Mazda

Tribute (1st)

2001-2011 · Compact SUV · 10 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.8)
2,413 NHTSA Complaints
22 Recalls
56 Fire Reports
120 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

FSD

2.0L 4-cyl / 113 hp
Recommended (4.8)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)
Wheels/Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

MAZDA Mazda6 (2002-2002)MAZDA MX-5 Miata (2000-2005)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)BMW X3 (2004-2010)MAZDA 626 (2000-2002)MAZDA Millenia (2001-2001)MAZDA MPV (2000-2006)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011) +4 more

AJV

3.0L / 197 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Wheels/Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)MAZDA MX-5 Miata (2000-2005)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)MAZDA Mazda3 (2004-2009)MAZDA RX-8 (2004-2012)MAZDA MPV (2000-2006)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)MAZDA 626 (2003-2003)

K24A4

2.4L 4-cyl / 160 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

ACURA TL (2004-2008)TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)NISSAN Titan (2004-2015)HONDA CR-V (2002-2006)FORD Focus (2000-2007)HONDA Pilot (2003-2008)HONDA Pilot (2009-2015)FORD Fusion (2006-2012) +16 more

LFD (2.0L) Federal

2.0L / 150 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
1

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)MAZDA MX-5 Miata (2000-2005)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)MAZDA Mazda3 (2004-2009)MAZDA RX-8 (2004-2012)MAZDA MPV (2000-2006)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)NISSAN Altima (2002-2006)

L3V (2.3L) Federal

2.3L / 160 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1

Also found in

MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)MAZDA Mx-5/ Miata (2009-2009)MAZDA MX-5 Miata (2000-2005)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)MAZDA Mazda3 (2010-2013)MAZDA Mazda3 (2004-2009)MAZDA RX-8 (2004-2012)MAZDA Mazda5 (2006-2010) +2 more

LFD

2.0L / 134 hp
Recommended (4.5)
4 complaints 2.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior
2
engine
1
cooling
1
fuel system
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Interior Issues (2 complaints)
Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)MAZDA MX-5 Miata (2000-2005)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)MAZDA Mazda3 (2004-2009)MAZDA RX-8 (2004-2012)MAZDA MPV (2000-2006)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)

L3V

2.3L / 144 hp
Recommended (4.4)
5 complaints 2.5 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
1
steering
1
safety systems
1
transmission
1
engine
1

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)MAZDA MX-5 Miata (2000-2005)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)MAZDA CX-7 (2007-2012)MAZDA Mazda3 (2010-2013)MAZDA Mazda3 (2004-2009)MAZDA Mazda6 (2014-2021)MAZDA RX-8 (2004-2012) +4 more

13B (1.3L) STD

1.3L / 186 hp
Recommended (3.8)
8 complaints 7.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
5
cooling
5
transmission
2
electrical
2
interior
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (5 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (5 complaints)
Transmission Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)MAZDA MX-5 Miata (2000-2005)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)MAZDA Mazda3 (2004-2009)MAZDA RX-8 (2004-2012)MAZDA MPV (2000-2006)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)

YFD

2.0L 4-cyl / 130 hp
Recommended (3.6)
24 complaints 12.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
6
brakes
5
transmission
4
engine
4
cooling
4

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (6 complaints)
Brakes Issues (5 complaints)
Transmission Issues (4 complaints)

Also found in

MAZDA Tribute (2000-2000)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)

AJD

3.0L 6-cyl / 200 hp
Avoid (1.0)
730 complaints 182.5 per year Gasoline
35 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
224
cooling
215
brakes
107
electrical
102
body
91

Known Issues

Engine Issues (224 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (215 complaints)
Brakes Issues (107 complaints)

Also found in

MAZDA Mazda6 (2002-2002)MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)MAZDA MX-5 Miata (2000-2005)HONDA Pilot (2003-2008)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)MAZDA Mazda3 (2004-2009)MAZDA 626 (2000-2002)MAZDA RX-8 (2004-2012) +7 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mazda Tribute regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (230 complaints)
engine critical
Cooling System Issues (221 complaints)
cooling critical
Brakes Issues (113 complaints)
brakes critical
Electrical System Issues (102 complaints)
electrical critical
Body/Trim Issues (97 complaints)
body critical

Recalls (22)

16V788000Oct 27, 2016serious
Fuel System

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured March 3, 2009, to May 26, 2011. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.

15V677000Oct 18, 2015serious
Powertrain

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Tribute vehicles manufactured February 9, 2007 to April 22, 2008. The affected vehicles have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.

15E045000Mar 5, 2015serious
Suspension

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.

14V282000May 28, 2014serious
Steering

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured October 5, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.

14V552000Oct 8, 2014serious
Hybrid Propulsion System

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 10, 2006, to May 23, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail, resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.

14V174000Apr 3, 2014serious
Structure

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.

12V357000Jul 26, 2012critical
Engine & Cooling

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.

12V016000Jan 19, 2012serious
Service Brakes

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.

07E023000Mar 28, 2007serious
Service Brakes

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.

07V157000Oct 3, 2007serious
Service Brakes

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.

06V116000Dec 3, 2006serious
Seats

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOON ROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT ABOVE THE PERMITTED LIMIT AT THE LEFT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.

05V525000Nov 16, 2005serious
Visibility

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

04V605000Dec 22, 2004serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

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.

04V583000Oct 11, 2004serious
Vehicle Speed Control

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

04V175000Sep 3, 2004serious
Powertrain

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

03V515000Dec 14, 2003serious
Seat Belts

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A POST WITHIN THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVERS COULD FRACTURE, WHICH COULD AFFECT LATCH FUNCTION, RESULTING IN EITHER A "NO LATCH" OR "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION. IN THE "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION, THE BUCKLE TONGUE CAN BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND APPEAR TO BE ENGAGED, BUT WILL RELEASE FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT THE PUSH BUTTON BEING DEPRESSED WHEN A RELATIVELY LOW LOAD IS APPLIED, SUCH AS WHEN AN OCCUPANT MOVES SLIGHTLY IN THE SEAT.

00V387001Nov 27, 2000serious
Visibility

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE CAN DISENGAGE DUE TO A BROKEN BALL SOCKET.

00V277002Sep 17, 2000serious
Fuel System

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE O-RING SEALS IN THE FUEL LINE CONNECTOR AT THE OUTLET END OF THE FUEL FILTER WERE DAMAGED WHEN THE LINE WAS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. IN SOME CASES, THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A FUEL ODOR, OR POSSIBLY IN FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE CONNECTION.

00V323000Oct 15, 2000serious
Equipment

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUALS DO NOT INDICATE WHICH SEATING POSITIONS ARE EQUIPPED WITH CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGES. ALSO, THE MANUALS DO NOT EXPLAIN THE MARKINGS IN THE VEHICLES THAT LOCATE THE LOWER ANCHORAGES.

00V260002Dec 8, 2000serious
Wheels

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME 4X2 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MAY HAVE INADVERTENTLY BEEN BUILT WITH 4X4 REAR HUBS INSTEAD OF 4X2 HUBS. IF THE INCORRECT HUBS ARE INSTALLED ON A 4X2 VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEELS CAN LOOSEN, OR IN SOME CASES, SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

00V210002Sep 7, 2000serious
Vehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CAN HAVE A CRACKED OR MISSING SPEED CONTROL CABLE SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB. THE LOCATING TAB COULD ENTER THE SERVO CLUTCH CAVITY AND INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO CLUTCH. ALSO, WATER COULD ENTER THOSE UNITS THAT CONTAIN A CRACKED OR MISSING SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB, EVENTUALLY CAUSING CORROSION THAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE FUNCTION OF THE SPEED CONTROL.

00V223002Sep 7, 2000cosmetic
Steering

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MIS-ASSEMBLED OR INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED NUT THAT ATTACHES THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE NUT COULD BE UPSIDE DOWN IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY, WHICH COULD OVERSTRESS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WHEN THE NUT IS TIGHTENED. IN ADDITION, SOME OF THE NUTS MAY HAVE BEEN CRACKED DURING MANUFACTURE RESULTING IN THE NUT FRACTURING WHEN IT IS TIGHTENED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.

Alternatives in Compact SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute problems?

The 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute has accumulated 2,413 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Cooling System, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mazda Tribute engine is most reliable?

The 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute was offered with 10 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute a good used car?

The 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,413 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute have?

The 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute has 2,413 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute?

There are 22 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mazda Tribute?

Before buying a used Mazda Tribute, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Cooling System, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,413 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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