2002 Mazda Tribute Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Mazda Tribute, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine13027.5%
- Brakes8016.9%
- Electrical398.2%
- Driver assistance388.0%
- Airbags377.8%
- Transmission265.5%
- Interior & seats265.5%
- Body & structure265.5%
- Steering153.2%
- Suspension132.7%
- Powertrain (other)112.3%
- Fuel system71.5%
- Other / unspecified61.3%
- Visibility51.1%
- Exterior lighting51.1%
- Seat belts51.1%
- Tires & wheels40.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 recall clearly states the issue and recommended repairs by vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 recall clearly states the issue and recommended repairs by vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
PCM/ECM
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TAKATA RECALL
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND CONTINUED TRAVELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE POWER CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE SERVICE WARRANTY. THE SAME FAILURE REOCCURRED FOUR TO FIVE YEARS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER CONTROL MODULE. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V175000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE TCM, PCM). THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
WHILE DRIVING 45 AND GOING TO 55 THERE IS A KNOCKING IN THE OVERDRIVE. THIS OCCURS ALL THE TIME NOW TRANS FLUID IS FULL AND CLEAN. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS. *TR
MAY 4, 2008 MY 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE (PURCHASED NEW- AND HAD 60,000 MILES) EXPERIENCED AN AIR INTAKE EXPLOSION FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WITHOUT WARNING.. I'VE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE EXPLOSION. MAZDA CAN'T TELL ME WHY THIS OCCURRED AND CAN'T TELL ME IF IT WILL OCCUR IN THE FUTURE. I FEEL THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO OCCUR FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE EXPLOSION OCCURRED UNDER THE HOOD, PLASTIC PIECES BROKE AND TRIED TO GO THROUGH THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND THE EXPLOSION WAS VERY LOUD AND BLACK SMOKE BILLOWED OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. MAZDA WAS NOT WILLING TO COVER THE COST OF THE EXPLOSION AND DIDN'T SEEM CONCERNED WHEN I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO THEM. I WROTE THE CEO OF THE COMPANY BUT REC'D A RESPONSE FROM HIS SUBORDINATE THAT DIDN'T ADDRESS MY SAFETY CONCERNS AT ALL. AFTER MY SECOND CORRESPONDENCE, MAZDA TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD CONSIDER THAT MY LAST CORRESPONDENCE ON THIS MATTER. I HAD THE DAMAGE REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED OUT THE CAR AND COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE FOR THE EXPLOSION. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING FURTHER WRONG. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
CONSUMER NOTICE WHILE TRAVELING 40-45 MPH DRIVER SIDE OUT SIDE MIRROR START VIBRATING . DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING UP 101 NORTH AT 45-50 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER'S FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. I IMMEDIATELY FIRMED MY GRIP ON THE STEERING WHEEL, AND BRAKED IN A SAFE MANNER, BUT THEN THE CAR STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING, AND VEERING TOWARDS THE LEFT TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD NOT CONTROL IT, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAD SLOWED TO AROUND 20 MPH. I GRAZED THE CENTER MEDIAN, SCRATCHING THE SIDE OF THE CAR, THEN WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL. I THEN HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 5 MPH. I THEN GOT OUT OF THE CAR, CALLED AAA, AND LOOKED AT THE DAMAGE. TO MY AMAZEMENT, THREE OF THE FIVE SPOKES ON THE RIM HAD CRACKED SEVERELY, AND THE WHEEL WAS WOBBLING BADLY. A CHP OFFICER STOPPED AT THE SCENE, AND WAS LIKEWISE AMAZED AT THE BROKEN WHEEL. HE CHECKED THE ROAD FOR DEBRIS, BUT FOUND NONE, CONFIRMING THAT THE TIRE HAD BLOWN ON ITS OWN. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER THEN ARRIVED, AND HELPED PUT THE SPARE ON, WHICH ALSO WOBBLED AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON. IT TURNS OUT THAT SOME SUSPENSION COMPONENTS HAD BROKEN ALONG WITH THE WHEEL. HE LATER TOWED THE CAR TO MAZDA OF MARIN, WHERE THEY BLAMED US FOR THE DAMAGE. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT WHEELS DON'T JUST BREAK FROM BLOUOUTS, AND THAT WHEELS LIKE THIS POSE A THREAT TO MOTORISTS.*AK
CONTINENTAL TIRES, MODEL CONTITRAC SUV. SIZE P235/70R16. BOTH FRONT TIRES SHOWED SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE WEAR. VEHICLE HAD VERY LOW MILEAGE. CONSUMER REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP, BUT DID RECEIVE A SATISFACTORY RESPONSE FROM THEM.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .