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2004 Mazda Tribute brakes problems

10 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 53,000.

owner complaints
10
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
53,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    2
  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mazda Tribute brakes problems in other years

20002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Related recalls

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

Related investigations

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

What 2004 Mazda Tribute owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 Apr 13, 2015 · Acceleration, Brakes · 161,094 miles · CT

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 recall numbers 7514d and 6812g why is it that recalls are closed when I obviously had issues and I never received notices? I purchased my mazda tribute 2004 at modern motors in 2008 as the second owner. I was never informed of these recalls and I think it's only fair that they should be done at no charge. Report receipt date: dec 10, 2004 the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v583000 component(s): vehicle speed control report receipt date: dec 23, 2004 the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v605000 component(s): latches/locks/linkages (my rear glass latches have been broken/defect) report receipt date: mar 29, 2007 the federal safety agency campaign number: 07e023000 component(s): service brakes, hydraulic report receipt date: apr 10, 2007 the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v157000 component(s): service brakes, hydraulic report receipt date: jul 27, 2012 the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v357000 component(s): engine and engine cooling , vehicle speed control report receipt date: apr 04, 2014 the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v174000 component(s): structure since I was the second owner why wasn't I informed of such defects/recalls??? This is what modern motors has typed on my work order that needs to be done. Gasket is leaking, front axle seals are leaking, front and rear pinion seals are leaking, rear shocks are leaking, front sway bar links have play, front and rear molded rubber brake hose are cracked. Exhaust hanger is broken, gas tank strap has been modified because there was no holder to hold the tank up and on. Needs tires and alignment which I can do.

Filed Jan 11, 2012 · Brakes · 84,000 miles · ME

When the brakes are applied, the brake peddle pulsate, the brakes grind and vibrate the car, and the car pulls to the left. No indicators lights light up. The pulsating in the brake pedal is the same as one would feel when the ABS engages, but the grinding and pulling to the left are not normal. The vehicle's brakes were inspected and the technician said they did not need replacement as they were not worn. I explained the pulsating and they agreed to replace them. They replaced the pads and rotors. They did not test drive the vehicle at that time. Upon leaving the garage and braking, I heard and felt the same symptoms as I described above, although not as severe. Due to the late hour, I continued home. A couple weeks later my husband took the vehicle back to the garage. This time the technician drove it to see for himself. Upon his inspection, he found some rust, but indicated the brakes and rotors were in working order. The pulsating of the brake pedal, the grinding noise, and the pulling to the left have become more pronounced whenever the brake pedal is depressed. It does not matter that the pedal is depressed gently, the symptoms still occur. I reviewed my recall inspection paperwork from 06/14.07 performed by a mazda dealership. My paperwork notes the technician should "perform 4507c recall. Performed recall to mazda guidelines." the paperwork does not indicate whether anything was found to be defective. It was under warranty at the time. I called the mazda corporate office at 800‑222‑5500 this afternoon and spoke with a representative. He indicated that if a dealership performed the recall inspection and did not find anything wrong at the time, that the recall was completed. I asked if the recall issues were now occurring on my car, even though nothing was found in 2007, would mazda repair the equipment.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Brakes · 53,800 miles · SD

2004 mazda tribute frost builds up on the brake pads when it is cold-causing the vehicle not to stop properly. This has happened 2 times and we had the brakes checked out at 2 separate places plus called the mazda dealership and were told that the problem is frost on the brake pads. Very dangerous! Our collage age son was coming home from work, coming off the interstate, and could not stop at the stop sign on the ramp! (22 year old 4.0 pharmacy student).

Filed Aug 21, 2009 · Brakes, Engine · 53,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda tribute. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decreased speed and felt as though it was losing power. The speed would not increase above 5 MPH and the brakes would not engage properly. The mechanic stated that the problem was due to the catalytic converter and it would take 1-3 months to receive the part. After 4 weeks, the vehicle was repaired; however, when the shifting gears from park, reverse, and drive she heard a grinding noise. There was also little or no resistance in the steering wheel while making right and left turns. The federal safety agency campaign id number: 07e023000 is related to the service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder and the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v583000 is related to the vehicle speed control:cables. The contact is aware of the safety risk in the transmission. The current and failure mileages were 53,000.

Filed Mar 30, 2009 · Brakes · AZ

Second time replacing rotors on 2004 fwd mazda tribute. Only 61k on vehicle. First rotors replaced at 25k.

Filed Sep 17, 2008 · Brakes · 47,968 miles · MD

At 47,968 miles and when my mazda tribute was four months out of warranty, I was told that I needed new front brake pads and to have the rotors resurfaced costing $340. After they had the car up, I was told there was not enough material on the rotor to resurface and that I would need to have the rotors replaced, costing $485 before a coupon. I requested and still have the parts they replaced and feel there is something wrong after reading other complaints on this problem on a car with so little mileage (and mostly highway miles). Also, the cd player broke once under warranty (it failed to eject or play cds) and was replaced, but has broken again after 18 months - same problem. The cd repair is very expensive - about $500 to exchange for a rebuilt unit and over $300 to repair minimum and there is a problem with the design of the unit. The dealer and mazda could not tell me the part number or maker of the unit and a couple of dealers did not even offer a repair option, saying the unit would have to be replaced.

Filed Nov 4, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · 39,720 miles · PA

At 39720 miles I brought my 2004 mazda tribute in for a problem that turned out to be leaks in the transfer case and timing chain cover which were replaced under warranty. At that time, the mazda service center (#1) told me that the front disc brake rotors had worn below minimums, could not be resurfaced and should be replaced. They also said that the pads were at their minimum thickness and should also be replaced. This was after having taken the same car to a different mazda dealer's service center (#2) one week earlier and being told that the front brakes were ok (5/32 on pads; 2/32 being the legal limit) and could probably go for another year before needing to be changed. That technician (#2 dealer) didn't seem to have a problem with the rotors. I was told by the #1 dealer that the rotors were not covered under the mazda warranty - this was considered a normal wear item. However, mazda's own national customer service agreed with me that rotors are technically not a "wear" item. This is only the second time in 30 years of driving cars with disc brakes that I have ever had to replace a rotor; the last time the car had 90,000 miles on it. Rotors generally don't wear at anywhere near the same rate as pads. Also, there was no warning to me while driving that I was getting to a potentially dangerous condition. The brakes appeared to work fine, did not pull to one side or make any kind of squealing or metal-on-metal sounds. This is a serious condition worthy of a recall! It should have been done a while ago as I have heard of this problem for more than a year now! The fact that two mazda trained technicians came up with two completely different assessments of my brakes is also cause for concern.

Filed Sep 16, 2006 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · AZ

At 35,000 miles I brought my 2004 mazda tribute into firestone for a brake inspection. At this time, I was told that the rotors had worn below minimum specification, could not be resurfaced and would have to be replaced. I authorized this work to be completed and paid for the repairs. Subsequently I went to showcase mazda dealership to request a refund for the amount I paid for new rotors. They informed me that rotors were a "wear" item, even though rotors are not listed in the warranty exclusions. I was told that because of the soft material these rotors are made from, they wear more easily. In my opinion this is "defective material" not a "routine wear item". The warranty states "worn brake and clutch linings" are excluded. A rotor is not a brake lining. I believe mazda should pay for replacement of all worn rotors during the warranty period, including mine. Brakes are certainly a safety issue and rotors wearing out in 35,000 miles and even less as I've read at some autobytel.com postings is not acceptable and should be fixed by mazda at no charge to the owner.

Filed Jan 13, 2005 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · CA

The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for a routine inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that both front rotors are severely out of round and needed to be replace. The dealer was not notified.

Questions about the 2004 Mazda Tribute brakes

Does the 2004 Mazda Tribute have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Mazda Tribute, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Mazda Tribute brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 53,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Mazda Tribute brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 07V157000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mazda Tribute have bad brakes?

The Mazda Tribute model years with the most brakes complaints are 2002 (80 complaints), 2001 (56 complaints) and 2003 (32 complaints).

Other 2004 Mazda Tribute problems

Suspension 49Body 45Acceleration 34Airbags 22Engine 22Transmission 14Wheels 10Electrical 3Fuel system 3Steering 3Tires 2Visibility 2Driver assistance 1Lights 1Locks 1Seat belts 1

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