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BrakesPart report

2004 Mazda Tribute Brakes Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
6%of 157 total for the year
Median mileage
53,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Mazda Tribute, 6% of the 157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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

“2004 Mazda Tribute frost builds up on the brake pads when it is cold-causing the vehicle not to stop properly. This has happened 2 times and we had the brakes checked out at 2 separate places plus called the Mazda dealership and were told that the problem is frost on the brake pads. Very dangerous! Our collage age son was coming home from work, coming off the interstate, and could not stop at the stop sign on the ramp! (22 year old 4.0 pharmacy student).”

NHTSA complaint #10313455, filed 2010-02, 53,800 miles

“At 39720 miles I brought my 2004 Mazda Tribute in for a problem that turned out to be leaks in the transfer case and timing chain cover which were replaced under warranty. At that time, the Mazda service center (#1) told me that the front disc brake rotors had worn below minimums, could not be resurfaced and should be replaced. They also said that the pads were at their minimum thickness and should also be replaced. …”

NHTSA complaint #10172632, filed 2006-11, 39,720 miles

“At 47,968 miles and when my Mazda Tribute was four months out of warranty, I was told that I needed new front brake pads and to have the rotors resurfaced costing $340. After they had the car up, I was told there was not enough material on the rotor to resurface and that I would need to have the rotors replaced, costing $485 before a coupon. I requested and still have the parts they replaced and feel there is something wrong after reading other complaints on this problem on a car with so little mileage (and mostly highway miles). …”

NHTSA complaint #10242714, filed 2008-09, 47,968 miles

“At 35,000 miles I brought my 2004 Mazda Tribute into firestone for a brake inspection. At this time, I was told that the rotors had worn below minimum specification, could not be resurfaced and would have to be replaced. I authorized this work to be completed and paid for the repairs. Subsequently I went to showcase Mazda dealership to request a refund for the amount I paid for new rotors. They informed me that rotors were a wear item, even though rotors are not listed in the warranty exclusions. I was told that because of the soft material these rotors are made from, they wear more easily. …”

NHTSA complaint #10168430, filed 2006-09, 35,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201038%
200939%
2008105%
2006129%
2005257%
2004106%
20033216%
20028021%
20015610%
2000120%

Other parts of the 2004 Mazda Tribute

Suspension
49 complaints
Body and structure
45 complaints
Vehicle speed control
34 complaints
Air bags
22 complaints
Engine cooling
17 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
14 complaints
Wheels
10 complaints
Engine
5 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Electrical system
3 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Steering
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 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