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Mazda Tribute abs comes on

70 of the 2,102 owner complaints about the Mazda Tribute describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2002 model year.

owner complaints
70
worst model year
2002
typical repair cost reported
$800
typical mileage
82,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Apr 5, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · TN

Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and more the vehicle recalls need to be fixed desperately it's going to cause safety problems while driving if not took care of.

Filed Nov 22, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · 162,000 miles · GA

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 hesitated to respond and was jerking upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact who is an independent mechanic had replaced the transmission speed sensor, the transmission shift position sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the shift solenoid block, the transmission fluid, the transmission clutch solenoid, and the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved DTC codes indicating that the ABS wiring was overheating. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V016000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer bypassed the ABS module. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH to the residence after the repair, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the recall repair did not involve bypassing the ABS module. The dealer was contacted, but no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and several cases were opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

My car has had a abs engine code for a year that I have spent a lot of money trying to get it off because, I can’t renew my tag because it failed emissions vehicle safety test . So I was notified by my insurance company that my vehicle was under recall. I read it and called Mazda and it was confirmed and I went to the shop and I waited 6 hours for the installation of a new abs module and wire harness. Hennesy Mazda of morrow Georgia bypassed the abs system but replaced my voltage regulator with out my consent. The recall recommended repair is to replace the abs module and harness. The dealership refused to comply and neither offered a tow back to Newnan Georgia where I live. So they placed me and others at risk by failing to comply. I have been ignored even after speaking with 3 customer service representatives and I was given a call [XXX] 10/11/23. I was told that I had to get it to Marietta Jim Ellis Mazda and that they would contact me but know one has called. I need your help to resolve this serious violation of the recall and the altering of my vehicles abs by bypassing it 😳🙄. I have lost a total of $2,367 in parts lost wages and anguish due to their lack of compliance of the recall of my 2002 Mazda tribute es abs module and harness. The abs module and wiring to ECM gets the voltage regulator hot and causes abs engine light to illuminate and malfunction. This my work vehicle I need it to make a living. The abs module and harness wasn’t changed but was bypassed 😳. The recall clearly states the issue and recommended repairs by vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 4, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY

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.

Filed Dec 28, 2021 · Brakes · 108,000 miles · NC

While driving at low speed (less than 50 mph) truck experienced brake loss. Was able to slow down and have no accident. Towed truck to mechanic and the next day brakes worked fine. Took truck to both AAA and to Mazda dealership for repair and no one can duplicate the issue. No instrument lights came on and no code was given for additional information. It has been stated that ABS Master cylinder and brake booster have been tested as well as the relays and fuses. This isnt the first time this has happened but the pedal has never stayed as mushy or required to go to the ground as long as it had this time.

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 Feb 15, 2021 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 100,000 miles · KY · crash

As I am driving the ABS and traction control lights come on and the car will start kicking like something is trying to in gage itself this has caused the transmission to go out so I have had it rebuilt thinking maybe the transmission was bad I have the car back now and the car is doing the same thing as it was doing before transition went out it has done it almost every time I drive it dry pavement city and or country roads worried to drive it now don't want to have to replace transmission again over 3000 dollars to repair any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Filed Oct 3, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 145,600 miles · KS

Issue #1 - left front caliper locks up preventing vehicle to move. On multiple occasions the left front brake caliper has locked up after the vehicle had been traveling at several different speeds and coming to either a complete or sudden stop after hard braking. The issue makes it extremely difficult to drive the vehicle which causes the brake pads to overheat and smoke. I've replaced the caliper 3 times and have had the same issue with each new caliper. The underlying cause for the brake lock up has been a malfunction in the ABS and traction control unit and sensors. Temporary remedy has been to remove the 50amp ABS fuse for 24 hours and replace. System works like it is designed to do afterwards. Issue #2 - power assisted steering. The vehicle had shown systems of a vibrating and twitching steering wheel while at idle in park and while in gear while sitting at a stop. After 2 days of the moving steering wheel the vehicle was turned off and then restarted 5 hours later with no more jumping steering wheel but now with no power assisted steering at all. Making it extremely difficult to steer while under no to very low speed. The vehicle continues to have no power assisted steering as there is no consistent resource on what to do for those vehicles that have already been through the recall for this issue.

Filed Aug 20, 2019 · Body, Brakes · NY

The ABS malfunctioned and the ABS light is on. When I engage the break it makes noise initial before it will start to engage properly, but the ABS light keeps showing steadily. The trunk of the vehicle remains locked and cannot open. The latch is not bad.

Filed Jul 13, 2019 · Electrical · 180 miles · MN

While I was driving the car just shut off. I was told it was the battery and alternator. So I had them replaced. The car ran for aboutv10 minutrs and just shut off. While at the machanics he said that the wire harnesa is melting amd that I got lucky not to have a fire. The ABS light goae off and on to. I called about a recall I saw in 2007 about the wire harness and they are telling me it is fixes. I have proof it is melted and. Would like my car fixed under the recall.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported January 20, 2012 · 52,390 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 12V016000 · 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

Questions about the Mazda Tribute abs

Why does the abs come on in the Mazda Tribute?

Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, fire, smoke or burning smell and check engine light.

Which Mazda Tribute years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2002 (26 complaints), 2003 (16 complaints) and 2001 (9 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Mazda Tribute?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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