2003 Mazda Tribute Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Tribute vehicles manufactured May 22, 2000, through December 19, 2003, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.

Risk: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 29, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7514D.

Problem: Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.

Risk: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (abs), the abs module connector may have missing or dislodged wire seals. This condition could allow contamination to enter the module connector, creating a potential for an electrical short.

Risk: An electrical short might cause an abs malfunction that would illuminate the abs warning light, and in some cases, the module may overheat resulting in burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition could occur either when the vehicle ignition switch is in the off position or while the vehicle is being operated.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the wire harness connector to the abs module for missing or dislodged wire seals, and repair or replace the harness connector as appropriate. The dealer will also inspect the connector on the abs module and replace it if it is found to be corroded or damaged. The recall began on may 9, 2007. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Problem: Certain 2004-2005 sport utility vehicles and certain 2001-2003 sport utility vehicle having rear liftgate components serviced with 2004 equivalent components fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 206, 'door locks and door retention components.' the rear liftgate latching system does not meet the inertia load requirement in one direction.

Risk: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear liftgate latch release rod, the release rod attachment clip and the door handle return spring. The recall began on march 31, 2005. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.

Risk: An unexpected increase in engine idle speed may increase stopping distance and may result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on january 28, 2005. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option #4.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 duratec engines , during deceleration, the engine can stall.

Risk: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the power control module (pcm) with the appropriate calibration. The recall began on may 3, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.