2002 Mazda Tribute Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 80about this part
- Share
- 21%of 384 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,540miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 80 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Mazda Tribute, 21% of the 384 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,540 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 13 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving home and the front coil spring broke{the top portion} when it broke it blew out my tire and lodged a piece of it in between the brake rotor some how tearing the tire to bits. And then apx a month after that the other one broke luckily it di not do the same damage as the first time. So because of the cheaply made and wrongfully heat treated metal the spring broke. …”
NHTSA complaint #10429198, filed 2011-10, 71,540 miles“My 2002 Mazda Tribute is leaking brake fluid per Mazda recall my vehicle was manufactured 01/02. And it smells smoky! I didn't get a recall notice but, my Tribute is having the exact problem sited on u.s. News & world report. Quote: Mazda recalling 52,390 Tribute suvs from the 2001 and 2002 model years for a problem with their brakes. According to the national highway traffic safety administration, part of the Tribute's brake system could leak brake fluid. If the brake fluid leaks, it's possible that the fluid can come in contact with wires that control the anti-lock brake system. …”
NHTSA complaint #11084667, filed 2018-04, 202,500 miles“Applying brakes and ABS kicks in and makes the tires lock up in the back and slides the rear end of the vehicle around. Seems electrical problems are occurring also. Headlights have a short, reverse lights don't work,and window controls don't always work. Vehicle has done all this since I have owned it. It was bought used and I have had it checked for all recalls and they are all up to date, or so the Mazda dealer says they are. I have had brakes replaced along with rotors and tires and the vehicle does the same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #10643074, filed 2014-10, 165,000 miles“I own a 2002 Mazda Tribute with only 47,475 miles on it. In the past 6 weeks I have noticed when stepping on the brakes on dry pavement the antilock brakes kick in and the pedal goes to the floor unless I pump them. This has become very dangerous as it is happening more frequently. I had my son look at the brakes to make sure it wasn't the pads and he found a broken tooth on the driver's side front ABS ring which is causing the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10279694, filed 2009-08, 47,405 miles“My 2002 Mazda Tribute's ABS light came on. I noticed a pulsating in the brake that got worse fairly quickly. The sensor ring for the ABS, located on the axle, was cracked. First one side, and within a few months, the other side did the same thing. Not a cheap fix considering the complete axle had to be replaced. I really like my Tribute, so much so, I insisted my mother buy one when she was looking for a new vehicle. She opted for a 2007 ford escape. Low and behold, she experienced the same problem!”
NHTSA complaint #10419931, filed 2011-08, 60,000 milesRelated recalls
- 12V016000Jan 20, 2012Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 mazda tribute vehicles manufactured from april 20, 2000, through july 19, 2002. The brake master cylinder…Covers: Mazda Tribute 2001–2002
- 07V157000Apr 10, 2007On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (abs), the abs module connector may have missing or dislodged wire seals. This condition could…Covers: Mazda Tribute 2001–2004
Related service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 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…
- 10173097Mar 12, 2020Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10153307Jan 14, 2019Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the…
- 10148003Oct 10, 2018Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the…
- 10142515May 11, 2018Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO…
- 10016848Dec 1, 2004Wheel speed sensor removal tip.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 12 | 9% |
| 2005 | 25 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 6% |
| 2003 | 32 | 16% |
| 2002 | 80 | 21% |
| 2001 | 56 | 10% |
| 2000 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mazda Tribute
124 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsBody and structure
26 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
22 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mazda Tribute
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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