2001 Mazda Tribute Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 6%of 563 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Mazda Tribute, 6% of the 563 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Put the car in reverse and could not get it out of reverse. Steering totally locked up. I looked on google and this seems to be happening quite a bit and a few years have already been recalled. I was in a cvs parking lot when this happened. Blocked traffic and people were not happy.”
NHTSA complaint #10849747, filed 2016-03, 130,000 miles“Unusual squeaking noises heard from lower steering column where it connects to power steering rack at slow speeds. When going slowly over small bumps and turning steering wheel from side to side, strange noises can be heard from the steering rack including a mechanical noise. Vehicle only has 29,300 miles on it and is not used off-road. Mazda dealer finds we need to replace the tie rod ends and has ordered replacement parts. We will ask for the old parts when the final repair is made.”
NHTSA complaint #10119684, filed 2005-05, 29,000 miles“1.the first problem I had with my Tribute was all the power steering fluid had leaked out, so they replaced the rack and pinion. 2.the second, when going for my first brake job I'm informed that the front rotors are too thin and under specs. And need to be replaced (a $700 job) so, I went to Mazda and they said the brake pads are too hard for the rotors are are unusually wearing so, they replaced my rotors. 3.the third, a week later I'm strained, because the starter stuck and burned itself out, they towed the car and replaced the starter. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070893, filed 2004-01, 34,343 miles“The madza Tribute 2001 stalls without warning, at varying speeds. Both the brakes and the steering system are inoperable. The car starts again after this occurs. This has happened 5 times! Luckily, my son who drives this car hasn't been injured. But what about the next time? What if he is driving on the expressway at 55 or 65 miles an hour? Can Mazda assure me that he won't be seriously injured or killed? The service department has offered several explanations after verifying that this is a on going problem with this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043530, filed 2003-10, 19,200 miles“Mazda recall 7514d, cross brace kit, failed causing catastrophic loss of steering. The cross brace attachment at the frame failed. Cross brace intact, but the frame attachment was severely corroded causing frame failure and cross brace separation from the frame. The recall was completed 8/21/14. It is suspect that severe corrosion may have existed at the time that the recall was performed, but was either not detected or not addressed, leading to the ultimate frame failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10990783, filed 2017-05, 139,947 milesRelated recalls
- 00V223002Aug 9, 2000Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly…Covers: Mazda Tribute 2001
Related service bulletins
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10208556Feb 23, 2022Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10153318Jan 23, 2019Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.
- 10154139Dec 11, 2018If a vehicle has body vibration or steering wheel shimmy while driving and the root cause is determined to be tire balance, re-balance the tires using a Hunter GSP9700 or…
- 10142519May 8, 2018Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.
- 10185904Mar 7, 2016Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3" even when driving straight on a flat road.
- 10101062Mar 7, 2016Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.
- 10090812Mar 7, 2016Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.
- 10059471Nov 4, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 5 | 71% |
| 2010 | 11 | 28% |
| 2009 | 19 | 54% |
| 2008 | 94 | 47% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 5% |
| 2002 | 15 | 4% |
| 2001 | 35 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2001 Mazda Tribute
167 complaintsElectrical system
81 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
69 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
59 complaintsBrakes
56 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
40 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mazda Tribute
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology