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2002 Mazda Tribute

Safety ratings, recalls, and consumer complaints from NHTSA

NHTSA Safety Ratings

2002 Mazda Tribute 4-DR.

Overall
Not Rated
Front Crash
Not Rated
Side Crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★☆☆

Recalls(9)

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

Campaign: 14V174000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

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.

Campaign: 15E045000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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.

Campaign: 12V016000

ENGINE AND 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.

Campaign: 12V357000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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.

Campaign: 07V157000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

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

Campaign: 04V583000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

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.

Campaign: 07E023000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

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.

Campaign: 04V605000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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

Campaign: 04V175000

Consumer Complaints(389 total, showing 10)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting erratically and made an abnormal rumbling sound. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond and was jerking upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact who is an independent mechanic had replaced the transmission speed sensor, the transmission shift position sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the shift solenoid block, the transmission fluid, the transmission clutch solenoid, and the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved DTC codes indicating that the ABS wiring was overheating. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V016000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer bypassed the ABS module. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH to the residence after the repair, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the recall repair did not involve bypassing the ABS module. The dealer was contacted, but no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and several cases were opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

My car has had a abs engine code for a year that I have spent a lot of money trying to get it off because, I can’t renew my tag because it failed emissions vehicle safety test . So I was notified by my insurance company that my vehicle was under recall. I read it and called Mazda and it was confirmed and I went to the shop and I waited 6 hours for the installation of a new abs module and wire harness. Hennesy Mazda of morrow Georgia bypassed the abs system but replaced my voltage regulator with out my consent. The recall recommended repair is to replace the abs module and harness. The dealership refused to comply and neither offered a tow back to Newnan Georgia where I live. So they placed me and others at risk by failing to comply. I have been ignored even after speaking with 3 customer service representatives and I was given a call [XXX] 10/11/23. I was told that I had to get it to Marietta Jim Ellis Mazda and that they would contact me but know one has called. I need your help to resolve this serious violation of the recall and the altering of my vehicles abs by bypassing it . I have lost a total of $2,367 in parts lost wages and anguish due to their lack of compliance of the recall of my 2002 Mazda tribute es abs module and harness. The abs module and wiring to ECM gets the voltage regulator hot and causes abs engine light to illuminate and malfunction. This my work vehicle I need it to make a living. The abs module and harness wasn’t changed but was bypassed . The recall clearly states the issue and recommended repairs by vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STEERING,SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

My vehicle took off and accelerated without me depressing the gas pedal and it was very scary and hard to get stopped I was doing almost 80 mph. It had a safety recall for the throttle cable for this but you show no open recalls yet Mazda does and told me if recalls we're taken care of they would show up on the car fax which they do not my vehicle is a 2002 but this doesn't mean it was ever fixed has several other issues also the front lower control arm which is also on a recall and does not show on the car fax the entire front end on the passenger side sounds like it's really loose and could break and my tire come loose as others have reported when filing same complaint. This has happened more than once to me. I call it now a death trap I need help to get this safe to drive thank you.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel felt as if it was detached from the steering column. Additionally, there was a grinding noise coming from the passenger’s side front wheel well. The contact did not notice any warning lights. The contact was able to drive the vehicle safely back to his residence. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V174000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owned a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, a pop noise was heard, the vehicle had unintended acceleration; the engine revved and sped up to 80 - 90 mph, inadvertently, and the brakes failed to engage after the contact had depressed with both feet on the brake pedal. The contact made a turn into a park and the vehicle slid, then crashed into a tree. There was smoke coming from under the hood and the contact turned off the vehicle before exiting and walking until she got assistance from a bystander, who called the police. A police report was filed. The contact did not receive medical attention at the scene but later went to the emergency room for injuries sustained with six broken ribs. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

Crash reported1 injury

STEERING,SUSPENSION

DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN A CITY STREET THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE. UPON INSPECTION WE FOUND THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED/BROKEN AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD SEPARATED FROM IT. AFTER A SEARCH WE DISCOVERED THAT THIS ISSUE IS COVERED UNDER THE 7514D RECALL. A VIN SEARCH CONFIRMED THAT THIS WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. WE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST MAZDA DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED. AFTER ABOUT 1 WEEK, THE SERVICE ADVISOR CALLED AND TOLD ME THAT MAZDA WAS REFUSING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. I CALLED MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO GET AN EXPLANATION AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL ONLY INVOLVES INSTALLING A "REINFORCEMENT" BRACKET, NOT REPLACING THE SUBFRAME. I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAVE COPIES OF BOTH THE OWNER LETTER AND THE ENTIRE RECALL PROCEDURE WHICH BOTH CLEARLY STATE THAT IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS BECOME SEPARATED DUE TO CORROSION THE SUBFRAME MUST BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. THEY TRIED TO TELL ME THAT "CORROSION" DOES NOT MEAN "RUST" AND THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY COULD DO FOR ME. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP, MAZDA OF WOOSTER IN WOOSTER, OHIO. *TR

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE OWNER'S VEHICLE. THE OWNER WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN TIME AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH FORCE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CRUSHED RIBS AND A BROKEN RIGHT FOOT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER DRIVER LEFT THE SCENE OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,270.

Crash reported1 injury

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO FORCEFULLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, NONE OF THE LOCKS FUNCTIONED AND THE BODY FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH WINDOW DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 04V583000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), AND 14V174000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED PRESTON MAZDA (LOCATED AT 260 BOARDMAN POLAND RD, BOARDMAN, OH 44512, (844) 835-0773) AND WAS INFORMED TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THEIR FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

SUSPENSION

I BROUGHT THIS CAR FRONT THE DEALER AND DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE CONTROL ARM AND NO ONE TOLD ME IT IS NOW 17 YEARS OLD AND I ONLY HAD IT FOR A YEAR

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL

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