253 of the
2,831 complaints filed about the Mazda Tribute
are about the braking system —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2002.
My brakes went out with no warning, or light on dashboard. I had the master cylinder changed and all brakes bled. The brakes went out 2months later,so changed the master cylinder again. 1 month after the brakes went out again. So I called Mazda service department and the gentleman told me to try and change the brake booster. So I changed the brake booster and master cylinder. 6 days later my brakes went out again, mazda told me they having issues with older model mazda tribute brakes going out. I have to get a rebuilt master cylinder for my car. My brakes have gone out on me 4 times and I almost wrecked each time. This is ridiculous I am scared to drive my car now and I have to keep paying a mechanic to do the repair and it's not working.
NHTSA complaint #11660221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and more the vehicle recalls need to be fixed desperately it's going to cause safety problems while driving if not took care of.
NHTSA complaint #11652901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11556495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11549734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
While driving at low speed (less than 50 mph) truck experienced brake loss. Was able to slow down and have no accident. Towed truck to mechanic and the next day brakes worked fine. Took truck to both AAA and to Mazda dealership for repair and no one can duplicate the issue. No instrument lights came on and no code was given for additional information. It has been stated that ABS Master cylinder and brake booster have been tested as well as the relays and fuses. This isnt the first time this has happened but the pedal has never stayed as mushy or required to go to the ground as long as it had this time.
NHTSA complaint #11445225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
MY WHEEL STARTED VIBRATING BACK AND FORTH WHILE IN PARK AND I STARTED AND THE POWER STEERING WORKED FINE. THEN TURNED CAR OFF WENT IN THE STORE AND CAME OUT AND IT DIDN'T WANNA WORK. TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON IT WORKED FINE. ON THE WAY HOME COMING AROUND A SHARP CURVE IT DECIDED TO GO OUT AND THE WHEEL TIGHTENED AT 45. I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES AND TRY MY HARDEST TO KEEP FROM GOING OFF THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT'S A RECALL TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. WELL IN 2014 A MONTH AFTER THE RECALL WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR AIR FILTERS AND THEY HAPPENED TO "FIX" THE SOLUTION WHILE THERE WITHOUT NOTIFYING US. THEY NEVER FIXED IT BECAUSE THERE WAS NEVER AN ISSUE UNTIL NOW. AND THEY WONT FIX IT BECAUSE THEY SAID THAT IT WAS ALREADY REPAIRED. IN FACT IT WASN'T. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I PRAY THAT MAZDA CONTACTS DEALERSHIPS AND HAS THEM ACTUALLY REPLACE THE COLUMN AS NEEDED AND NOT JUST CLEAR CODES. IT DOES NOTHING BUT RESET IT FOR IT TO HAPPEN AT A LATER DATE. I ALMOST RAN OFF THE ROAD!
NHTSA complaint #11375310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ISSUE #1 - LEFT FRONT CALIPER LOCKS UP PREVENTING VEHICLE TO MOVE. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER HAS LOCKED UP AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND COMING TO EITHER A COMPLETE OR SUDDEN STOP AFTER HARD BRAKING. THE ISSUE MAKES IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKE PADS TO OVERHEAT AND SMOKE. I'VE REPLACED THE CALIPER 3 TIMES AND HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH EACH NEW CALIPER. THE UNDERLYING CAUSE FOR THE BRAKE LOCK UP HAS BEEN A MALFUNCTION IN THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL UNIT AND SENSORS. TEMPORARY REMEDY HAS BEEN TO REMOVE THE 50AMP ABS FUSE FOR 24 HOURS AND REPLACE. SYSTEM WORKS LIKE IT IS DESIGNED TO DO AFTERWARDS. ISSUE #2 - POWER ASSISTED STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAD SHOWN SYSTEMS OF A VIBRATING AND TWITCHING STEERING WHEEL WHILE AT IDLE IN PARK AND WHILE IN GEAR WHILE SITTING AT A STOP. AFTER 2 DAYS OF THE MOVING STEERING WHEEL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED 5 HOURS LATER WITH NO MORE JUMPING STEERING WHEEL BUT NOW WITH NO POWER ASSISTED STEERING AT ALL. MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER WHILE UNDER NO TO VERY LOW SPEED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE NO POWER ASSISTED STEERING AS THERE IS NO CONSISTENT RESOURCE ON WHAT TO DO FOR THOSE VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN THROUGH THE RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11362494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AS, A RESULT THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.
NHTSA complaint #11352915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
THE ABS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE ABS LIGHT IS ON. WHEN I ENGAGE THE BREAK IT MAKES NOISE INITIAL BEFORE IT WILL START TO ENGAGE PROPERLY, BUT THE ABS LIGHT KEEPS SHOWING STEADILY. THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE REMAINS LOCKED AND CANNOT OPEN. THE LATCH IS NOT BAD.
NHTSA complaint #11245355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE THE CAR WAS IN USE AND RUNNING, THE TIMING CHAIN COVER FAILED RESULTING IN THE SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER COMING DETACHED. THE SERPENTINE TENSIONER MOUNT BROKE OFF THE TIMING CHAN COVER, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF ALL LOADS DRIVEN FROM THE SERPENTINE BELT. THIS FAILURE PRESENTS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE AS WITHOUT THE SERPENTINE BELT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING THE ALTERNATOR WILL NOT GENERATE ELECTRICITY, THE BATTERY WILL BE DRAINED AND THEN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WILL FAIL. AN AVERAGE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSISTANCE. UNTIL ALMOST ALL OF THE OIL HAS BEEN THROWN FROM THE ENGINE OR THE BATTERY DIES, THERE IS NO WARNING TO THE DRIVER -- THE DRIVER KNOWS NOTHING OF THIS FAILURE UNTIL THE LOW OIL PRESSURE, ALTERNATOR OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 62156 MILES WHEN THIS EXTRAORDINARY FAILURE OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11204178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TAKATA RECALL: THE BRAKES FAIL WHEN DEPRESSED TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP. THE ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILED WHEN NEEDING TO STOP INSTANTLY. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MADE AN INSTANT STOP THE SUV DID NOT STOP RIGHT AWAY AS IT WOULD JERK FORWARD AND THEN SWERVE BEFORE MAKING A STOP ALMOST CAUSING LOST OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAY ON BECAUSE OF THE GAS CAP ERROR BUT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT REQUIRE A GAS CAP IT IS A CAP-LESS TANK. CAUSES GAS TO SEEP THROUGH.
NHTSA complaint #11160560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WALKED TO SULLIVAN FORD LINCOLN INC (759 MAGEE DR, BROOKHAVEN, MS 39601, (601) 833-7521), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO BILL HOOD MAZDA (333 N MORRISON BLVD, HAMMOND, LA 70401, (866) 726-1249) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #11109851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE IS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID PER MAZDA RECALL MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED 01/02. AND IT SMELLS SMOKY! I DIDN'T GET A RECALL NOTICE BUT, MY TRIBUTE IS HAVING THE EXACT PROBLEM SITED ON U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT. QUOTE: MAZDA RECALLING 52,390 TRIBUTE SUVS FROM THE 2001 AND 2002 MODEL YEARS FOR A PROBLEM WITH THEIR BRAKES. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, PART OF THE TRIBUTE'S BRAKE SYSTEM COULD LEAK BRAKE FLUID. IF THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKS, IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THE FLUID CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH WIRES THAT CONTROL THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. CORROSION MAY DEVELOP IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LEADING MELTING, SMOKING OR POSSIBLE FIRE,' NHTSA REPORTS. NHTSA SAYS THAT OWNERS SHOULD PARK THEIR MAZDA TRIBUTE OUTSIDE UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED. THIS IS UNUSUAL COMPARED WITH MOST VEHICLE SAFETY RECALLS, BUT WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE OCCURRING, OWNERS SHOULD HEED THIS WARNING. AFFECTED MAZDA TRIBUTE SUVS WERE BUILT FROM APRIL 20, 2000 THROUGH JULY 19, 2002. YOU CAN CHECK TO SEE WHEN YOUR 2001 OR 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE WAS BUILT BY CHECKING THE STICKER ON THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR JAMB.
NHTSA complaint #11084667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS EXTENSIVE AND UNREPAIRABLE RUST TO THE BODY, UNDERSTRUCTURE AND SUSPENSION PARTS THAN MAKES IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY IS COMPROMISED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, VEHICLE IS PRONE TO VEER OUT OF CONTROL DUE TO MISSING SUSPENSION PIECES AND GAS AND EXHAUST FUMES LEAK INTO THE CABIN DUE TO RUSTED OUT AND MISSING INNER BODY PANELS.
NHTSA complaint #11064480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.