2003 Mazda Tribute: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Mazda Tribute: 6 recalls, 199 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #04V175000 · 2004 · 106,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 duratec engines , during deceleration, the engine can stall.
Why it matters: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
The 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.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #04V583000 · 2004 · 121,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable May prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.
Why it matters: An unexpected increase in engine idle speed May increase stopping distance and May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on January 28, 2005. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option #4.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #04V605000 · 2004 · 49,800 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it May open during a crash.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #07V157000 · 2007 · 95,300 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The 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…
Speed control / throttle, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #12V357000 · 2012 · 217,500 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #14V174000 · 2014 · 109,000 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
Why it matters: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #07E023000 · 2007 · 13,128 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. The seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. The recall began during April 2007. Owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
Suspension Equipment recall #15E045000 · 2015 · 576 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Why it matters: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (35): the most common themes are warning light on (10), fails to deploy (7).
- Speed control / throttle (34): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (5), stalls / loses power (4).
- Body & structure (29): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (16), noise or vibration (6), door / lock issues (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (24): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (12), hard / delayed shifting (7), warning light on (3).
The 2003 Mazda Tribute has 199 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 12 Tribute model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 175). Complaints peaked in 2013 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 74,675 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (384 complaints, 7 recalls), 2004 (157 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
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 2003 Mazda Tribute.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Mazda Tribute, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Mazda Tribute problems?
Owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (35), speed control / throttle (34), body & structure (29).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mazda Tribute get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Mazda Tribute repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.