Mazda Tribute Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 2,098 consumer complaints across the 11 model years of the Mazda Tribute (2000–2011) that have at least 5 complaints. 2001 has the most, with 563. Across all years, the part named most often is engine cooling (343 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
Best and worst Tribute years →
All Tribute model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 7 | 103,000 | 0 | 42 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 39 | 57,634 | 2 | 139 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 35 | 85,200 | 1 | 136 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 202 | 82,000 | 4 | 126 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2006 | 130 | 75,500 | 2 | 107 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 377 | 101,000 | 3 | 123 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 157 | 100,000 | 5 | 112 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 199 | 74,676 | 6 | 110 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 384 | 68,557 | 7 | 109 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 563 | 68,538 | 13 | 106 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 5 | 48,000 | 0 | 16 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine cooling343 17%
- Vehicle speed control341 17%
- Body and structure291 14%
- Suspension249 12%
- Brakes232 11%
- Transmission and drivetrain221 11%
- Steering196 9.5%
- Electrical system191 9.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2001: “The throttle will stick open. It happens typically in the winter when it's really cold but lately, it has been happening when it's warm out. In order for me to get control of the vehicle I have to quickly shift it into neutral and power off the vehicle and coast to a stop. If I do not shut the power off the motor races and sounds like it is going to blow up.”
NHTSA complaint #11255385, filed 2019-09, 230,000 miles2006: “Heard noise of knocking rattling 2014-15 had it towed to machanic and they informed me of I needed a new engine. Got it replaced with a jasper rebuilt. Right at 4 years it happens again, one yr after warranty. Researching for either resell value or new engine game across a pleathera of seezed engines and thrown rods. Most vehicles has great body but blown engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11220761, filed 2019-06, 54,000 miles2004: “I was driving down the highway when I heard a noise like the roof was being ripped off. When I pulled over to inspect I noticed that the glass from my skylight was gone. Appears the glue deteriorated letting window become loose and therefore blowing off. Good thing didnt hit any other vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11403297, filed 2021-03, 176,000 milesOther Mazda models
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About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology