FaultScore

Mazda Tribute acceleration problems

352 of the 2,831 complaints filed about the Mazda Tribute are about the throttle and cruise control — 12% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2005.

352

Complaints

12%

Share of all complaints

36

Crashes

4

Fires

Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints by model year

2000 Tribute 1 0.3%
2001 Tribute 41 11.6%

Median failure at 109,500 miles

2002 Tribute 38 10.8%

Median failure at 73,000 miles

2003 Tribute 40 11.4%

Median failure at 61,000 miles

2004 Tribute 34 9.7%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

2005 Tribute 85 24.1%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2006 Tribute 50 14.2%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

2007 Tribute 2 0.6%
2008 Tribute 53 15.1%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2009 Tribute 2 0.6%

Median failure at 11,435 miles

2010 Tribute 6 1.7%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

What owners said

2004 Mazda Tribute Cottage Grove, OR Crash 4 injured 1 killed

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a potential recall failure involving a 2005 Mazda Tribute driven by my fiancé, [XXX], who died following a crash on [XXX]. Mazda has opened Case #[XXX] in response to my inquiry, and I am requesting federal oversight of this investigation. Joey’s vehicle may have been affected by NHTSA Recall 12V357000, which addresses throttle body malfunction and unintended acceleration. Service records show that a dealership performed a recall service, but the parts used may have been ineffective or incomplete. The crash sequence—rear-ending a stopped vehicle followed by veering into oncoming traffic—matches known symptoms of this defect. I am requesting: •A formal review of Mazda’s handling of Recall 12V357000 •Verification of Joey’s VIN-specific recall compliance •Investigation into the dealership’s repair actions and part quality •Oversight of Mazda’s internal case (#[XXX]) and its findings This issue raises serious concerns about manufacturer accountability and public safety. I am submitting supporting documentation and service records for review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11696863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Mazda Tribute Cattaraugus, NY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11542450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2002 Mazda Tribute Corvallis, OR

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11497822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Mazda Tribute Rowlett, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The sensor does not send the speed to the speedometer

NHTSA complaint #11433439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Mazda Tribute at 189,000 miles New London, CT

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would accelerate unintendedly, and the brakes would fail during the unintended acceleration. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the code reader was not able to read any codes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the accelerator and brakes were repaired years prior and would not cover the cost for repair. The failure mileage was 189,000.

NHTSA complaint #11427833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Mazda Tribute at 2 miles Tallahassee, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

IN COLDER FLORIDA WEATHER, FREEZING ISN'T REQUIRED, UPON START UP AND DRIVING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE EVERYTHING IS WARMED UP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL STICK AND BE VERY HARD TO PUSH DOWN. WHEN IT DOES BREAK FREE IT CAN BE SUDDEN WHICH RESULTS IN EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION FOR A MOMENT. THERE IS NO PEDAL OBSTRUCTION, SUCH AS A FLOOR MAT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN COOLER WEATHER, STATIONARY OR IN MOTION ON STREET, HIGHWAY ETC UNTIL IT WARMS UP. NOT LONG AFTER BUYING THIS USED CAR, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CABLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALER FOR A NEW CABLE. THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN. THIS STICKING PEDAL HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR SO I WAS UNAWARE OF THE ISSUE UNTIL TODAY WHEN I WENT TO FILL IT UP WITH GAS. I'M A GROWN MAN AND I HAD TO PUSH DOWN VERY HARD TO GET IT TO MOVE.

NHTSA complaint #11406329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Mazda Tribute at 100,000 miles Union, KY Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

AS I AM DRIVING THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL START KICKING LIKE SOMETHING IS TRYING TO IN GAGE ITSELF THIS HAS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT SO I HAVE HAD IT REBUILT THINKING MAYBE THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD I HAVE THE CAR BACK NOW AND THE CAR IS DOING THE SAME THING AS IT WAS DOING BEFORE TRANSITION WENT OUT IT HAS DONE IT ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT DRY PAVEMENT CITY AND OR COUNTRY ROADS WORRIED TO DRIVE IT NOW DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AGAIN OVER 3000 DOLLARS TO REPAIR ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED

NHTSA complaint #11396225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Mazda Tribute Charlottesville, VA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE GAS PEDAL IS THE ISSUE THAT I HAVE WITH MY 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE YOU CAN HARDLY PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND IT ACCELERATES VERY HARD. IT IS VERY NON SAFE. WHAT CAN BE DONE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #11390066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Mazda Tribute at 138,000 miles Medford, OR

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CRUISE, BLAKE PEDAL HARD TO PRESS WHEN CRUISE IS ON. AIR BAG LITE ON 99 PERCENT OF THE TIME

NHTSA complaint #11375079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Mazda Tribute at 140,000 miles Hesperia, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS DRIVING AROUND 50MPH AND COMNG UP TO A STOP LIGHT, AS I BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN IN THE LEFT TURNING LANE FOR THE RED LIGHT GOING LEFT, MY TRIBUTE SUDDENLY STALLED.THE LIGHT THEN OF COURSE TURNED GREEN AND THIS WAS NOT GOOD, CAUSE ALL THE CARS COMING UP FROM BEHIND ME WERE NOW INTENDING TO NO SLOW DOWN AND BEGIN TO SPEED UP, TO CARRY ON THROUGH THE VERY BUSY INTERSECTION. WHICH ALMOST CREATED A PILE UP, BEGINNING AT MY REAR BUMPER, OR ANOTHER SUDDEN COLLISION NEAR BY. LUCKILY ALL THE CARS HAD EITHER SWERVED AROUND MINE, OR MANAGED TO STOP BEHIND ME. I THEN PUT MINE IN PARK AND TRIED TO START IT, THE ENGINE STARTED BUT I WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. SO I SHUT IT OFF, PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TRIED STARTING IT, IT STARTED AND SHIFTED OUT OF PARK BUT WOULD NOT MOVE WHILE IN DRIVE. SO I TRIED IN ONE OF THE LOWER GEARS AND IT VERY SLOWLY, ABOUT 5 MPH BEGAN TO MOVE, GETTING ME OFF THE MAJOR ST AND ON TO A SIDE STREET. I THEN CHECKED REVERSE, WHICH WORKED JUST FINE AND ALLOWED ME TO PULL INTO A NEARBY STORE TO WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK. I PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT IT OFF, TOO WAIT FOR IT TO BE TOWED HOME. THE NEXT DAY I TRIED TO USE IT, BUT STILL NOTHING IN DRIVE, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ITS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE, ABOUT 5 MONTHS NOW.

NHTSA complaint #11365995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Mazda Tribute Hesperia, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CAR STALLED WHEN SLOWING TO STOP IN LEFT TURNING LANE DOING AROUND 45MPH, APPROACHING THE LIGHT IN A BUSY INTERSECTION AND VEHICLES APPROACHING MINE FROM BEHIND. IT WOULD NO LONGER START IN PARK OR MOVE IN DRIVE, TO GET OUR OF THE WAY AND OFF THE STREET I HAD TO WAIT AND THE MOVE IT IN REVERSE. GOT TOWED HOME AND IT STILL SITS.

NHTSA complaint #11365999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Mazda Tribute at 123,000 miles Mountain Grove, MO

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON A FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY; TRIED APPLYING THE BRAKE, TURNING OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL, PRESSING THE DECELERATE BUTTON, NOTHING WORKED. I HAD TO APPLY A GREAT DEAL OF FORCE TO THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE ENOUGH TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD. I SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UNCONTROLLABLY. I TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF AND OPENED THE HOOD TO INVESTIGATE. THE THROTTLE CABLE ON THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO HAD ROTATED UP TO ABOUT A 30-DEGREE ANGLE AND HAD THE THROTTLE HELD OPEN. I ROTATED THE CABLE BACK DOWN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION AND THE THROTTLE SNAPPED FREE. I WILL NOT USE THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN UNTIL THE ISSUE IS RESOLVED. I WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO OVER 80 MPH WHILE I WAS TRYING TO GET IT UNDER CONTROL.

NHTSA complaint #11327222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Mazda Tribute at 149,000 miles Metuchen, NJ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING, THE LIFTGATE FLEW OPEN AND SEVERAL GROCERY ITEMS FELL ONTO THE STREET. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CLOSED THE LIFTGATE. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME WITHOUT ANY FURTHER ISSUES. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

NHTSA complaint #11287149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2002 Mazda Tribute at 150,000 miles Farrell, PA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11255963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Mazda Tribute at 108,455 miles Mcmechen, WV

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

GAS PEDAL STICKS AND HAS TO BE KNOCKED LOOSE. HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

NHTSA complaint #11256028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Mazda Tribute at 230,000 miles Akron, IA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE THROTTLE WILL STICK OPEN. IT HAPPENS TYPICALLY IN THE WINTER WHEN IT'S REALLY COLD BUT LATELY, IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING WHEN IT'S WARM OUT. IN ORDER FOR ME TO GET CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE I HAVE TO QUICKLY SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND POWER OFF THE VEHICLE AND COAST TO A STOP. IF I DO NOT SHUT THE POWER OFF THE MOTOR RACES AND SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO BLOW UP.

NHTSA complaint #11255385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Mazda Tribute at 115,000 miles Lumberton, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 85 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED MULTIPLE TIMES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, IT ACCELERATED AT FULL THROTTLE. THE CONTACT CALLED KINSEL FORD (LOCATED AT 3355 EASTEX FWY, BEAUMONT, TX 77706, (409) 899-4000) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL, THERE WOULD BE NO CHARGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA complaint #11195477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Mazda Tribute at 211,000 miles Kansas City, MO

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT FAILED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE RESIDENCE WHERE THE CONTACT WAS STAYING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,000.

NHTSA complaint #11182417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Mazda Tribute at 150,000 miles Pleasant Grove, UT

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A GUY IN JULY OF THIS YEAR AND HE SAID "THE GAS PEDAL GETS STUCK SOMETIMES BUT IF YOU JUST PUMP THE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES IT SHOULD STOP". WELL THE GAS PEDAL DOESN'T GET STUCK SOMETIMES, IT GETS STUCK ALL THE TIME. IT GETS STUCK AND EITHER CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START OR IT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO REV. WHEN I AM DRIVING IT'LL GET STUCK AND ACCELERATE THE CAR WHEN I'M NOT EVEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AND SOMETIMES IT CAUSES THE BRAKES TO NOT WORK EITHER. THE ONLY REASON I HAVEN'T GOTTEN IN AN ACCIDENT YET IS BECAUSE IT IS A STICK SHIFT AND I'M ABLE TO PULL IT OUT OF GEAR BUT IT STILL CAUSES THE ENGINE TO REV AND ISN'T SAFE AT ALL. A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS DOING SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A SPEED/THROTTLE CABLE RECALL ON 2001-2005 MAZDA TRIBUTES BECAUSE OF THE EXACT ISSUES DESCRIBED ABOVE BUT WHEN I SEARCHED MY VIN NUMBER ON THE RECALL LIST/CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID MY CAR ISN'T ON IT AND I 100% BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE BECAUSE IT MATCHES THE EXACT SAME YEAR/MAKE/MODEL AND ISSUE ON THE RECALL. I DON'T WANT TO PAY TO GET THIS FIXED BECAUSE IT'S NOT MY FAULT THIS WAS IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED (AND I CAN'T AFFORD IT) BUT I ALSO DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER THE CAR WILL RUN LIKE THIS BEFORE THE ENGINE IS BLOWN OR I GET IN A CAR ACCIDENT. IS THERE ANY WAY MY CAR CAN BE ADDED TO THEIR RECALL LIST?

NHTSA complaint #11156616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Mazda Tribute at 138,050 miles NEW Plymouth, ID

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

GAS PEDAL STICKS MAKING IT HARD TO ACCELERATE. DANGEROUS WHEN IN TRAFFIC AND GAS PEDAL WILL NOT MOVE. WHETHER IT IS SUMMER OR WINTER TRYING TO ACCELERATE IS BECOMING VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #11153042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Mazda Tribute problems