Mazda Tribute Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 343 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Mazda Tribute across 8 model years. The 2001 model year has the most (167). The words owners use most often: “engine stalled” (9% of reports).
- 343engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 20%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine stalled: mentioned in 31 of 343 complaints (9%)
- Brakes steering: mentioned in 19 of 343 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 127 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 343 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 14 a fire.
Mazda Tribute engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Tribute | 2 | 1% | 14,643 |
| 2006 Tribute | 5 | 4% | 1,300 |
| 2005 Tribute | 2 | 1% | 80,000 |
| 2004 Tribute | 17 | 11% | 73,000 |
| 2003 Tribute | 23 | 12% | 47,000 |
| 2002 Tribute | 124 | 32% | 24,000 |
| 2001 Tribute | 167 | 30% | 42,500 |
| 2000 Tribute | 3 | 60% | 48,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control:cables; engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling and occasionally while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle would stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was…
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would accelerate unintendedly, and the brakes would fail during the unintended acceleration. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO FORCEFULLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, NONE…
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…
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…

Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda Tributes have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 343 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Mazda Tribute. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Mazda Tribute engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Mazda Tribute?
The most frequent phrase is “engine stalled”, in 31 of 343 complaints, followed by “brakes steering” (19).
Other Mazda Tribute problems
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (343)
- Structure problems (291)
- Suspension problems (249)
- Power Train problems (222)
- Steering problems (196)
- Electrical System problems (191)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (158)
- Air Bags problems (140)
See all Mazda Tribute problems.