VehicleVerdict

Mazda Tribute years to avoid

The Mazda Tribute years to avoid are 2001, 2005, 2002 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2007 is the cleanest year on record.

2,831

Total complaints

22

Recall campaigns

2000–2011

Years covered

3

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Tribute years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2001High complaint rate734
2005High complaint rate542
2002High complaint rate502

Every Tribute year

YearComplaintsRecalls
201180
2010573
2009462
20082515
200761
20061813
2005avoid5424
20042327
20032668
2002avoid5029
2001avoid73415
200060

Common questions

What are the worst Mazda Tribute years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Tribute years to avoid are 2001, 2005, 2002. The cleanest year on record is 2007.

What is the best year for the Mazda Tribute?

By complaint volume, 2007 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Tribute years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Mazda Tribute have?

Across all model years, the Tribute has 22 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,831 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.