KnownCarProblems2001 Mazda Tribute Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 563 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Mazda Tribute, most often about the engine (30% of complaints, typically around 46,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Tribute model year since 2000 and has 13 recalls.
Most common 2001 Mazda Tribute problems
Engine
171 complaints · 30%Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
My 2001 Tribute has stalled twice in the last yar. It seems to be related to hills. This life threatening situation could result in a crash because power steering fails, and there is no engine power. Mazda must recall for this issue before someone is hurt.
Mazda Tribute 2001. While stopped in drive (automatic transmission; cruise control off) with foot on brake, engine suddenly revved to 4000 RPM. Had to use hard, full braking plus emergency brake to keep SUV from moving forward and hitting car in front of me. In neutral, engine revved at 4000 RPM. Turned engine off and…
Electrical
81 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 57,500 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, starter assembly, alternator/generator/regulator.
I bought a 2001 Mazda Tribute (used) in march 2003. About a month later, it began stalling frequently - mostly when I was backing out of a driveway/parking spot. I took it to the local Mazda dealership in july 2003 and they looked it over and could find no explanation, but they did a PCM update on it anyway. It…
(1)events leading to failure: during normal driving, pressing the brake pedal, rolling down a window, or using turn signal. (2)failure: engine dies, loss of power steering, power brakes, etc... (3)vehicle has been brought to dealer several times, issue has not been improved/corrected.
Transmission
69 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 44,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, driveline, clutch assembly.
2001 Mazda Tribute transmission failure. This has occ'd twice. Last winter on an los angeles freeway in the middle of the night and last week on a mountain road. This is the second transmission failure. Both times it was replaced under warranty but I am afraid it will occur again.
2001 Mazda Tribute transmission failure. This has occurred twice. Last winter on an los angeles freeway in the middle of the night, and last week on a mountain road. This is the second transmission failure. Both times it was replaced under warranty, but I am afraid it will occur again.
Doors and locks
59 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors, hood, hatchback/liftgate.
Dt: the contact stated two of the inside door handles have failed. This happened on the front driver's side and passenger's side doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and were repaired both times. Updated 11/29/2005 -
Tl contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the driver side door would not unlatch from inside the passenger compartment. The window was rolled down and she was able to open the door with the outside handle. The vehicle was not inspected by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 72,000.
Brakes
56 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 117,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, power assist, pedals and linkages.
On saturday, may 15, my daughter and I were traveling in our 2001 Mazda se lx. In st. Paul, mn. My 22-year old daughter was driving. We were sitting at a stop-light when the brake pedal slowly dropped to the floor. There was minimal braking power left, but enough to get home. On mon, may 15, vehicle was towed to our…
I was driving my 2001 Mazda Tribute to work on the freeway at 60 MPH. Traffic was slowing ahead and I applied the brakes. A second after the brakes were applied the pedal went to the floor and I lost all brake operation. I was able to avoid an accident because I was in the left lane and was able to pull over to the…
Body and structure
45 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The driver door handle suddenly stopped working, I thought maybe because it's now considered an old car, but then just recently the same thing happened to the passenger door. I thought, hmmmm maybe I should look this up on the internet. Bam!!! Many complaints of the same defect and no recall!! This is a safety issue.…
The contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to be serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14v174000 (structure), the technician informed that the rear bolts on the vehicle were rusted and unrepairable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…
Speed control
40 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 111,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, cables, cruise control.
Moved from center turn lane into eastbound lane of rush hour traffic at 5:30pm. Suddenly noticed the car was speeding. Took foot off accelerator but car continued to accelerate. Managed to pull into a right turn lane into a gas station while standing on brake to no effect. As I swerved into the gas station, I put the…
Tl contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. While idling at a red light, the vehicle accelerated and increased to 4 RPM's on its own. The vehicle would not return to idle. The vehicle had to be turned off and was towed to the dealer. The dealer currently has the vehicle and it has not been diagnosed. Nhtsa campaign id…
Steering
35 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 61,500 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist system, linkages, rack and pinion, steering wheel/handle bar.
While driving the steering wheel locked up and engine shuts off. The dealer was notified. This problem occurred intermittently and the dealer has not been able to correct the problem.
My 2001 Tribute has stalled twice in the last yar. It seems to be related to hills. This life threatening situation could result in a crash because power steering fails, and there is no engine power. Mazda must recall for this issue before someone is hurt.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Mazda Tribute recalls
Body and structure: frame and members
Risk: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Speed control: cables
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: control unit/module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: control unit/module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Doors and locks: lock
Risk: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the power control module (PCM) with the appropriate calibration. The recall began on may 3, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 duratec engines , during deceleration, the engine can stall.
Seat belts: buckle assembly
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will have the driver and front passenger safety belt buckle cover removed and replaced with a newly designed service buckle cover. Owner notification began february 5, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, a post within the safety belt buckle covers could fracture, which could affect latch function, resulting in either a "no latch" or "partial latch" condition. In the "partial latch" condition, the buckle tongue can be inserted into the buckle and appear to be engaged, but will release from the buckle without the push button being depressed when a relatively low load is applied, such as when an occupant moves slightly in the seat.
Visibility and wipers: linkages
Risk: This condition will likely result in sudden and complete loss of the windshield wiper function, or of the wiper function on the driver side only, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper module.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The windshield wiper linkage can disengage due to a broken ball socket.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
Risk: In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Fix: Owners will be provided with revised owner manuals.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the owner's manuals do not indicate which seating positions are equipped with child restraint anchorages. Also, the manuals do not explain the markings in the vehicles that locate the lower anchorages.
Fuel system: delivery
Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The o-ring seals in the fuel line connector at the outlet end of the fuel filter were damaged when the line was connected to the filter during vehicle assembly. In some cases, this damage could result in a fuel odor, or possibly in fuel dripping from the connection.
Wheels and tires: hubcap/cover
Risk: This condition could cause loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear hubs and, if necessary, replace them.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: some 4x2 sport utility vehicles not equipped with an antilock braking system may have inadvertently been built with 4x4 rear hubs instead of 4x2 hubs. If the incorrect hubs are installed on a 4x2 vehicle, the rear wheels can loosen, or in some cases, separate from the vehicle.
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Risk: Either of these conditions can lead to the steering wheel becoming loose or separating from the steering column, resulting in loss of steering control.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly to the steering column. The nut could be upside down in the steering wheel assembly, which could overstress the steering column shaft when the nut is tightened. In addition, some of the nuts may have been cracked during manufacture resulting in the nut fracturing when it is tightened during vehicle assembly.
Speed control: vehicle 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Cruise control cable
Summary
On july 8, 2012, the center for auto safety has petitioned NHTSA 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, 1
Stuck throttle
Summary
In a letter dated july 25, 2012 ford motor company (ford) submitted a defect information report (dir), NHTSA recall no. 12v-353 to NHTSA 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 mot
Engine compartment fire
Summary
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
Engine compartment fire
Summary
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, appr
Engine compartment fire
Summary
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 AB
Engine compartment fire
Summary
In letters dated march 30, 2007, ford and mazda notified NHTSA that they will conduct safety recalls 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 sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS.recall 07v-156 involves approximately 446,450 my 2001-2004 escape vehicles manufactured from october 22, 1999 through january 23, 2004.recall 07v-157 involves approximately 95,300 my 2001-2004 tribute vehicles manufactured from april 17, 2000 through december 19, 2003. According to the manufacturers, the electrical wiring connectors to the ABS electronic control module were manufactured with wire seals missing
Safety belt buckle failure
Summary
This investigation was opened on july 14, 2003 based on 4 reports alleging the driver's safety belt buckle failed to latch or remain latched.mazda notified odi that it transferred engineering responsibility to ford when the vehicle design was brought to the united states for production in ford's assembly plants.ford determined that the safety belt buckle is subject to lateral flexing during use that could allow a portion of the buckle cable stalk convolute tubing that extends into the buckle assembly to contact the molded plastic anti-rattle post on the upper buckle cover.this contact may cause the post to fatigue and fracture, allowing the backside of the latch to wedge below the broken edg
Engine stalling
Summary
Ford's and mazda's letters to NHTSA dated april 5 and april 9, 2004, state that they will recall model year 2001-03 ford escape and mazda tribute vehicles with the v6 engine built thru september 11, 2002.dealers will adjust engine calibration in the programmable control module (PCM), which in its current setting, can cause the engine to shut down if the vehicle is decelerating at speeds below 40 MPH. The engine shuts down due to excessively rich air-fuel mixtures being sent to the engine.when the engine shuts down, drivers may notice a loss of power assist for their steering and brakes. The majority of the complainants have indicated to the agency that the stall is intermittent and can happe
Engine stalling
Gasoline vapor intrusion
Summary
There is no summary currently available
Questions about the 2001 Mazda Tribute
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mazda Tribute?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (171 complaints, typically around 46,000 miles); electrical (81 complaints, typically around 57,500 miles); transmission (69 complaints, typically around 44,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Mazda Tribute have?
- 13 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 4, 2014 (body and structure). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Mazda Tribute?
- It is the most complained-about Tribute model year since 2000, with 563 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.