2002 Mazda Tribute speed control problems

The 2002 Mazda Tribute has 38 speed control complaints filed with NHTSA — 8% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

Speed Control complaints

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Speed Control complaints by year

Tribute speed control complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many speed control complaints does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have?

NHTSA has 38 complaints about the 2002 Mazda Tribute speed control — 8% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2002 Mazda Tribute speed control?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the speed control: 04V583000, 12V357000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.