MotorDeets

Mazda Tribute problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Tribute from 2000 to 2011: 2,102 owner complaints and 43 recalls across 12 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (563), 2002 (384), 2005 (377). Best fuel economy: 25 mpg combined (2011).

Mazda Tribute
Photo: Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine & cooling343
Speed control / throttle343
Body & structure291
Suspension249
Transmission & drivetrain222
Steering196
Electrical191
Brakes (hydraulic)158

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200005–
20011356323
2002738422
2003619922
2004515722
2005337724
2006213023
200704–
2008420224
200913524
201023924
20110725

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mazda Tribute.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mazda Tribute?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (563), 2002 (384), 2005 (377).

How many recalls has the Mazda Tribute had?

Across 2000–2011, NHTSA lists 43 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).