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Engine coolingPart report

2004 Mazda Tribute Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
17about this part
Share
11%of 157 total for the year
Median mileage
73,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Mazda Tribute, 11% of the 157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“About 2 weeks ago started to hear a ticking noise when starting, getting worse checked oil and was down about 1/2 liter topped up oil. Went to a garage to have it looked at. They told me there was a connector rod problem this progressed rapidly within two days it wont start. I have 109000 k/m , there was no warning no over heating, no warning lights . Now I need a new engine.”

NHTSA complaint #10248630, filed 2008-11, 109,856 miles

“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

“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

“This is basically a design flaw. Our 2004 Mazda Tribute suffered hydro-lock after traversing a flooded paved road driving along the road crown. The road conditions were such that the center yellow line was visible through the muddy water and the water level was below the running boards. The vehicle stalled near the end of the flooded condition and was able to restart several times but would stall again. While stalled in the flooded roadway, several other vehicles including passenger cars (chevy malibu, nissan murano) past by our stalled Tribute on the left side in deeper water. …”

NHTSA complaint #10058546, filed 2004-02, 4,500 miles

“Already reported.....this is additional info poor mechanic service had car for month no rental vehicle:2004 trb lx xa safety recall(s) found: 4 special service program (ssp) recall(s) found: 0 last updated: march 11, 2015 Mazda recall #: 6812g NHTSA recall #: 12v357000 recall date recall description repair description recall status 07/26/12 Tribute 3.0l engine cover modification. …”

NHTSA complaint #10693760, filed 2015-03, 80,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200821%
200654%
200521%
20041711%
20032312%
200212432%
200116730%
2000360%

Other parts of the 2004 Mazda Tribute

Suspension
49 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
34 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Mazda Tribute

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology