NHTSA vehicle safety data

2002 Mazda Tribute Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2002 Mazda Tribute has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 383 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mazda dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2002 Mazda Tribute, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2002 Mazda Tribute owner complaints

Owners have filed 383 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Mazda Tribute, describing incidents dated October 1, 2001 to October 3, 2023.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 129 complaints
  • Service Brakes 80 complaints
  • Electrical System 40 complaints
  • Air Bags 37 complaints
  • Vehicle Speed Control 37 complaints
  • Power Train 35 complaints

Of the 383 complaints on file, 19 report a crash and 24 a fire; across all 383 complaints, owners report 13 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11556495 · Filed

    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…

  • ODI #11549734 · Filed

    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…

  • ODI #11497822 · Filed

    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…

Read all 383 complaints

Owner-reported

2002 Mazda Tribute mileage at failure

209 of the 383 complaints on file for the 2002 Mazda Tribute give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Service BrakesMedian 70,000 milesMiddle half 45,000–130,000 milesBased on 54 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Complaints received before December 15, 2002 rarely give a mileage, so they aren't counted here.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2002 Mazda Tribute in 8 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

3 more NHTSA investigations
Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Front Wheel Bearing has Wrong Dimensions

NHTSA #15E045000 · Suspension — Front — Wheel Bearing · NHTSA notice

Reported June 3, 2015 · Timken Company

Potentially affected: 576 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.24% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 20, 2015

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Lower Control Arm Corrosion-Regional Recall

NHTSA #14V174000 · Structure — Frame and Members · NHTSA notice

Reported April 4, 2014 · Mazda North American Operations

Potentially affected: 109,000 vehicles

Repair completion: 20.63% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mazda campaign 7514D · Owners notified May 29, 2014 · Vehicles built May 22, 2000 – December 19, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Speed Control Cable Connector Interference

NHTSA #12V357000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported July 27, 2012 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Potentially affected: 217,500 vehicles

Mazda campaign 6812G · Owners notified September 13, 2012 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Mazda's recall campaign number is 6812G.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS

NHTSA #12V016000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 20, 2012 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Potentially affected: 52,390 vehicles

Owners notified June 22, 2012 · Vehicles built April 20, 2000 – July 19, 2002 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MAZDA’S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 6712A. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

ABS MODULE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS

NHTSA #07V157000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported April 10, 2007 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Potentially affected: 95,300 vehicles

Mazda campaign 4507C · Owners notified May 9, 2007 · Vehicles built April 17, 2000 – December 19, 2003 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MAZDA RECALL NO. 4507C.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

MASTER CYLINDER LEAK

NHTSA #07E023000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported March 29, 2007 · CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Potentially affected: 13,128 vehicles

Owners notified April 2, 2007

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

MAZDA/FMVSS 206/LIFTGATE LATCH

NHTSA #04V605000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hatchback/Liftgate — Lock · NHTSA notice

Reported December 23, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Potentially affected: 49,800 vehicles

Mazda campaign 2804L · Owners notified March 31, 2005

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MAZDA RECALL NO. 2804L. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.

MAZDA/ACCELERATOR CABLE

NHTSA #04V583000 · Vehicle Speed Control — Cables · NHTSA notice

Reported December 10, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Potentially affected: 121,000 vehicles

Mazda campaign 2704L · Owners notified January 28, 2005 · Vehicles built May 30, 2001 – December 19, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MAZDA RECALL NO. 2704L.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

MAZDA/PCM/ENGINE STALLING

NHTSA #04V175000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM) · NHTSA notice

Reported April 9, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Potentially affected: 106,000 vehicles

Mazda campaign 1904D · Owners notified May 3, 2004 · Vehicles built April 17, 2000 – September 11, 2002 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MAZDA RECALL NO. 1904D.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Other Mazda Tribute model years

Check your 2002 Mazda Tribute VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mazda Tribute at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Mazda VIN