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2004 Mazda Tribute problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Mazda Tribute is suspension, typically around 140,683 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Tribute model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
67/100
Owner complaints
157
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
130
Worst area
Suspension
Fuel economy
18-22mpg

The worst 2004 Mazda Tribute problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Mazda Tribute

Airbag light 8Stalling 8No deployment 7Sudden acceleration 6Knocking 5Transmission failure 5

Recalls 5

Structure: frame and membersReported April 4, 2014 · 109,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Tribute vehicles manufactured May 22, 2000, through December 19, 2003, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
Risk
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 29, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7514D.

Recall number 14V174000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: cablesReported July 27, 2012 · 217,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 12V357000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported April 10, 2007 · 95,300 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 07V157000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lockReported December 23, 2004 · 49,800 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain 2004-2005 sport utility vehicles and certain 2001-2003 sport utility vehicle having rear liftgate components serviced with 2004 equivalent components fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 206, 'door locks and door retention components.' the rear liftgate latching system does not meet the inertia load requirement in one direction.
Risk
If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear liftgate latch release rod, the release rod attachment clip and the door handle return spring. The recall began on march 31, 2005. Owners should contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500.

Recall number 04V605000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: cablesReported December 10, 2004 · 121,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on january 28, 2005. Owners should contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option #4.

Recall number 04V583000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2004 Mazda Tribute

Defect investigations

Cruise Control CableOpened July 17, 2012, closed July 17, 2012

On July 8, 2012, The Center for Auto Safety has petitioned the federal safety agency to open defect investigations on Model Year (MY) 2002 ? 2004 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles with certain cruise control cables.The Center for Auto Safety has also petitioned for a hearing to address whether Ford Motor Company (Ford) and Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) met their obligations to notify owners and correct a defect in certain Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles.The petitions to open investigations are denied as unnecessary and the petitions to conduct hearingsare denied.ODI IDs referenced above are: 10109921, 10116267, 10116574,10121108, 10125928, 10128545, 10130133,10137520, 10153327, 10155295, 10155817, 10159048, 10164205, 10165007, 10177337, 10184382, 10195378,10199728, 10201424, 10203178, 10204179, 10207677, 10214472, 10218668, 10222869, 10229600, 10255417,10256387, 10258046, 10259777, 10260591, 10266150, 10273613, 10291508, 10303282, 10303434, 10316154,10321828, 10323339, 10325817, 10331278, 10334038, 10335779, 10341773, 10342450, 10345004, 10363982,10370338, 10379444, 10432635, 10451652, 10466261, 891605, 10053779, 10125132, 10146998, 10149101,10160004, 10161052, 10170988, 10178811, 10204780, 10215610, 10222996, 10239609, 10252790, 10253666,10262773, 10264280, 10280669, 10289784, 10294932, 10312464, 10316440, 10343662, 10354530, 10413665,10461195

DP12005

Stuck ThrottleOpened July 17, 2012, closed February 21, 2013

In a letter dated July 25, 2012 Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), the federal safety agency Recall No. 12V‑353 to the federal safety agency identifying a safety defect involving inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, which could result in a stuck throttle condition.The vehicles involved are model year (MY) 2001 through MY 2004 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed (cruise) control.A redesigned engine cover was implemented in production beginning in MY 2005, which provided additional clearance of the speed control cable to the engine cover.Similarly on July 26, 2012 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) on behalf of Mazda Motor Corporation of Hiroshima, Japan submitted a DIR to the federal safety agency, the federal safety agency Recall No. 12V‑357, identifying the safety defect described above in MY 2001 through MY 2006 and MY 2008 Mazda Tribute vehicles (no Tribute vehicles were produced in MY 2007) equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control.Unlike the Ford Escape recall scope, the Mazda Tribute scope is broader as Mazda Tribute vehicles incorporated a similar engine cover design as related to the clearance to the speed control cable in MYs 2001 through 2006 and MY 2008.The failure report summary above reflects reports identified by ODI in review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and reports submitted to Ford and to Mazda.ODI identified 44 reports likely related to the safety defect described in the DIRs; 39 involving Ford Escape vehicles and 5 involving Mazda Tribute vehicles. This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10116267, 10128545, 10128681, 10137520, 10153327, 10165007, 10199728, 10234846, 10335779, 10466261, and 10468307.

PE12019

Engine Compartment FireOpened January 14, 2010, closed February 29, 2012

Ford and Mazda recalled model year (MY) 2001 through 2004 Ford Escape (07V‑156) and Mazda Tribute (07V‑157) vehicles due to non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating in the engine compartment at or near the ABS control module.Approximately 545,700 vehicles were subject to the initial safety recalls and approximately 424,700 vehicles were serviced under those campaigns. The campaigns addressed potentially damaged, missing or misplaced seals in the ABS control module wiring harness electrical connector that could allow brake fluid to enter the connector, possibly resulting in corrosion, short-circuit, melting, smoke and/or fire.Since the recall, the agency is aware of 260 subject vehicles that have reportedly experienced non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating at or near the ABS control module in vehicles some time after being serviced under the campaign. The post-recall repair incident rates for MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles are 90.9 and 126.7 (normalized per 100,000 vehicles serviced under the recall campaigns), respectively.These rates are much higher than the post-recall repair incident rate for MY 2003 and 2004 subject vehicles, which are 5.0 and 3.7 per 100K, respectively.Similarly, the post-recall repair key-off fire incident rates in the MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles is 54.3 per 100K, compared to 0.5 per 100K for the MY 2003 and 2004 subject vehicles.The agency is aware of 12 key-off fire incidents, all involving MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles, where the vehicle was parked inside a structure when the fire started.In five of those incidents, the fire spread from the vehicle to the structure itself.Ford has identified the brake master cylinder reservoir cap in certain MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles as a potential source for brake fluid leaks that could affect ABS module connector integrity.The reservoir caps used on the MY 2003 and 2004 subject vehicles are reportedly an improved design from those used on the earlier models.By letter dated January 4, 2012, Ford notified the agency that it would conduct another safety recall (identified by NTHSA Recall No. 12V‑005 and Ford Recall No. 11S24) of certain MY 2001 and 2002 Ford Escape vehicles to perform a more thorough remedy to address the risk of fire originating at the ABS control module.In addition to double-checking the ABS control module wiring harness electrical connector weather seal (which should have been addressed under the previous recall campaign), Ford will replace brake master cylinder reservoir caps to address the leaking cap problem and reduce the risk of brake fluid entering the subject electrical connector.Ford will also modify the electrical system such that the ABS control module is de-energized when the ignition key is switched off to further reduce the risk of an unattended vehicle fire in units that may have sustained some small loss of connector integrity that may not be evident upon visual examination.Similarly, Mazda notified the agency by letter dated January 19, 2012, that it would also conduct a safety recall (identified by NTHSA Recall No. 12V‑016 and Mazda Recall No. 6712A) of certain MY 2001 and 2002 Mazda Tribute vehicles.Ford estimates repair parts will be available beginning the second quarter of 2012. Until recall repairs are made both Ford and Mazda are advising owners of affected vehicles to reduce the safety concern by parking their vehicles outdoors away from structures to prevent a potential fire from spreading.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

EA10002

Engine compartment fireOpened April 15, 2009, closed January 15, 2010

In letters dated march 30, 2007, ford motor company (ford) and mazda north american operations (mazda) notified the agency that they will conduct recalls 07v‑156 and 07v‑157, respectively, to remedy a safety defect that may result in fire in a wiring connector used in certain model year (my) 2001-2004 ford escape and mazda tribute vehicles equipped with ABS.the recall campaign prescribes an inspection of the subject components, which shall be repaired or replaced only if necessary.if the subject vehicle passes the visual inspection then the recall instructs the technician to apply electrical grease (ford part number xg-12) to the ABS module connector and verify system operation.to date, approximately 388,500 subject vehicles (71.7% of the total recall population) have been serviced under the recall campaign, the vast majority of which (373,985) passed the visual inspection and received only the electrical grease applied to the ABS module connector. The agency is aware of at least 86 unique subject vehicles that have reportedly experienced non-crash fire incidents originating in the engine compartment at or near the ABS control module some time after the vehicle was serviced under the subject recall.the manufacturer has provided some information that indicates certain vehicles were improperly serviced under the subject recall as evidenced by the factory wire tie-wrap not being removed from the wiring harness (which indicates a proper inspection could not have been performed) and by incorrect grease being applied, incorrect amounts of grease, and even instances where no grease was applied to the ABS module connector.also, there remain some questions regarding the severity of the reported fire incidents.the manufacturer contends that most reported fires were actually non-fire thermal events with damage limited to the subject components and that most vehicles are repaired and returned to service.however, the trend appears to be ongoing with 5 reported incidents having occurred in the past 6 months.accordingly, this recall query has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further assess the effectiveness of the recall remedy.

RQ09002

Engine compartment fireOpened April 14, 2009, closed April 15, 2009

The office of defects investigation (odi) received a defect petition dated march 5, 2009 alleging that the petitioner never received the recall remedy for 07v‑156 and that, as a result, the petitioner's my2003 ford escape caught fire at the ABS control module.in response to odi follow-up, the manufacturer verified that the petitioner's vehicle had in fact received service related to safety recall 07v156 - a fact later corroborated by the petitioner.circumstances of the fire experienced in the petitioner's remedied vehicle indicate that the remedy was ineffective.additional review by odi identified an additional 6 similar (alleged to have originated in the engine compartment at or near the ABS control module ) non-crash fire incidents in subject vehicles known to have received the recall remedy.accordingly, a recall query (rq09-002) has been opened to assess the effectiveness of the recall remedy.

DP09003

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Mazda Tribute 130

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 130 bulletins for the 2004 Mazda Tribute

2004 Mazda Tribute fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD202522
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD192321
3.0L 6‑cylFWD172319
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD162218

What 2004 Mazda Tribute owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · Acceleration · OR · crash · 4 injuries

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. Joey’s vehicle may have been affected by the federal safety agency Recall 12V357000, which addresses throttle body malfunction and unintended acceleration. Service records show that a dealership performed a recall service, but the parts used may have been ineffective or incomplete. The crash sequence—rear-ending a stopped vehicle followed by veering into oncoming traffic—matches known symptoms of this defect. I am requesting: •A formal review of Mazda’s handling of Recall 12V357000 •Verification of Joey’s VIN-specific recall compliance •Investigation into the dealership’s repair actions and part quality •Oversight of Mazda’s internal case (#[XXX]) and its findings This issue raises serious concerns about manufacturer accountability and public safety. I am submitting supporting documentation and service records for review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 15, 2024 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

The driver air bag light on the instrument panel has been illuminated since 2004, repair had been attempted several times but has failed. A bulletin has been sent by the manufacture to the dealership regarding steering wheel airbag light being illuminated giving a false warning, due to defective electrical wiring that cannot be repaired.

Filed May 8, 2023 · Body · 203,350 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stopped and noticed there was rust on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear shock had detached due to rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 203,350.

Filed Mar 2, 2023 · Airbags · 212,900 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 212,900.

Filed Oct 6, 2022 · Suspension, Wheels · MI

rear passenger side wheel well ,shock tower mount ,and sub frame .shock tower mount broke fell off hit the cement , chipped my rim and crushed my break lines i took it to lafountaine mazda and they have done an estimate for repairs and damage

Filed Aug 5, 2021 · Acceleration, Brakes · 189,000 miles · CT

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 independent mechanic, but the code reader was not able to read any codes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the accelerator and brakes were repaired years prior and would not cover the cost for repair. The failure mileage was 189,000.

Filed Mar 16, 2021 · Body · 176,000 miles · MN

I was driving down the highway when I heard a noise like the roof was being ripped off. When I pulled over to inspect I noticed that the glass from my skylight was gone. Appears the glue deteriorated letting window become loose and therefore blowing off. Good thing didnt hit any other vehicles.

Filed Sep 15, 2020 · Body, Steering · 110,000 miles · KY

Driving one day, the car veered suddenly into the oncoming traffic lane. Fortunately no cars were there. I took it to my mechanic who told me the front suspension was cracked and the car's frame was rusted so badly the car could not be jacked up.

Filed Sep 23, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 181,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda tribute. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal thumping noise. The contact later noticed that the rear passenger wheel well was rusted out and the shock mount was fractured. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, the manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 1-2341658425. The failure mileage was 181,000.

Filed Sep 4, 2019 · Body · 94,000 miles · PA

I own a 2004 mazda tribute from new. It currently have around 94000 miles, mechanically and cosmetically maintained. Just recently I started hearing a banging noise from the passenger rear area. I have some stuff in the cargo area on that side so I figured it was bouncing around. So I removed everything and still had the banging. Upon further inspection I discovered a passenger side rear wheel well and shock tower rotting away...this is not acceptable...it presents much danger to all occupants and other vehicles occupants!!! This should never be and should be taken seriously by the manufacturer but it is not. Lots of 2001 to 2010 mazda tributes, ford escapes and mercury mariners, are affected by this problem. Please have the manufacturer make good on this defect.

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Questions about the 2004 Mazda Tribute

Is the 2004 Mazda Tribute reliable?

Owners have filed 157 complaints about the 2004 Mazda Tribute, close to a typical Tribute model year.

What is the 2004 Mazda Tribute year score?

The 2004 Mazda Tribute scores 67 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda Tribute: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mazda Tribute?

Suspension, with 49 complaints, typically around 140,683 miles. Next is body (45).

How many recalls does the 2004 Mazda Tribute have?

5 recalls, covering structure, vehicle speed control and service brakes, hydraulic.

What year does the Mazda Tribute have bad suspension?

The Mazda Tribute model years with the most suspension complaints are 2005 (137 complaints), 2004 (49 complaints) and 2001 (19 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mazda Tribute get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Mazda Tribute range from 18 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20 city and 25 highway.

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