VehicleVerdict

2002 Mazda Tribute problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 502 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Tribute year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 12 Tribute years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 133 reports (27% of the total).

502

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

8

Investigations

24

Crash-involved

29

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Tribute years?

Tribute NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted734 complaints2000: 6 complaints2001: 734 complaints2002: 502 complaints2003: 266 complaints2004: 232 complaints2005: 542 complaints2006: 181 complaints2007: 6 complaints2008: 251 complaints2009: 46 complaints2010: 57 complaints2011: 8 complaints
Tribute NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tribute years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mazda Tribute problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine13326%
Brakes8818%
Electrical System469%
Speed Control388%
Transmission377%
Airbags377%
Body & Structure275%
Latches & Locks224%
Suspension153%
Steering153%
Fuel System102%
Tires & Wheels92%
Other82%
Lighting61%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Seat Belts51%
Seats10%

Does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have recalls?

9 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15E045000SuspensionJune 3, 2015 · 576 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

14V174000Body & StructureApril 4, 2014 · 109,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

12V357000Speed ControlJuly 27, 2012 · 217,500 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

12V016000BrakesJanuary 20, 2012 · 52,390 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

07V157000BrakesApril 10, 2007 · 95,300 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

07E023000BrakesMarch 29, 2007 · 13,128 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

04V605000Latches & LocksDecember 23, 2004 · 49,800 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

04V583000Speed ControlDecember 10, 2004 · 121,000 units

Defect

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

Consequence

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

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.

04V175000TransmissionApril 9, 2004 · 106,000 units

Defect

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

Consequence

SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

I PULLED ONTO A DIRT ROAD BECAUSE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND WHEN I STOPPED I OPENED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS LIKE A SMALL FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD I GOT SCARED CALLED MY MOTHER AND 2 SECONDS LATER THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 21, 2012 · fire

2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE 6 CYL. ABS BRAKE FAILURE AND FIRE. BRAKE FLUID FROM MASTER CYL DRIPPED ON ABS PUMP WIRE CONNECTOR. ALL WIRES FOR ABS AND CRUISE BURNT FROM CONNECTOR BACK ABOUT 10". REPLACED MASTER CYL. A LOT OF REWIRING IS YET TO BE DONE. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 8, 2009 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY A FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 23, 2014 · fire

WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE BACK BUMPER SLIGHTLY BUMPED THE LIGHT POLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE IT COMMENCED TO ACCELERATE AT HIGH SPEED, LURCHED FORWARD AND RAN INTO A CENTER BLOCK WALL. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE, AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 23, 2004 · crash

2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCIDENT SHE HAD IN 2004 DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *TGW NOT KNOWING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, SHE PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, AND CONSEQUENTLY, SHE HIT A POLE IN HER DRIVEWAY. THE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER, FENDER, FOG LIGHT AND WINDSHIELD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 1, 2004 · crash

2002 Mazda Tribute — common questions

Is the 2002 Mazda Tribute reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 502 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 12 Tribute years. It is one of the Tribute years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Tribute problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (133 complaints), brakes (88 complaints), electrical system (46 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Mazda Tribute. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Mazda Tribute under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda Tribute years should you avoid?

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

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.