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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2004 Mazda Tribute Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
14about this part
Share
9%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 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Mazda Tribute, 9% of the 157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles.

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.

“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

“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. I went to an independent transmission shop that was more economical and he told me this is a common problem since the belts and hardware (rivets that connect mounting bracket) are too small for the vehicle. …”

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

“2004 Mazda Tribute SUV completely stalled driving 35 MPH, this is the fourth such incident in 2 years of engine stall, dealer has been unable to diagnose issue unable to duplicate . This incident resulted in near rear end collision by an 18 wheel truck. Driver side front wheel bearing also failed at 50,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10167314, filed 2006-09, 25,000 miles

“I own a Mazda Tribute 2004, it was taken to the Mazda servicing shop for various repairs ranging from a leak of water of rain through the front windshield, the transmission of the sub would not engage in reverse, the condensation of the air conditioning leaks on top of the catalytic converter which is rusted, along with various other complaints. The SUV currently has a mileage of 8695 miles and is experiencing transmission problems, it does not shift into the 40-55 MPH shift and exceeds the #3 RPM's. …”

NHTSA complaint #10166435, filed 2006-08, 8,695 miles

“Mazda recall # 1904d. Mazda has a recall for units built from april 17, 200 through september 11, 2002. My unit was built in 2004 but has the exact same problems as the vehicles in this recall. No one at Mazda can ( or won't ) tell me the reason that units in later dates such as mine are not in this recall even tho it does what the recall was suppose to fix and will not fix mine with-out a charge. The unit die when coming up to a stop sign or slowing down. This has happened repeatedly to my daughter who drives this car to the point where she is afraid to drive it. …”

NHTSA complaint #10820489, filed 2016-01

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20101333%
200939%
20082512%
20061411%
2005246%
2004149%
20032412%
2002359%
20016912%

Other parts of the 2004 Mazda Tribute

Suspension
49 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
34 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsEngine cooling
17 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 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