Your vehicle report
2001 Mazda Tribute
The problems owners report. The recalls to check. The evidence behind each.
Your vehicle at a glance
Complaint patterns and official recall records, kept distinct.
- Owner complaints
- 563
- Received Sep 2000 to Jul 2024
Owner reports
Most reported problems
- 1Engine suddenly shuts off while driving122 complaints · 22% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 2Rear door latch fails to open or close67 complaints · 12% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 3Fuel tank or line leaks gasoline29 complaints · 5.1% of this vehicle’s complaints
Official NHTSA records
Recalls to check
- Recall #14V174000Mazda 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.
- Recall #12V357000Mazda 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.
BrakeNews signals
Flagged complaint patterns
Unusual complaint patterns with no matched recall yet. A flag does not mean a recall will happen.
No problems currently meet BrakeNews’s flagging criteria. This is not a safety rating.
How flags are identifiedComplaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA, not failure rates or a reliability ranking. Reported in these complaints: 21 crashes, 13 fires, 15 people injured, 0 deaths.
Explore by system
Where do owners report problems?
Choose an area on the car or a system below to explore the reported problems.
Illustrative only; not this vehicle’s exact design. Areas represent complaint categories, not confirmed defective parts.
Showing all 20 listed problems by system.
Engine & powertrain
Brakes
Electrical & lights
Airbags, belts & seats
Steering, suspension & tires
Body, doors & glass
- Rear door latch fails to open or close
- Windshield wipers work intermittently or fail
- Frame rusts and corrodes through
1 more problem
Driver assistance
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Other
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Complaint history
When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.
Show as a table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 117 |
| 2002 | 110 |
| 2003 | 56 |
| 2004 | 55 |
| 2005 | 26 |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2007 | 26 |
| 2008 | 30 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 13 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 18 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 (to Oct 2026) | 0 |
| Total | 563 |
Problems owners report
Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.
| Problem | Complaints | Share | Share ratio | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine suddenly shuts off while driving | 122 | 22% | – | NHTSA recall #04V175000 |
| Rear door latch fails to open or close | 67 | 12% | – | |
| Fuel tank or line leaks gasoline | 29 | 5.1% | – | NHTSA recall #00V277002 |
| Transmission fails or loses power while driving | 25 | 4.4% | – | |
| Unintended acceleration despite braking | 12 | 2.1% | – | NHTSA recall #12V357000 |
| Windshield wipers work intermittently or fail | 10 | 1.8% | – | NHTSA recall #00V387001 |
| Airbags fail to deploy in crashes | 10 | 1.8% | – | |
| Airbag warning light stays on | 10 | 1.8% | – | |
| Vehicle catches fire from wiring | 10 | 1.8% | – | |
| Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly or slips | 10 | 1.8% | – | |
| Front brake rotors warp and wear early | 10 | 1.8% | – | |
| Tires blow out or tread separates | 9 | 1.6% | – | |
| Frame rusts and corrodes through | 8 | 1.4% | – | NHTSA recall #14V174000 |
| Vehicle suddenly loses engine power at speed | 7 | 1.2% | – | |
| Ignition key sticks or will not turn | 6 | 1.1% | – | |
| Headlights dim or fail at night | 6 | 1.1% | – | |
| Steering wanders or pulls at highway speed | 6 | 1.1% | – | |
| Power steering cuts out while driving | 6 | 1.1% | – | |
| Electronic throttle body fails and cuts power | 6 | 1.1% | – | |
| Side mirrors give poor rear visibility | 5 | 0.9% | – |
AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.
Recalls
NHTSA recall #14V174000April 4, 2014109,000 vehicles affected
structure: frame and members
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #12V357000July 27, 2012217,500 vehicles affected
engine and engine cooling; vehicle speed control: cables
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #12V016000January 20, 201252,390 vehicles affected
service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #07V157000April 10, 200795,300 vehicles affected
service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #04V605000December 23, 200449,800 vehicles affected
latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #04V175000April 9, 2004106,000 vehicles affected
power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 duratec engines , during deceleration, the engine Can stall.
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.
NHTSA recall #03V515000December 15, 200349,000 vehicles affected
seat belts: front: buckle assembly
On certain sport utility vehicles, a post within the safety belt buckle covers could fracture, which could affect latch function, resulting in either a "no latch" or "partial latch" condition. In the "partial latch" condition, the buckle tongue Can be inserted into the buckle and appear to be engaged, but will release from the buckle without the push button being depressed when a relatively low load is applied, such as when an occupant moves slightly in the seat.
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will have the driver and front passenger safety belt buckle cover removed and replaced with a newly designed service buckle cover. Owner notification began february 5, 2004. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
NHTSA recall #00V387001November 28, 200024,000 vehicles affected
visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The windshield wiper linkage Can disengage due to a broken ball socket.
This condition will likely result in sudden and complete loss of the windshield wiper function, or of the wiper function on the driver side only, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper module.
NHTSA recall #00V323000October 16, 200012,000 vehicles affected
equipment: other: owners/service/other manual
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the owner's manuals do not indicate which seating positions are equipped with child restraint anchorages. Also, the manuals do not explain the markings in the vehicles that locate the lower anchorages.
In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with revised owner manuals.
NHTSA recall #00V277002September 18, 20005,700 vehicles affected
fuel system, gasoline: delivery
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The o-ring seals in the fuel line connector at the outlet end of the fuel filter were damaged when the line was connected to the filter during vehicle assembly. In some cases, this damage could result in a fuel odor, or possibly in fuel dripping from the connection.
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line.
NHTSA recall #00V260002September 12, 20001,900 vehicles affected
wheels: hubcap/cover
Vehicle description: some 4X2 sport utility vehicles not equipped with an antilock braking system may have inadvertently been built with 4X4 rear hubs instead of 4X2 hubs. If the incorrect hubs are installed on a 4X2 vehicle, the rear wheels Can loosen, or in some cases, separate from the vehicle.
This condition could cause loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear hubs and, if necessary, replace them.
NHTSA recall #00V210002August 9, 2000606 vehicles affected
vehicle speed control
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control. The speed control cable Can have a cracked or missing speed control cable servo cap locating tab. The locating tab could enter the servo clutch cavity and interfere with the speed control servo clutch. Also, water could enter those units that contain a cracked or missing servo cap locating tab, eventually causing corrosion that could interfere with the function of the speed control.
If either of these conditions occurs and the speed control is used, the speed control could prevent the throttle from returning to idle, resulting in a stuck throttle. A stuck throttle could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the speed control cables. Vehicles with speed control cables from cavities 3 and 4 will have the cable the speed control servo replaced.
NHTSA recall #00V223002August 9, 2000641 vehicles affected
steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly to the steering column. The nut could be upside down in the steering wheel assembly, which could overstress the steering column shaft when the nut is tightened. In addition, some of the nuts may have been cracked during manufacture resulting in the nut fracturing when it is tightened during vehicle assembly.
Either of these conditions Can lead to the steering wheel becoming loose or separating from the steering column, resulting in loss of steering control.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
Other model years
About this data
NHTSA complaints and recalls through October 2026. Complaints are counted once each, however many components they name. Original complaints are on NHTSA's page for the 2001 Mazda Tribute.
Problem groups are formed by AI and may be approximate. BrakeNews flags unusual complaint patterns; they are not official defect findings. Investigation reports are written and checked by AI, with no human review. Owner reports do not establish that a defect exists.
Read the methodology and track record · Check current recalls by VIN