MYRModel Year Report

2002 Mazda Tribute

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2002 Mazda Tribute
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
384
Recalls
9

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 563 complaints 2002: 384 complaints 2002 384 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 157 complaints 2004 2005: 377 complaints 2006: 130 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2008: 202 complaints 2008 2009: 35 complaints 2010: 39 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints
2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 563 complaints 2001 2002: 384 complaints 2002 384 2003: 199 complaints 2003 2004: 157 complaints 2004 2005: 377 complaints 2005 2006: 130 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 202 complaints 2008 2009: 35 complaints 2009 2010: 39 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints 2011
2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 563 complaints 2001 2002: 384 complaints 2002 384 2003: 199 complaints 2003 2004: 157 complaints 2004 2005: 377 complaints 2005 2006: 130 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 202 complaints 2008 2009: 35 complaints 2009 2010: 39 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints 2011

2002: 384 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20005
2001563
2002384
2003199
2004157
2005377
2006130
20074
2008202
200935
201039
20117

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

33% · 126 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I pulled onto a dirt road because there was smoke coming from the front of my car and when I stopped I opened the hood and there was like a small fire coming from under the hood I got scared called my mother and 2 seconds later the whole front of...

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-24

While driving engine cut off, causing loss of power brakes, and power steering without any warning.this happened 4 times. On 4TH time had an accident. Contacted dealer several times.cause unknown.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-29

On November 2 driving 40MPH with no warning my engine shut off and I lost power to my steering and brakes. I was able to get the car to the side of the road after applying all my weight to the brakes and steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-11-08

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic and steering

Service brakes

23% · 87 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that vehicle caught on fire while parked. The contact called the fire department to extinguish the flames. The fire department stated that the fire was due to an electrical component.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-09

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 .

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-13

Also filed under Electrical system

Electrical system

11% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and fuses and circuit breakers.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Vehicle speed control

10% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing cables and cruise control.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Car was in park with engine running and vehicle suddenly started to back up and hit a metal fence. Please provide any further information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-26

Air bags

10% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2002 Mazda Tribute. While driving 30 MPH, another vehicle abruptly stopped in front of the owner's vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-16

Driver of vehicle 1 ran red light at an approximate speed of 40-45 MPH and hit passenger door of vehicle 2 causing severe damage to passenger side of vehicle 2 and totally front end of vehicle 1. We own vehicle 2.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-07

Safety timeline

9 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2001-12-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-09-10 Engine stalling
  2. ▮
    2002Complaint volume 384 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. I
    2002-09-10Engineering analysisClosed 2004-04-15 Engine stalling
  4. R
    2004-05-03Power train04V175000 On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 duratec engines , during deceleration, the engine can stall.

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2005-01-28Vehicle speed control04V583000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on January 28, 2005. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option #4.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2005-03-31Latches/locks/linkages04V605000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2006-10-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-04-17 Engine compartment fire
  8. R
    2007-04-02Service brakes, hydraulic07E023000 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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2007-05-09Service brakes, hydraulic07V157000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. I
    2009-04-14Defect petitionClosed 2009-04-15 Engine compartment fire
  11. I
    2009-04-15Recall queryClosed 2010-01-15 Engine compartment fire
  12. I
    2010-01-14Engineering analysisClosed 2012-02-29 Engine Compartment Fire
  13. R
    2012-06-22Service brakes, hydraulic12V016000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. I
    2012-07-17Defect petitionClosed 2012-07-17 Cruise Control Cable
  15. I
    2012-07-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-02-21 Stuck Throttle
  16. R
    2012-09-13Engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control12V357000 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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. R
    2014-05-29Structure14V174000 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,...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  18. R
    2015-05-20Suspension15E045000 The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury...

    Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Mazda Tribute — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 126 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 87 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 44 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V175000 · Power train
  • Recall 04V583000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 04V605000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 07E023000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 07V157000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 12V016000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 12V357000 · Engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control
  • Recall 14V174000 · Structure
  • Recall 15E045000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2002 Mazda Tribute reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Mazda Tribute is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mazda Tribute?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.