VehicleVerdict

2002 Mazda Tribute latches & locks problems

The 2002 Mazda Tribute has 22 latches & locks complaints filed with NHTSA — 4% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

22

Latches & Locks complaints

4%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Latches & Locks complaints by year

Tribute latches & locks complaints by model year59 complaints2001: 59 complaints2002: 22 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 1 complaints2006: 1 complaints2008: 2 complaints
Tribute latches & locks complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

Common questions

How many latches & locks complaints does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have?

NHTSA has 22 complaints about the 2002 Mazda Tribute latches & locks — 4% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2002 Mazda Tribute latches & locks?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the latches & locks: 04V605000.

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.