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LEADING MELTING, SMOKING OR POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy. MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP AND MODIFY THE ABS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FREE OF CHARGE. UNTIL THE REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED, VEHICLE OWNERS SHOULD PARK THEIR VEHICLES OUTSIDE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION 6.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module07V157000
Filed Apr 10, 200795,300 vehiclesMazda Motor Corp

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Risk. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder07E023000
Filed Mar 29, 200713,128 vehiclesCardone Industries, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock04V605000
Filed Dec 23, 200449,800 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.

Risk. IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables04V583000
Filed Dec 10, 2004121,000 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.

Risk. AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #4.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)04V175000
Filed Apr 9, 2004106,000 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 DURATEC ENGINES , DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.

Risk. SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

All 9 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 8 name the 2002 Tribute.

Cruise Control CableDefect petition DP12005Closed
Opened Jul 17, 2012Closed Jul 17, 2012throttle and acceleration

On July 8, 2012, The Center for Auto Safety has petitioned NHTSA to open defect investigations on Model Year (MY) 2002 ? 2004 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles with certain cruise control cables.The Center for Auto Safety has also petitioned for a hearing to address whether Ford Motor Company (Ford) and Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) met their obligations to notify owners and correct a defect in certain Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles.The petitions to open investigations are denied as unnecessary and the petitions to conduct hearingsare denied.ODI IDs referenced above …

Stuck ThrottlePreliminary evaluation PE12019Closed
Opened Jul 17, 2012Closed Feb 21, 2013Led to recall 12V353000throttle and acceleration

In a letter dated July 25, 2012 Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-353 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, which could result in a stuck throttle condition.The vehicles involved are model year (MY) 2001 through MY 2004 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed (cruise) control.A redesigned engine cover was implemented in production beginning in MY 2005, which provided additional clearance of the speed control cable to the …

Engine Compartment FireEngineering analysis EA10002Closed
Opened Jan 14, 2010Closed Feb 29, 2012Led to recall 12V005000brakes

Ford and Mazda recalled model year (MY) 2001 through 2004 Ford Escape (07V-156) and Mazda Tribute (07V-157) vehicles due to non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating in the engine compartment at or near the ABS control module.Approximately 545,700 vehicles were subject to the initial safety recalls and approximately 424,700 vehicles were serviced under those campaigns. The campaigns addressed potentially damaged, missing or misplaced seals in the ABS control module wiring harness electrical connector that could allow brake fluid to enter the connector, possibly resulting in …

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRERecall query RQ09002Closed
Opened Apr 15, 2009Closed Jan 15, 2010brakes

In letters dated march 30, 2007, FORD motor company (FORD) and mazda north american operations (mazda) notified the agency that they will conduct recalls 07v-156 and 07v-157, respectively, to remedy a safety defect that may result in fire in a wiring connector used in certain model year (my) 2001-2004 FORD escape and mazda tribute vehicles equipped with ABS.the recall campaign prescribes an inspection of the subject components, which shall be repaired or replaced only if necessary.if the subject vehicle passes the visual inspection then the recall instructs the technician to apply electrical …

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIREDefect petition DP09003Closed
Opened Apr 14, 2009Closed Apr 15, 2009brakes

The office of defects investigation (odi) received a defect petition dated march 5, 2009 alleging that the petitioner never received the recall remedy for 07v-156 and that, as a result, the petitioner's my2003 FORD escape caught fire at the ABS control module.in response to odi follow-up, the manufacturer verified that the petitioner's vehicle had in fact received service related to safety recall 07v156 - a fact later corroborated by the petitioner.circumstances of the fire experienced in the petitioner's remedied vehicle indicate that the remedy was ineffective.additional review by odi …

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIREPreliminary evaluation PE06048Closed
Opened Oct 30, 2006Closed Apr 17, 2007Led to recall 07V156000brakes

In letters dated march 30, 2007, FORD and mazda notified NHTSA that they will conduct safety recalls to remedy a safety defect that may result in fire in a wiring connector used in certain model year (my) 2001-2004 FORD escape and mazda tribute sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS.recall 07v-156 involves approximately 446,450 my 2001-2004 escape vehicles manufactured from october 22, 1999 through january 23, 2004.recall 07v-157 involves approximately 95,300 my 2001-2004 tribute vehicles manufactured from april 17, 2000 through december 19, 2003. According to the manufacturers, the …

ENGINE STALLINGEngineering analysis EA02027Closed
Opened Sep 10, 2002Closed Apr 15, 2004Led to recall 04V165000engine

Ford's and mazda's letters to NHTSA dated april 5 and april 9, 2004, state that they will recall model year 2001-03 FORD escape and mazda tribute vehicles with the v6 engine built thru september 11, 2002.dealers will adjust engine calibration in the programmable control module (pcm), which in its current setting, can cause the engine to shut down if the vehicle is decelerating at speeds below 40 MPH. The engine shuts down due to excessively rich air-fuel mixtures being sent to the engine.when the engine shuts down, drivers may notice a loss of power assist for their steering and brakes. The …

ENGINE STALLINGPreliminary evaluation PE01043Closed
Opened Dec 7, 2001Closed Sep 10, 2002engine

Technical service bulletins

150 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Tribute. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 29electrical system 28engine 21steering 14transmission 11suspension 7brakes 7equipment adaptive/mobility 4
59Warranty extensionOct 1, 2004engine

DELTA PRESSURE FEEDBACK EGR (DPFE) SENSOR WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM. SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM (SSP) 59. *TT

0407Warranty extensionJun 7, 2004engine

DPFE SENSOR APPLICATION REVISION. PARTS FLASH. *TT DPFE SENSOR WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM - SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM (SSP) 59. *TT

SA-029-26Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 21, 2026engine

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific …

SA-011-24Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 12, 2024engine

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are …

01-004-19-3558Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 9, 2019engine

On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its …

01-016-18-3522Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 6, 2018engine

On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its …

0100316Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 15, 2016engine

SULFUR SMELL FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM.

13-07RService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 18, 2014engine

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

Showing the newest 6 of 21 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2002 Mazda Tribute 4-DR.———★★★★★—

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Nov 22, 2023162,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting erratically and made an abnormal rumbling sound. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond and was jerking upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact who is an independent mechanic had replaced the transmission speed sensor, the transmission shift position sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the shift solenoid block, the transmission fluid, the transmission clutch solenoid, and the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved DTC codes indicating that the ABS wiring was overheating. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V016000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer bypassed the ABS module. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH to the residence after the repair, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the recall repair did not involve bypassing the ABS module. The dealer was contacted, but no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and several cases were opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 13, 2023GA

My car has had a abs engine code for a year that I have spent a lot of money trying to get it off because, I can’t renew my tag because it failed emissions vehicle safety test . So I was notified by my insurance company that my vehicle was under recall. I read it and called Mazda and it was confirmed and I went to the shop and I waited 6 hours for the installation of a new abs module and wire harness. Hennesy Mazda of morrow Georgia bypassed the abs system but replaced my voltage regulator with out my consent. The recall recommended repair is to replace the abs module and harness. The dealership refused to comply and neither offered a tow back to Newnan Georgia where I live. So they placed me and others at risk by failing to comply. I have been ignored even after speaking with 3 customer service representatives and I was given a call [XXX] 10/11/23. I was told that I had to get it to Marietta Jim Ellis Mazda and that they would contact me but know one has called. I need your help to resolve this serious violation of the recall and the altering of my vehicles abs by bypassing it 😳🙄. I have lost a total of $2,367 in parts lost wages and anguish due to their lack of compliance of the recall of my 2002 Mazda tribute es abs module and harness. The abs module and wiring to ECM gets the voltage regulator hot and causes abs engine light to illuminate and malfunction. This my work vehicle I need it to make a living. The abs module and harness wasn’t changed but was bypassed 😳. The rec

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 16, 2022OR

My vehicle took off and accelerated without me depressing the gas pedal and it was very scary and hard to get stopped I was doing almost 80 mph. It had a safety recall for the throttle cable for this but you show no open recalls yet Mazda does and told me if recalls we're taken care of they would show up on the car fax which they do not my vehicle is a 2002 but this doesn't mean it was ever fixed has several other issues also the front lower control arm which is also on a recall and does not show on the car fax the entire front end on the passenger side sounds like it's really loose and could break and my tire come loose as others have reported when filing same complaint. This has happened more than once to me. I call it now a death trap I need help to get this safe to drive thank you.

Steering › Column
Filed Mar 1, 202295,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel felt as if it was detached from the steering column. Additionally, there was a grinding noise coming from the passenger’s side front wheel well. The contact did not notice any warning lights. The contact was able to drive the vehicle safely back to his residence. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V174000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Power TrainCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 17, 2021230,000 milesID

The contact owned a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, a pop noise was heard, the vehicle had unintended acceleration; the engine revved and sped up to 80 - 90 mph, inadvertently, and the brakes failed to engage after the contact had depressed with both feet on the brake pedal. The contact made a turn into a park and the vehicle slid, then crashed into a tree. There was smoke coming from under the hood and the contact turned off the vehicle before exiting and walking until she got assistance from a bystander, who called the police. A police report was filed. The contact did not receive medical attention at the scene but later went to the emergency room for injuries sustained with six broken ribs. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

Suspension
Filed May 21, 202082,000 milesOH

DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN A CITY STREET THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE. UPON INSPECTION WE FOUND THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED/BROKEN AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD SEPARATED FROM IT. AFTER A SEARCH WE DISCOVERED THAT THIS ISSUE IS COVERED UNDER THE 7514D RECALL. A VIN SEARCH CONFIRMED THAT THIS WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. WE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST MAZDA DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED. AFTER ABOUT 1 WEEK, THE SERVICE ADVISOR CALLED AND TOLD ME THAT MAZDA WAS REFUSING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. I CALLED MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO GET AN EXPLANATION AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL ONLY INVOLVES INSTALLING A "REINFORCEMENT" BRACKET, NOT REPLACING THE SUBFRAME. I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAVE COPIES OF BOTH THE OWNER LETTER AND THE ENTIRE RECALL PROCEDURE WHICH BOTH CLEARLY STATE THAT IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS BECOME SEPARATED DUE TO CORROSION THE SUBFRAME MUST BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. THEY TRIED TO TELL ME THAT "CORROSION" DOES NOT MEAN "RUST" AND THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY COULD DO FOR ME. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP, MAZDA OF WOOSTER IN WOOSTER, OHIO. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 16, 2019GA

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE OWNER'S VEHICLE. THE OWNER WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN TIME AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH FORCE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CRUSHED RIBS AND A BROKEN RIGHT FOOT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER DRIVER LEFT THE SCENE OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,270.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 16, 2019150,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO FORCEFULLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, NONE OF THE LOCKS FUNCTIONED AND THE BODY FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH WINDOW DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 04V583000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), AND 14V174000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED PRESTON MAZDA (LOCATED AT 260 BOARDMAN POLAND RD, BOARDMAN, OH 44512, (844) 835-0773) AND WAS INFORMED TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THEIR FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 10, 2019100,000 milesNY

I BROUGHT THIS CAR FRONT THE DEALER AND DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE CONTROL ARM AND NO ONE TOLD ME IT IS NOW 17 YEARS OLD AND I ONLY HAD IT FOR A YEAR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 29, 2018121,875 milesVT

TAKATA RECALL

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Nov 28, 2018223,095 milesNV

I HAD THE OIL CHANGED IN PAHRUMP, NEVADA AT ROUND 10 AM. AFTERWARDS, I DROVE THE VEHICLE AROUND TOWN FOR SEVERAL HOURS, LOADING IT UP WITH BELONGINGS BECAUSE I WAS MOVING 160 NORTH ON HWY 95. AFTER STOPPING IN BEATTY, NEVADA, MY SUV SPUTTERED. I TOOK THE SUV OUT OF OVERDRIVE INTO DRIVE TO SEE IF IT WOULD BACKFIRE TO GET THE DIRT OR WATER OUT OF THE FUEL LINE FROM JUST FILLING UP. ABOUT A MILE DOWN THE ROAD, I HEARD A BELT SQUEAL. THINKING MY TRANSMISSION MAYBE GOING OUT DUE TO THE FACT I HADN'T DRIVEN IN DRIVE FOR SOME TIME, I CONTINUED ON MY WAY PRAYING THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE IT TO MY DESTINATION. IT WASN'T UNTIL I REACHED THE 88 MILE MARKER, DID THE SQUEAL HAPPEN AGAIN. THEN WHITE SMOKE FOLLOWED. I THOUGHT, WELL THERE GOES THE RADIATOR TOO. JUST PAST THE 92 MILE MARKER, THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. I STILL HAD WHITE SMOKE AND NO SHOULDER. I DECIDED I HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AT 7 P.M. I WENT OVER INTO THE DITCH WITHOUT TURNING OVER WITH MY BELONGINGS. IMMEDIATELY, I NOTICED THE OIL AND OIL PAN LIGHTS ON. MY HEADLIGHTS WERE STILL ON. I CALLED A FRIEND WHO TOLD ME TO GET OUT IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED 911 AT 7:05 P.M. THEY TOLD ME TO RUN. WITHIN A MINUTE A SMALL FLAME CAME SHOOTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CONTINUED TO BURN FOR OVER ONE HOUR UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH FOAM. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A COUPLE OF SEASONED MECHANICS. THEY SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE OIL FILTER WAS DEFECTIVE. ANOTHER SAID AFTER LOOKING AT WHAT WAS LEFT... ONLY THE SHELL, THER

Suspension
Filed Apr 18, 2018126,572 milesMN

WE TOOK OUR MAZDA IN FOR THE SUB-FRAME RECALL 11-30-2015 AND THE DEALERSHIP, MORRIES MAZDA INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN, SIGNED OFF THAT IT WAS FINE. NOW 29 MONTHS AND 10,000 MILES LATER THERE IS A DIME SIZED HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE SUB-FRAME AND BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND MAZDA USA ARE REFUSING TO PAY FOR ANY OF THE RECALL REPAIRS WHICH WILL RUN ABOUT $4,000. THE FRAME IS A HEAVY PIECE OF METAL AND THERE IS NO WAY A DIME SIZED HOLE SHOULD OCCUR IN THAT SHORT A PERIOD OF TIME. I BELIEVE DUE TO THE COST OF THE REPAIR MAZDA USA AND MORRIES REFUSED TO DO THE NECESSARY RECALL REPAIRS WHEN WE ORIGINALLY TOOK THE CAR IN ON 11-30-15 AND ARE NOW REFUSING AGAIN TO COVER THE COSTS (MAZDA USA TICKET # 1-1249669028). THIS WAS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT AND IF THE SUB-FRAME FAILS WHILE DRIVING , PARTICULARLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT CARRIES POTENTIAL LIFE THREATING INJURY TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE AND OTHERS IN THE AREA.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 11, 2018202,500 milesMO

MY 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE IS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID PER MAZDA RECALL MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED 01/02. AND IT SMELLS SMOKY! I DIDN'T GET A RECALL NOTICE BUT, MY TRIBUTE IS HAVING THE EXACT PROBLEM SITED ON U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT. QUOTE: MAZDA RECALLING 52,390 TRIBUTE SUVS FROM THE 2001 AND 2002 MODEL YEARS FOR A PROBLEM WITH THEIR BRAKES. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, PART OF THE TRIBUTE'S BRAKE SYSTEM COULD LEAK BRAKE FLUID. IF THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKS, IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THE FLUID CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH WIRES THAT CONTROL THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. CORROSION MAY DEVELOP IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LEADING MELTING, SMOKING OR POSSIBLE FIRE,' NHTSA REPORTS. NHTSA SAYS THAT OWNERS SHOULD PARK THEIR MAZDA TRIBUTE OUTSIDE UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED. THIS IS UNUSUAL COMPARED WITH MOST VEHICLE SAFETY RECALLS, BUT WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE OCCURRING, OWNERS SHOULD HEED THIS WARNING. AFFECTED MAZDA TRIBUTE SUVS WERE BUILT FROM APRIL 20, 2000 THROUGH JULY 19, 2002. YOU CAN CHECK TO SEE WHEN YOUR 2001 OR 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE WAS BUILT BY CHECKING THE STICKER ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR JAMB.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 10, 2018310,912 milesCT

TAKATA RECALL, MY CAR IS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (ABS), I ALSO HAVE A LOT SO ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 DURATEC ENGINES, DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 9, 2017187,000 milesMA

PCM/ECM

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 11, 2017181,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE UNDERCARRIAGE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED DUE TO SEVERE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 17, 2017OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD NEAR THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INDICATED THAT THEY PERFORMED A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE SUB-FRAME, UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE DEALER ACTUALLY COMPLIED AND REPLACED THE PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER RECALL FAILED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION BECAUSE THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO HEAR THE ABNORMAL NOISE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 06/13/17*LJ

Structure
Filed Jul 12, 2016135,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL BECAME DISENGAGED FROM THE VEHICLE AND JAMMED INTO THE WHEEL WELL. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE IMMOBILE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TRANSPORTED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE CORROSION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE) PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, BUT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000....UPDATED 09/12/16 *BF *TR

Seat Belts
Filed May 25, 2016156,000 milesMO

I WENT TO BUCKLE MY SON'S CARSEAT IN AND THE BUCKLE CAME OUT OF THE SEAT. AND I MOVED HIM TO A DIFFERENT BUCKLE AND THAT ONE CAME OUT TO AND THEN THE NEXT SEAT BUCKLE CAME OUT AS WELL.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 24, 2016145,000 milesIL

CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF RUBBER BRAKE HOSE ON FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. TOTAL LOSS OF ABS BRAKING SYSTEM DURING ATTEMPTED STOP WITH VEHICLE IN MOTION AND SLOWING AT AN INTERSECTION. MADE LOUD POP / GUNSHOT SOUND, SPEWING BRAKE FLUID. HAD TO ENGAGE EMERGENCY AND PARKING BRAKE TO PREVENT COLLISION.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 7, 2016160,000 milesWI

MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING ON AND OFF FOR A WHILE NOW. I REMOVED THE ITEMS UNDER THE SEAT AND THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AND WORKED FOR ALMOST A MONTH. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LIGHTS ARE NOW FLASHING AGAIN, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NO ITEMS BELOW MY SEATS. I WAS ABLE TO SEARCH ONLINE AND SEE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY ISSUES WITH THE SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS AND/OR THE CONNECTIONS BELOW THE SEAT THAT NEED TO BE WIGGLED OR DISCONNECTED AND THEN RE-PLUGGED IN TO MAKE THE LIGHT GO OUT. IT HAS HAPPENED IN ALL SITUATIONS INCLUDING STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON THE HIGHWAY, OR IN THE CITY.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Oct 16, 2015163,555 milesTX

I HAD BEEN DRIVING MY MAZDA FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES ON A 75 DEGREE DAY IN SOUTH TEXAS WHEN TURNING ONTO A FLAT, UNOBSTRUCTED, SMOOTH PAVED ROAD THROUGH A KOA PARK. AFTER TURNING, I WAS ONLY DRIVING THE 5 MILE AN HOUR SPEED LIMIT THROUGH THIS PARK, WHEN SUDDENLY THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG EXPLODED IN MY FACE WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHATSOEVER . THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD HAVE EVEN SLIGHTLY INDICATED A COLLISION -- NOT A SPEED BUMP, NOT A BIRD OR ANIMAL, OR ANYTHING. IT WAS JUST A SMOOTH, SLOW DRIVE AT 5 MILES AN HOUR ON A SUNNY DAY. THERE WAS 60% HUMIDITY FROM PRIOR DAYS RAIN. I HAD MY ARM UP TO MY FACE ALREADY WHEN IT HAPPENED, WHICH TOOK THE BRUNT OF THE HIT TO MY WRIST AND FOREARM. WITHIN LESS THAN 5 SECONDS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED ALSO. BOTH RANG OUT A SHOT LIKE A PISTOL IN THE CLOSED WINDOW CAR. SMOKE AND BURNING SMELL STARTED FILLING THE CAR, AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP SINCE ONLY GOING 5 MILES AN HOUR, AND GET MYSELF OUT OF THE CAR QUICKLY. MY ARM SUSTAINED HUGE WELTS FROM THE IMPACT AND WRIST FELT EXTREMELY HURT AND BRUISED AND BECAME VERY STIFF AND HARD TO BEND. THIS WAS ALL WITNESSED BY AN RV CAMPER AT THE KOA PARK WHO WAS SITTING 15 FEET AWAY AND WAS STARTLED BY THE PISTOL FIRE SOUND OF THE EXPLODING BAGS. HE CAME OVER TO HELP, WHILE I LET THE SMOKE AIR OUT OF THE CAR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXPLOSION DESTROYED THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL, AND A LARGE CHUNK OF 3"X5" PLASTIC HAD BEEN TORN LOSE AND PROPELLED DURING THE EXPLOSION. I'M NOT SURE IF THAT IS WHAT PUT THE WELTS O

Steering
Filed Sep 16, 2015NJ

HARD TO TURN IN SOUNDS LIKE MY LOWER CONTROL ARM IS ABOUT TO COME OFF.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Filed Sep 14, 2015131,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TURNED INWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER OBSERVED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 131,000.

Power Train
Filed May 30, 2015116,000 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING 45 RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THE SHIFTER CABLE BROKE

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed May 29, 2015138,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING FORWARD AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE A LEFT TURN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FACE LACERATIONS FROM PLASTIC FRAGMENTS AFTER THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000. UPDATED 8/19/15*CN UPDATED 9/30/2015*JS........UPDATED 12/17/15 *BF UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 13, 2015GA

2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNEXPECTED HIGH SPEED ACCELERATION CRASH. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE CRASHED INTO HER GARAGE DOOR. THE DOOR WAS COMPLETELY DEMOLISHED;DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE STRUCTURE OF HER HOME;THE VEHICLE PLUNGED THROUGH A BARRIER BEAM IN THE GARAGE THROWING IT ON TOP OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED A SWOLLEN KNEE. *JB

EngineFire
Filed Mar 17, 2015148 milesSC

I HAD JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FEB 7 2015 FROM MID STATE AUTO SALES AND IT SEEM TO BE IN REALLY GOOD CONDITIONS TIL THE NIGHT BEFORE THE 24 IT HAD STALLED OUT BUT STARTED BACK UP AND RAN FINE WAS TOLD IT WAS BAD GAS BUT THEN THE 14TH ME MY HUSBAND SON DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON WAS GOING TO THE STORE TO GET A FEW THINGS FOR BREAKFAST SO WE WOULDN'T BE LATE FOR CHURCH SUNDAY MORNING MADE IT ABOUT 4 TO 5 MILES DOWN OUR ROAD IT STARTED LOSING POWER REALLY BAD THEN SMELLED SOMETHING THEN SEEN SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD WE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD LIFTED THE HOOD MY SON YELLED GET OUT ITS ON FIRER SO WE GOT OUT AS FAST AS WE COULD HAD MY 4 YEAR OLD GRANDSON IN HIS SET SO IT TOOK A MINUTE TO GET HIM OUT THANK GOD MY OTHER DAUGHTER GOT OFF WORK EARLY CAUSE WOULD OF HAD MY 9 MONTH OLD GRANDDAUGHTER IN THE VEHICLE THE DAUGHTER THAT WAS WITH US IS 8 MONTHS PREGNANT BUT ANY WAYS MY SON AND HUSBAND TRIED THROWING DIRT ON IT WELL I CALLED THE FIRER DEPARTMENT BY TIME THEY GOT THERE THE WHOLE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRER IT IS A TOTALED LOSS AND THEN FOUND OUT THE TRIBUTE HAD RECALLS FOR THESE KIND OF PROBLEMS AND OTHER PROBLEMS AND NOW WITH OUT ANYTHING AND OUT OF MONEY WHAT CAN WE DO. *TR

Power Train
Filed Mar 6, 2015136,000 milesCA

HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS, COME APRIL 2015. 8 MONTHS OF THOSE 2 YEARS IT HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE DRIVE WAY BROKE DOWN.WAS OUT OF TOWN WHEN I FELT THE TRANSMISSION SLIP AND DECREASE IN ACCELERATION WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY HOME. I HAD TO GET OFF ON THE NEAREST EXIT WITH MY 1YR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE BACK, AND THERE WAS A STOP LIGHT FROM THE OFF RAMP TO THE ROAD, IT WAS RED WHEN I GOT OFF SO OF COURSE I HAD TO STOP. WELL THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE IT JERKED LIKE THE GEARS WERE TRYING TO SHIFT BUT COULD NOT. I HAD TO GET OFF IN REVERSE AND WAIT 4 HOURS FOR A TOW TRUCK. WE WERE 128 MILES FROM HOME. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT, STILL UNFORTUNATELY STILL PAYING ON IT. I KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS MADE IN APRIL OF 2004 FOR THIS MODEL CAR. I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF MINE FALLS UNDER THAT RECALL AND I'M I ELIGIBLE EVEN THOUGH I AM THE SECOND OWNER. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 2, 2015141,300 milesSC

I NOTICED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK UNDER THE VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE. AFTER CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID SPLATTERED AROUND ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHEN I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID,THE TOP WAS LOOSE,AND THE RESERVOIR WAS LOW. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I NOTICED THIS, AND WHEN I CHECKED MY VIN# AGAINST RECALLS, THERE IS NONE FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE. BUT I KNOW THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL IN EFFECT FOR 2001-2002 TRIBUTES FOR THIS PROBLEM PER NHTSA 12V016000. IT SPECIFICALLY REFERENCES THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP, WHICH I THINK MAY BE MY PROBLEM ALSO. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 10, 2015103,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR MASTER SWITCH WAS FAULTY PREVENTING THE DOORS FROM BEING LOCK OR UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM SINCE THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT USED TO REPAIR WAS POOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jan 14, 2015220,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW LATCH FAILED TO LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THE VIN WAS NOT AFFECTED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V605000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

EngineFire
Filed Jan 7, 2015GA

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE SPEED REDUCED TO 20 MPH. THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE AND WIRING WERE ON FIRE. A FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE/FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. DJR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 23, 2014NJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY A FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V016000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 4, 2014166,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT SEIZED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH THE REAR SEAT BELT WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT AND DISCOVERED THAT BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS WERE SEIZED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 20, 2014160,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER PARKING IT. THE CONTACT USED BATTERY CABLES AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED NOR WS THE VEHICLE INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V016000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07E023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Wheels
Filed Nov 6, 2014138,000 milesRI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL UNEXPECTEDLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE LOCATION OF THE DEALER WAS FAR AWAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 6, 2014150,000 milesMI

THE FRAME THAT SECURES THE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY RUSTED OR CORRODED AWAY AND I CAN'T SECURE HOOD TO LATCH. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 7, 2014165,000 milesWV

APPLYING BRAKES AND ABS KICKS IN AND MAKES THE TIRES LOCK UP IN THE BACK AND SLIDES THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AROUND. SEEMS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE OCCURRING ALSO. HEADLIGHTS HAVE A SHORT, REVERSE LIGHTS DON'T WORK,AND WINDOW CONTROLS DON'T ALWAYS WORK. VEHICLE HAS DONE ALL THIS SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. IT WAS BOUGHT USED AND I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED FOR ALL RECALLS AND THEY ARE ALL UP TO DATE, OR SO THE MAZDA DEALER SAYS THEY ARE. I HAVE HAD BRAKES REPLACED ALONG WITH ROTORS AND TIRES AND THE VEHICLE DOES THE SAME THING. *TR

Steering
Filed Sep 26, 201477,000 milesPA

WAS PARKING CAR, AND SOMETHING SNAPPED. FRONT WHEELS ARE NOW POINTING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS, AND THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED, AND THE ONLY DAMAGE IS TO THE CAR. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 18, 201471,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (SUSPENSION). THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS, BOTH FRONTAL STRUTS, AND THE TIE ROD ENDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE SUBFRAME. THE TECHNICIAN ADDED THAT EVEN AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000. UPDATED 11/12/14*LJ UPDATED 8/5/2015 *JS

Air Bags
Filed Aug 21, 2014TX

MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS STAYING ON. I DECIDED TO LEAVE A COMPLAINT ON HERE BECAUSE I SEE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed May 21, 2014119,781 milesFL

THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS IN THE MAZDA TRIBUTE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DUVAL MAZDA TO ASK THEM TO RESET THE COMPUTER SINCE WE FIGURED THAT WAS ALL THAT WAS NEEDED. THEY CALLED US LATER IN THE DAY AND TOLD US THAT TO REPAIR THE CAR SO THAT THE LIGHT WOULD GO OUT, WOULD COST $397.21. WE DECLINED SINCE THEY TOLD US THEY NEEDED TO REBUILD THE WIRING FOR THE AIRBAGS. WHEN WE PICKED UP THE CAR (DECLINED THE REPAIR), THE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS STATED: "B1881 STORED-P/S SAFETYBELT PRETENSIONER CIRCUIT FAILURE. TSB: 08-001/05 HAS UPDATED CONNECTORS THAT ARE SOLDERED IN TO REPLACE AND UPGRADE THE FAILING ONES." THIS SOUNDS LIKE IT SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ITEM NOT A CUSTOMER COST REPAIR ISSUE. OR AT THE VERY LEAST, A REPAIR AND NO CHARGE ITEM DONE BY THE DEALER SINCE IT APPEARS TO BE A FAILURE OF ORIGINAL PARTS THAT IMPACT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. WE HAVE NOT HAD REPAIRS DONE AT THIS POINT SINCE IT IS A COSTLY ONE AND DON'T KNOW WHO, OTHER THAN THE DEALER WILL DO THE REPAIRS FOR A MORE REASONABLE COST. THE DEALER DID STATE (NOT LISTED ANYWHERE ON THE ITEMIZED LIST OF MULTIPLE REPAIRS THAT THEY REALLY WANTED TO DO) THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS IMPACTING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG ONLY. *TR

Air Bags
Filed May 9, 2014MS

MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT BLINKS, THEN STAYS ON SHORTLY AFTER I CRANK THE VEHICLE. I HAD IT CHECKED AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT NEEDED A NEW FUSE BECAUSE IT WAS SHORTING OUT. HE REPLACED THE FUSE AND IT IMMEDIATELY SHORTED OUT AGAIN. HE TOLD ME THAT MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IS SHORTING OUT AND I WILL NEED TO REPLACE IT. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THIS VEHICLE, SO I CALLED MAZDA AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS MY PROBLEM TO REPAIR IT DUE TO THE AGE OF MY VEHICLE. IS THIS TRUE? I CAN'T BELIEVE THE COMPLACENCY OF THE MAN I SPOKE TO ABOUT THE ISSUE. I NEED THIS ADDRESSED, BUT DO NOT BELIEVE THAT I HAD ANY CONTROL IN THE POOR CONDITION OF THIS PART. IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SUFFERS FROM SIMPLE WEAR AND TEAR ISSUES, LIKE BRAKES OR HOSES! I HOPE THAT WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS, SOMEONE WILL REALIZE THAT IT IS A REAL PROBLEM, BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET HURT OR KILLED. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 26, 201474,000 milesVA

THE AIR BAG DASH LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO GET IT FIXED BUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WON'T COVER IT. ALSO MAZDA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THEY SAID THEY HAD A BULLETIN ON IT BUT IT EXPIRED. I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR SINCE WE JUST BOUGHT THE CAR 2 YEARS AGO AND IT HAD ALREADY EXPIRED. WHY DIDN'T MAZDA FIX IT BEFORE THEY SOLD IT TO US? I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT'S THEIR ISSUE, NOT SOMETHING WE CONTRIBUTED TOO. I WAS ALSO TOLD IF WE DON'T FIX IT WE WON'T PASS SAFETY INSPECTION. THIS IS CRAZY THAT THEY CAN SELL THINGS THAT THEY WILLINGLY KNOW HAVE A SAFETY ISSUE BUT THEN WANT TO CHARGE US FOR THE MANUFACTURES ERROR. P.S. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT FROM THE SAME DEALER AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER BOUGHT IT AND HAD ALL THE SERVICE WORK DONE. THAT'S WHY I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE BULLETIN DIDN'T GET DONE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 5, 2013TX

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AND MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED AS IF I WAS PRESSING THE GAS. HOWEVER, I WASN'T PRESSING THE GAS, I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKES. I HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET A RECALL DONE INVOLVING THIS ISSUE. PRIOR TO THE, ALLEGED REPAIR DONE TO THE VEHICLE, I HADN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THAT ISSUE. I HAD RECEIVED A FEW LETTERS IN THE MAIL STATING I NEEDED TO HAVE TO RECALL DONE AND I DECIDED TO GO AHEAD AND TAKE IT TO HAVE THE STATED RECALLS DONE. ANYWAY, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY OF THE INCIDENT AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. FIRST, THE GUY ASKED ME IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL WHEN IT HAPPENED AND I TOLD HIM "NO". THE HE TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE IN CRUISE CONTROL IN ORDER FOR IT TO DO THAT BUT MY RECALL LETTER STATED THAT IT DID NOT HAVE TO BE IN CRUISE CONTROL FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THE DAY AFTER I SPOKE TO THE GUY OVER THE PHONE. MY VEHICLE STAYED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS. WHEN I WENT TO GET MY VEHICLE, THE GUY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN DONE AND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ANYWAY, MY COMPLAINT WITH THIS IS, THAT PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING DONE, I HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. SO IF THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE ITSELF, I WOULD IMAGINE THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE PRIOR TO THEM DOING WHATEVER THEY CLAIMED THEY DID. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 24, 2013135,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN . QUICKLY I SHIFTED THE VEHICLE TO NEUTRAL AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. AFTER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE ENGINE STARTED TO IDLE (TO ABOUT 5 RPM) ON ITS OWN. I HAD TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AROUND 5 AM IN THE MORNING BECAUSE THE IDLING WOULDN'T STOP. LUCKY FOR ME IT TURNED BACK ON. NOW I'VE READ THE STORIES ABOUT THE RECALLS BACK IN 2004 ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE. A COUPLE YEARS LATER ANOTHER RECALL DUE TO THE REPAIR THE FIRST TIME NOT BEING DONE CORRECTLY. I JUST TOOK THE TRIBUTE TO MAZDA TO REPAIR TWO MORE RECALLS FOR THE SAME THING. WHY IS IT STILL HAPPENING? MAZDA PLANS TO CHARGE ME FOR A DIAGNOSIS FEE OF $95.00 TOMORROW. (REALLY?) I THINK THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROADS. YA LIKE THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. WAIT MAYBE IF IT HAPPENS TO ME AGAIN AND THE THROTTLE GETS STUCK AND I LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DIE, WELL JUST MAYBE THIS PROBLEM THAT STARTED BACK IN 2004 WILL FINALLY GET RESOLVED ONCE AND FOR ALL. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 3, 201395,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES EMITTED A STRONG BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V157000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) IN 2012 HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECENTLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE OWNER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 9, 2013149,000 milesTX

2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOW AND STICK MY ARM OUT THE WINDOW TO UNLOCK THE DOOR FROM THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR LIFT GATE WOULD NOT REMAIN CLOSED OR LOCKED AND WOULD STAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 22, 2013PA

DEALER DISCONNECTED CRUISE CONTROL AND HAS NOT NOTIFIED OF REPLACING THE PART AND A FORD DEALER I KNOW CAN GET THE PART IN 1 WEEK. WHY HASN'T THE RECALL BEEN ACCOMPLISHED BY THIS PHILADELPHIA MAZDA DEALER. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 384, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20117000Routine
201039300Routine
200935200Routine
2008202510Above average
20074100Routine
2006130313Fatalities reported
2005377440Above average
2004157732Fatalities reported
2003199890Routine
2002 — this page3849240High concern
200156315130Above average
20005000Routine

Compare every Tribute year →

2002 Mazda Tribute: questions buyers ask

Is the 2002 Mazda Tribute a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Tribute years to avoid: an unusual share of its 384 complaints describe fires, crashes or deaths for a car of its age. The most common complaint is about the engine (31%).

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mazda Tribute?

The engine: 119 of the 384 complaints (31%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (64%), loses power (11%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (8%). The typical report comes at 17,995 miles.

How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have?

9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jun 3, 2015. The largest, 12V357000, covered 217,500 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2002 Mazda Tribute problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 68,900 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 17,995 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Mazda Tribute?

Yes, 8 times. The latest, DP12005 ("Cruise Control Cable"), was opened Jul 17, 2012 and closed Jul 17, 2012.

Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Mazda Tribute?

The manufacturer filed 150 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (28), the engine (21) and the steering (14). They include a warranty extension, 59, filed Oct 1, 2004. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 3, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.