2002 Mazda Tribute: problems, recalls and reliability
9 recalls and 384 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (30% of complaints); the 2003 and 2004 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 384 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2022
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2019
“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”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2017
“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”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2017
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2016
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2016
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2016
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2016
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 19 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 9 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 DURATEC ENGINES , DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Tribute by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Mazda Tribute reliable?
NHTSA has 384 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Mazda Tribute. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Mazda Tribute problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have open recalls?
9 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.