Mazda Tribute Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 31, 2025 · 158 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 158 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Mazda Tribute across 8 model years. The 2002 model year has the most (60). The words owners use most often: “master cylinder” (13% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Master cylinder: mentioned in 21 of 158 complaints (13%)
  • Unit module: mentioned in 15 of 158 complaints (9%)
  • Brake fluid: mentioned in 15 of 158 complaints (9%)
  • Hydraulic antilock control: mentioned in 14 of 158 complaints (9%)

At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?

Based on 101 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles4 · 4%
10k–25k miles13 · 13%
25k–50k miles23 · 23%
50k–75k miles20 · 20%
75k–100k miles12 · 12%
100k–150k miles17 · 17%
150k+ miles12 · 12%

How serious are the reports?

Of 158 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 19 a fire, 4 an injury.

Mazda Tribute service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year

Peak: 2002, with 60 complaints
2000: 1200012001: 462001462002: 602002602003: 212003212004: 9200492005: 132005132006: 7200672007: 120071

n = 158 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearService Brakes, Hydraulic complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2007 Tribute125%25,000
2006 Tribute75%70,978
2005 Tribute133%40,842
2004 Tribute96%50,484
2003 Tribute2111%60,326
2002 Tribute6016%60,000
2001 Tribute468%88,950
2000 Tribute120%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2012, with 25 complaints
2001: 102001102002: 10102003: 112003112004: 14142005: 6200562006: 15152007: 112007112008: 13132009: 152009152010: 772011: 122011122012: 25252013: 4201342014: 222015: 2201522023: 11

n = 158 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/moduleJan 20, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V016000 · 52,390 vehicles

Model years: 2001, 2002

Problem: Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 mazda tribute vehicles manufactured from april 20, 2000, through july 19, 2002. The brake master cylinder reservoir cap can leak brake fluid. If brake fluid leaks, it could come in contact with the antilock brake system (abs) module wiring harness connector.

Risk: Corrosion may develop in the electrical connector leading melting, smoking or possible fire.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vehicle's brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the abs electrical system, free of charge. Until the repair has been performed, vehicle owners should park their vehicles outside. The safety recall began on june 22, 2012. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option 6.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/moduleApr 10, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V157000 · 95,300 vehicles

Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting erratically and made an abnormal rumbling sound. The contact stated that the vehicle…

Received Nov 22, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11556495

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

I noticed a brake fluid leak under the vehicle in my garage. After checking under the hood, i noticed brake fluid splattered around engine compartment. When i checked the brake fluid,the top was loose,and the reservoir was low. This is the second time i noticed this, and when i checked my vin#…

Received Mar 2, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10691604

2001 mazda tribute. Consumer writes in regards to the vehicle subframe corrosion recall notice. *smd the consumer received a recall notice in early june. However, she had already paid for the repairs. So, she submitted a request for reimbursement, along with a synopsis of the trouble she…

Received Aug 7, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10619575

2001 & 2005 mazda tribute. Consumer writes in regards to both vehicles had complete brake failures. *smd the brake hose was replaced in both vehicles. The mechanic stated the failures were due to a design flaw. *jb

Received Apr 8, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10577664
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 service brakes, hydraulic problems?

No. NHTSA has 158 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic 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 service brakes, hydraulic?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Mazda Tribute?

The most frequent phrase is “master cylinder”, in 21 of 158 complaints, followed by “unit module” (15).

Other Mazda Tribute problems

See all Mazda Tribute problems.