2003 Mazda Tribute Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 17%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2003 Mazda Tribute, 17% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“After finishing a road trip, we parked the car and the rpms began to move higher and higher. We put the vehicle in neutral, but the rpms began to drastically rise. The vehicle was then put into park and once again the RPM's continued to rise. We then turned the vehicle off and the problem stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #11062909, filed 2018-01, 129,400 miles“While entering parking space in front of building, accelerator raced, causing vehicle to hit concrete pole in front of building. I have had several instances where the accelerator raced like this; once at a red light, where I hit the vehicle in front of me, and once at a stop sign where fortunately there were no other vehicles around.”
NHTSA complaint #10466501, filed 2012-07, 60,000 miles“I was driving around 50mph and comng up to a stop light, as I began to slow down in the left turning lane for the red light going left, my Tribute suddenly stalled.the light then of course turned green and this was not good, cause all the cars coming up from behind me were now intending to no slow down and begin to speed up, to carry on through the very busy intersection. Which almost created a pile up, beginning at my rear bumper, or another sudden collision near by. Luckily all the cars had either swerved around mine, or managed to stop behind me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11365995, filed 2020-10, 140,000 miles“The first 2 to 4 times the accelerator is used (not pushed hard), the cable sticks. We have to push harder on the pedal, then it suddenly releases. This causes the vehicle to jump in the direction chosen. It is very difficult to smoothly back our of the garage or parking space. Then the accelerator is slow to return to idle. It appears to be the same issue as recall NHTSA campaign #04v583000 for 2004 tributes, but our vehicle was built at the end of 2003.”
NHTSA complaint #10470419, filed 2012-08, 75,000 miles“Bought Mazda Tribute 2003 from carmax on 06/26/08. Mother was driving truck w/my daughter (6), when the brakes failed and collided w/van in front of her. Two hrs after the accident, took the truck to the local carmax. Explained to them what happened and asked were there any recalls on the truck. The lady in the service department said she did not know and gave me the toll free number to Mazda. I called from their facility and found out that there was an open recall for the ABS module. I explained that to the service person. …”
NHTSA complaint #10233476, filed 2008-07, 46,956 milesRelated recalls
- 12V357000Jul 27, 2012Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance…Covers: Mazda Tribute 2001–2006, 2008
- 04V583000Dec 10, 2004On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.Covers: Mazda Tribute 2002–2004
Related service bulletins
- 10186703Jan 21, 2021In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- 10148072Oct 10, 2018In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 10144333Aug 31, 2018In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 6 | 15% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 53 | 26% |
| 2006 | 49 | 38% |
| 2005 | 85 | 23% |
| 2004 | 34 | 22% |
| 2003 | 34 | 17% |
| 2002 | 37 | 10% |
| 2001 | 40 | 7% |
| 2000 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mazda Tribute
35 complaintsBrakes
32 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mazda Tribute
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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