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Mazda TributeModel year report

2004 Mazda Tribute Problems

Complaints
157filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
100,000miles, 130 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 25 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Mazda Tribute (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report rear wheel-well and shock-mount corrosion, which in many cases lets the rear shock separate from the body and produces loud noises or handling changes. Unintended or elevated engine speed attributed to the speed-control cable and air bag warning lights are the next most common themes, and both are reported across a wide mileage range.

  1. Body and structure

    Rear shock mount / wheel well rusted through

    • 49 complaints (31%)
    • median 140,000 mi at 12.0 yrs old (45 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2013–2023

    Owners describe hearing a loud thump or banging from the rear of the vehicle, then finding the rear shock mount or upper wheel well rusted through so the shock is no longer attached to the body. In several reports the shock or broken metal contacted the tire. Complaints say dealers and independent mechanics described the panel as too corroded to repair economically, and some owners were told the vehicle should not be driven. A related recall covering frame corrosion in certain states is mentioned in the complaints. Mostly reported between roughly 85,000 and 175,000 miles, generally on older vehicles in rust-belt use, with several owners noting the damage was not visible until a noise appeared.

    Recall 14V1740003 related service bulletins

    What to check: Inspect the rear wheel wells and shock towers from inside the cargo area and from underneath for bubbling, holes, or separation of the shock mount; ask whether any frame-corrosion recall work was done and whether the vehicle lived in a salt-belt state.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Driving one day, the car veered suddenly into the oncoming traffic lane. Fortunately no cars were there. I took it to my mechanic who told me the front suspension was cracked and the car's frame was rusted so badly the car could not be jacked up.”

    NHTSA complaint #11355270, filed 2020-09, 110,000 miles

    “I noticed the problem when I was driving down the road and heard a knocking coming from the rear of the vehicle I thought it was a bad shock at first so I pulled over to check it out and the rear shock brackets are completely rusted through and are breaking away from the main frame. I contacted Mazda on july 11, 2014 and they said they will not do anything until teh car is recalled. They havent provided any other info on assitance with repairs or a recall. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10609954, filed 2014-07, 93,000 miles
  2. Vehicle speed control

    Engine speed surge or stuck accelerator cable

    • 33 complaints (21%)
    • median 89,121 mi at 8.2 yrs old (26 state mileage)
    • 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2003–2025

    Complaints describe the engine revving on its own, surging when coming to a stop or in a parking lot, and in some cases the accelerator pedal sticking while driving so the vehicle did not slow as expected. Owners report dealers replacing or disconnecting the speed-control cable, and several note that their vehicle was not covered by the cable recalls or that parts were unavailable when they tried to have the recall work done. Reported from roughly 50,000 to 130,000 miles, in everyday driving and when stopping or parking; several reports note the behavior appeared repeatedly over months.

    Recall 12V357000Recall 04V5830002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the speed-control cable recalls (12V357000 and 04V583000) were completed and check for paperwork; have a mechanic inspect cable routing and engine cover clearance, and confirm the accelerator returns freely.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Braking system (ABS) failed (I could have killed someone or myself) no back pressure going up hills resulting in failing suspension all front end has failed all door latches failed I'm terrified to operate this vehicle!!!!! Recall notices where never sent to me and modern motors only completed recall numbers 7514d and 6812g why is it that recalls are closed when I obviously had issues and I never received notices? I purchased my Mazda Tribute 2004 at modern motors in 2008 as the second owner. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10705475, filed 2015-04, 161,094 miles

    “- the contact stated that while driving a 2004 Mazda Tribute at 25 MPH the accelerator pedal got stuck. The contact applied the brakes and the vehicle wouldn't come to a complete stop, until the contact heard a popping noise, that's when the vehicle shifted into idle. While inspecting the vehicle the contact noticed that the accelerator cable had snapped. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10178811, filed 2007-01, 53,200 miles
  3. Air bags

    Air bag warning light on

    • 22 complaints (14%)
    • median 72,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (17 state mileage)
    • 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2004–2024

    Owners report the air bag warning light coming on and sometimes flashing intermittently, with no collision involved. Complaints describe repeated dealer visits with harnesses, seat sensors, and connectors replaced, and in some cases the light returning afterward; a few owners say they were told the repair was not covered or were charged for the work. Reported from about 35,000 to 150,000 miles, sometimes appearing within the first few years of ownership and often persisting after repairs.

    What to check: Check that the air bag light comes on at start-up and then goes out; ask for any records of harness, sensor, or connector repairs, since owners report the light returning after fixes.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have had air bag harness replaced three times now and according to Mazda it has now caused my air bag module to short out. This would seem to be a safety recall which Mazda does not want to own up to. I am concerned for safety of passenger in car and cost for replacement is becoming absorbent and any investigation into this safety concern would be appreciated.”

    NHTSA complaint #10204493, filed 2007-09, 80,000 miles

    “2004 Mazda Tribute was sitting in my driveway in park when side curtain airbags deployed for no reason. There was no impact. Dealer and Mazda told me it is my insurance companies responsibility to investigate. After seeing the other issues this is a very dangerous safety issue and needs to be addressed before someone dies.”

    NHTSA complaint #10245721, filed 2008-10, 98,000 miles
  4. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission shifting problems and failure

    • 16 complaints (10%)
    • median 57,786 mi at 5.4 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • filed 2003–2019

    Complaints describe the transmission losing a gear or failing to shift, with engine speed climbing high before engagement, and in some cases the vehicle refusing to move forward or reverse. Owners report quotes for rebuilt or replacement transmissions and mention shops describing internal wear or missing pressure-release parts as the reason for the failure. Reported from roughly 50,000 to 100,000 miles, sometimes while driving in traffic or on the highway.

    4 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test drive through all gears including reverse and check for delayed or harsh engagement; ask whether the transmission fluid was serviced per the maintenance schedule.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving and all of a sudden my car began to slow down and not go foward and hesitated to go backwards. I had to have it towed to shop. The shop machanic informed me that the transmission was built without a pressure release valve,and that is what cause it to malfunction. And I would like to know why you don't have transmission in dropdown box of affected parts. Ma 10/5 updated 11/16/2017”

    NHTSA complaint #10733928, filed 2015-07, 97,473 miles

    “The transmission lost 2nd gear and would not shift until the engine revs were very high, > 6000 RPM. My wife had to get off the highway since she could not go at highway speeds. Dealer said transmission was bad and needed to be replaced even though the car was only 10,000 miles over the warranty. Their price for a rebuilt transmission was $4,130. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10441627, filed 2011-12, 59,925 miles

Buying note. This model year's complaints center on rear body and shock-mount corrosion, so a careful underside and cargo-area inspection matters more than mileage alone. Confirm which open recalls have been completed and get any air bag or brake repair paperwork before deciding.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 157 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mazda Tribute. 130 of the complaints include a mileage, and 14% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 100,000 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 15 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 112 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Electrical system (3), Fuel system (3), Steering (3), Equipment (2), Tires (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1).

Example complaints

Suspension: “Takata recall my car is rusted underneath from the gas pump and under. On july 11th, 2019 . I was driving my vehicle on a street when my passenger side rear strut came out from the rust. Sometimes after putting gas in my car and driving off inside of my car will start to smell like gas. Since it is rusted under and around.”

NHTSA complaint #11231662, filed 2019-07, 238,564 miles

Body and structure: “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 miles

Vehicle speed control: “I was slowing down to stop behind another car at a red light and my car slowed down but did not fully stop. I barely bumped the car in front of me at probably less than 5 miles per hour but my air bags went off. There was no damage to my car other than the air bags exploding and my insurance company wants to total my car because of the air bags exploding. I have second degree burns and a cut from the air bag.”

NHTSA complaint #10733502, filed 2015-07, 142,000 miles

Air bags: “On july 15 I was driving at a low speed and my air bag light came on. It randomly flashes and sometimes stays on for 2 to 3 days. It has not been fixed due to the cost of repairing it. If the air bag explodes while I am driving this could be fatal to myself, my 1 year old son and my 12 year old son. Every Mazda SUV / truck from 2004 has a recall except mine. The recall needs to extend to the Tribute because there is obviously a serious issue that's needs to be corrected.”

NHTSA complaint #10670339, filed 2015-01, 129,075 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

14% of the 130 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 61,000 and 142,000 miles.

7%0–103%10–254%25–5016%50–7519%75–10027%100–15024%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (130 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 100,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’04’07’10’1327’16’19’22’25
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Mazda Tribute. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Tribute · sedan not rated5 / 4———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2004 Mazda Tribute version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Tribute 2WD2.0L 4-cyl5-speed manual202522$3,050
Tribute 2WD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172319$3,550
Tribute 4WD2.0L 4-cyl5-speed manual192321$3,200
Tribute 4WD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic162218$3,700

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2004 Mazda Tribute → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 112 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 112 bulletins →

Other model years of the Mazda Tribute

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20117103,0000323—Not enough data
20103957,6342—2350 · TypicalFalling
20093585,2001—2331 · FewerFalling
200820282,0004—22100 · MoreFalling
200613075,5002—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
2005377101,0003—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
2004157100,0005—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200319974,6766—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200238468,5577—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200156368,53813—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
2000548,0000———Not enough data

All Mazda Tribute model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda Tribute?

Owners of this model year most often report rear wheel-well and shock-mount corrosion, which in many cases lets the rear shock separate from the body and produces loud noises or handling changes. The issues reported most often: Rear shock mount / wheel well rusted through; Engine speed surge or stuck accelerator cable; Air bag warning light on.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Mazda Tribute have?

NHTSA recorded 157 consumer complaints for the 2004 Mazda Tribute as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2004 Mazda Tribute is reported most often?

Suspension is named most often, in 49 complaints (31% of the total), followed by body and structure with 45.

Has the 2004 Mazda Tribute been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mazda Tribute get?

The EPA rates the 2004 Mazda Tribute (Tribute 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Mazda Tribute reported?

Among the 130 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 100,000 miles and the middle half falls between 61,000 and 142,000 miles; 14% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.