NHTSA vehicle safety data
2003 Mazda Tribute Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2003 Mazda Tribute has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 199 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 2003 Mazda Tribute, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2003 Mazda Tribute owner complaints
Owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Mazda Tribute, describing incidents dated December 10, 2002 to September 4, 2023.
Most-cited components
- Air Bags 35 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 34 complaints
- Service Brakes 30 complaints
- Structure 29 complaints
- Engine 28 complaints
- Power Train 24 complaints
Of the 199 complaints on file, 17 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 199 complaints, owners report 16 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11674766 · Filed
NHTSA report 7.19.2015 July 19, 2025 NHSTA Report This is what happened to me [XXX]: I was at an off ramp stop waiting for cars to pass. I eased forward to see if everyone had passed. The car accelerated on its own and I tried to stop. When I braked it accelerated faster. I had both feet on the…
ODI #11542450 · Filed
My ABS keeps locking up and Ive almost wrecked multiple times. I changed brakes and rotors and still the problem is on-going. Its dangerous and Ive read others saying the same thing online.
ODI #11433439 · Filed
The sensor does not send the speed to the speedometer
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Mazda Tribute in 6 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.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE12-019: Stuck Throttle
Closed February 21, 2013
- Defect Petition DP12-005: Cruise Control Cable
Closed July 17, 2012
- Engineering Analysis EA10-002: Engine Compartment Fire
Closed February 29, 2012
- Recall Query RQ09-002: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
Closed January 15, 2010
- Defect Petition DP09-003: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
Closed April 15, 2009
1 more NHTSA investigation
- Preliminary Evaluation PE06-048: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
Closed April 17, 2007
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.
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 2003 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.
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