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WheelsPart report

2004 Mazda Tribute Wheels Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
6%of 157 total for the year
Median mileage
142,631miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the wheels of the 2004 Mazda Tribute, 6% of the 157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 142,631 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.

“The right rear shock tower broke away from the body ,causing the vehicle to jerk hard right ,as I was driving on the highway at about 60 miles per hour,this almost caused an accident, I crossed into the middle lane cutting off the auto in that lane . Had it not been for the driving skills off the other driver and myself there would have been an accident. The shock then tore the inside of the tire up causing a flat. …”

NHTSA complaint #10888824, filed 2016-07, 175,000 miles

“Top of wheel well on both sides in the back of the vehicle is almost completely rotted out - this is an on going issue and apparently has been happening for a while but it is hard to notice since it is behind the closed door that it is apparent and since I am usually driving, I would not have noticed it. I was having my flex pipe replaced and have been noticing some anging in the rear of the vehicle. At this point, I am assuming it is coming from the body rott which I believe to be a driving hazard at this point. …”

NHTSA complaint #11114728, filed 2018-07, 155,000 miles

“The right wheel well is completely rusted through including the rear shock mounts. The only thing holding the metal together was the outer undercoating spray. My 18 year old son was driving on the interstate in this condition. I searched the internet and see that other Mazda Tribute and ford escape owners have the same problem. It's an obvious manfacture's defect that is occurring nationally and is a serious safety issue. Department of transportation federal highway administration.”

NHTSA complaint #10533755, filed 2013-08, 131,000 miles

“While looking for a knocking sound in the passenger side rear found that the shock mount assembly was broken loose from the body of the vehicle. You could see through to the interior fabric, leaving shock and mount attached to nothing. Serious design flaw.”

NHTSA complaint #10644376, filed 2014-10, 108,477 miles

“Took vehicle to dealer and had them check out some noise coming from rear of vehicle. Dealer says the rear passenger wheel well is very rusted (actually rusted through in spots) and not stable. Noise is coming from around the rear shock area which is very deteriorated around the shock mount and it looks like the shock may not be adequately secured. The same thing is starting to happen on the other rear wheel well but most of the damage is on the passenger side. There is no visible rust on the exterior of the vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #10554222, filed 2013-11, 113,495 miles

Related service bulletins

Wheels: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200913%
200842%
200643%
2005226%
2004106%
200311%
200251%
200131%

Other parts of the 2004 Mazda Tribute

Suspension
49 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
34 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsBrakes
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 28, 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