Mazda Tribute Vehicle Speed Control Problems
Owners have filed 343 complaints with NHTSA about vehicle speed control problems on the Mazda Tribute across 11 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (85). The words owners use most often: “gas pedal sticks” (9% of reports).
- 343vehicle speed control complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 36mention a crash
- 18mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $550typical repair cost reported by owners
- 38%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.
- Gas pedal sticks: mentioned in 31 of 343 complaints (9%)
- Control cables: mentioned in 20 of 343 complaints (6%)
- Accelerator cable: mentioned in 20 of 343 complaints (6%)
- Became stuck: mentioned in 18 of 343 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical vehicle speed control repair on the Mazda Tribute at $550, and half of them between $210 and $1,200.
Based on 10 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2005–2012), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do vehicle speed control problems happen?
Based on 262 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 343 complaints, 36 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 18 an injury.
Mazda Tribute vehicle speed control complaints by model year
| Model year | Vehicle Speed Control complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Tribute | 6 | 15% | 60,000 |
| 2009 Tribute | 2 | 6% | 11,435 |
| 2008 Tribute | 53 | 26% | 60,000 |
| 2007 Tribute | 2 | 50% | — |
| 2006 Tribute | 49 | 38% | 70,000 |
| 2005 Tribute | 85 | 23% | 70,000 |
| 2004 Tribute | 34 | 22% | 90,000 |
| 2003 Tribute | 34 | 17% | 60,000 |
| 2002 Tribute | 37 | 10% | 73,000 |
| 2001 Tribute | 40 | 7% | 111,140 |
| 2000 Tribute | 1 | 20% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
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.
Vehicle speed control:cables
Model years: 2002, 2003, 2004
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.
Vehicle speed control
Model years: 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control. The speed control cable can have a cracked or missing speed control cable servo cap locating tab. The locating tab could enter the servo clutch cavity and interfere with the speed control servo clutch. Also, water could enter those units that contain a cracked or missing servo cap locating tab, eventually causing corrosion that could interfere with the function of the speed control.
Risk: If either of these conditions occurs and the speed control is used, the speed control could prevent the throttle from returning to idle, resulting in a stuck throttle. A stuck throttle could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the speed control cables. Vehicles with speed control cables from cavities 3 and 4 will have the cable the speed control servo replaced.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a potential recall failure involving a 2005 Mazda Tribute driven by my fiancé, [XXX], who died following a crash on [XXX]. Mazda has opened Case #[XXX] in response to my inquiry, and I am requesting federal oversight of this investigation. Joeyâs…
My ABS keeps locking up and Ive almost wrecked multiple times. I changed brakes and rotors and still the problem is on-going. Its dangerous and Ive read others saying the same thing online.
My vehicle took off and accelerated without me depressing the gas pedal and it was very scary and hard to get stopped I was doing almost 80 mph. It had a safety recall for the throttle cable for this but you show no open recalls yet Mazda does and told me if recalls we're taken care of they would…
The sensor does not send the speed to the speedometer
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda Tributes have vehicle speed control problems?
No. NHTSA has 343 owner complaints about vehicle speed control 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 vehicle speed control?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list vehicle speed control. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix vehicle speed control problems on the Mazda Tribute?
Owners report a typical cost of $550 (half paid between $210 and $1,200), from 10 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about vehicle speed control problems on the Mazda Tribute?
The most frequent phrase is “gas pedal sticks”, in 31 of 343 complaints, followed by “control cables” (20).
Other Mazda Tribute problems
- Engine and Engine Cooling 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.