CarModelProblems.com

2002 Mazda Tribute Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline — runs 2.5× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
384Complaints
9Recalls
19Crashes
24Fires
13Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline (17.7% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline complaints here are 2.5× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline68 · 17.7%RecalledRecall 12V357000
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine33 · 8.6%RecalledRecall 12V357000
Air Bags32 · 8.3%not available
Service Brakes, Hydraulic31 · 8.1%RecalledRecall 12V016000 · Recall 07V157000 · Recall 07E023000
Vehicle Speed Control26 · 6.8%RecalledRecall 04V583000
Electrical System24 · 6.2%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

AIR BAGS32 · 8.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM24 · 6.2%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING21 · 5.5%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES18 · 4.7%
SERVICE BRAKES18 · 4.7%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION15 · 3.9%

Percentages are the share of the 384 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 9 campaigns

Structure:frame And Members

NHTSA campaign 14V174000 · 2014 · reported 04/04/2014

A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:front:wheel Bearing

NHTSA campaign 15E045000 · 2015 · reported 06/03/2015

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 12V016000 · 2012 · reported 01/20/2012

CORROSION MAY DEVELOP IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LEADING MELTING, SMOKING OR POSSIBLE FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling

NHTSA campaign 12V357000 · 2012 · reported 07/27/2012

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 07V157000 · 2007 · reported 04/10/2007

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Vehicle Speed Control:cables

NHTSA campaign 04V583000 · 2004 · reported 12/10/2004

AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder

NHTSA campaign 07E023000 · 2007 · reported 03/29/2007

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock

NHTSA campaign 04V605000 · 2004 · reported 12/23/2004

IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 04V175000 · 2004 · reported 04/09/2004

SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THIS IS THE SECOND TIME VEHICLE HAS STALLED. IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET PULLED OVER BECAUSE LACK OF POWER ASSISTANCE! WAS TRAVELLING ALONG A…”NHTSA complaint 10003413 — filed 01/26/2003 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
“ENGINE STALLS X 7 OCCASIONS, DESPITE 4 DEALER ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR. RETURNED TO DEALER TODAY AFTER 7TH INCIDENT. DT”NHTSA complaint 769682 — filed 11/13/2002 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
“THIS IS THE 5TH TIME THAT THE CAR HAS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, IT HAS ALSO BEEN FIXED BY THE DEALERSHIP ONCE ALREADY…”NHTSA complaint 769204 — filed 11/02/2002 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

172009162020114212201314152015842017782019212021452023

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mazda Tribute?

Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline issues are the most-reported category, cited in 68 of 384 NHTSA complaints (17.7%), followed by engine and engine cooling:engine (33), air bags (32), service brakes, hydraulic (31). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have?

384 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 19 involved a crash, 24 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?

Yes — 9 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V174000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2002 Mazda Tribute's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.