Mazda Tribute Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
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).
- 158service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 8mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 13%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.
- 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.
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
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Tribute | 1 | 25% | 25,000 |
| 2006 Tribute | 7 | 5% | 70,978 |
| 2005 Tribute | 13 | 3% | 40,842 |
| 2004 Tribute | 9 | 6% | 50,484 |
| 2003 Tribute | 21 | 11% | 60,326 |
| 2002 Tribute | 60 | 16% | 60,000 |
| 2001 Tribute | 46 | 8% | 88,950 |
| 2000 Tribute | 1 | 20% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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/module
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…
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…
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#…
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…
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

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
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (343)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (343)
- Structure problems (291)
- Suspension problems (249)
- Power Train problems (222)
- Steering problems (196)
- Electrical System problems (191)
- Air Bags problems (140)
See all Mazda Tribute problems.