Mazda Tribute Engine and Engine Cooling Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 19, 2026 · 343 complaints analyzed

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).

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.

Under 10k miles27 · 21%
10k–25k miles18 · 14%
25k–50k miles34 · 27%
50k–75k miles14 · 11%
75k–100k miles15 · 12%
100k–150k miles11 · 9%
150k+ miles8 · 6%

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

Peak: 2001, with 167 complaints
2000: 3200032001: 16720011672002: 12420021242003: 232003232004: 172004172005: 2200522006: 5200652008: 220082

n = 343 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearEngine and Engine Cooling complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2008 Tribute21%14,643
2006 Tribute54%1,300
2005 Tribute21%80,000
2004 Tribute1711%73,000
2003 Tribute2312%47,000
2002 Tribute12432%24,000
2001 Tribute16730%42,500
2000 Tribute360%48,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2002, with 122 complaints
2000: 2200022001: 55552002: 12220021222003: 59592004: 292004292005: 12122006: 152006152007: 442008: 122008122009: 772010: 6201062011: 552012: 6201262013: 222014: 2201422015: 222019: 1201912021: 112022: 120221

n = 343 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Vehicle speed control:cables; engine and engine coolingJul 27, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V357000 · 217,500 vehicles

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…

Received Mar 18, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11457256

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…

Received Aug 5, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11427833

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…

Received Sep 16, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11255963

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…

Received Apr 13, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10705475

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…

Received Mar 12, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10693760
Mazda Tribute
2001-2004 Mazda Tribute photographed in College Park, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

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

See all Mazda Tribute problems.