10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
105,933 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Mazda Tribute brakes problems

brakes problem

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2002 Mazda Tribute Owner Comments

problem #18

Oct 032023

Tribute

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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)

- Newnan , GA, USA

problem #17

Jan 012009

Tribute

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop and continued to move forward. The contact had to forcefully depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. In addition, none of the locks functioned and the body frame was rusted. The contact also stated that the rear hatch window detached from the vehicle. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 04V583000 (vehicle speed control), 12V357000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control), and 14V174000 (structure). The vehicle was unable to be driven and was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact called preston Mazda (located at 260 boardman poland rd, boardman, oh 44512, (844) 835-0773) and was informed to tow the vehicle to their facility. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 150,000.

- Farrell, PA, USA

problem #16

Apr 102018

Tribute

  • 202,500 miles
My 2002 Mazda Tribute is leaking brake fluid per Mazda recall my vehicle was manufactured 01/02. And it smells smoky! I didn't get a recall notice but, my Tribute is having the exact problem sited on U.S. news & world report. Quote: Mazda recalling 52,390 Tribute SUVS from the 2001 and 2002 model years for a problem with their brakes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the Tribute's brake system could leak brake fluid. If the brake fluid leaks, it's possible that the fluid can come in contact with wires that control the anti-lock brake system. Corrosion may develop in the electrical connector leading melting, smoking or possible fire, ' NHTSA reports. NHTSA says that owners should park their Mazda Tribute outside until the vehicle has been taken in to the dealership to be fixed. This is unusual compared with most vehicle safety recalls, but with the possibility of a fire occurring, owners should heed this warning. Affected Mazda Tribute SUVS were built from April 20, 2000 through July 19, 2002. You can check to see when your 2001 or 2002 Mazda Tribute was built by checking the sticker on the inside of the driver's side door jamb.

- Jennings, MO, USA

problem #15

Apr 232016

Tribute

  • 145,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Catastrophic failure of rubber brake hose on front passenger wheel. Total loss of ABS braking system during attempted stop with vehicle in motion and slowing at an intersection. Made loud pop / gunshot sound, spewing brake fluid. Had to engage emergency and parking brake to prevent collision.

- Burr Ridge, IL, USA

problem #14

Mar 022015

Tribute 6-cyl

  • 141,300 miles
I noticed a brake fluid leak under the vehicle in my garage. After checking under the hood, I noticed brake fluid splattered around engine compartment. When I checked the brake fluid, the top was loose, and the reservoir was low. This is the second time I noticed this, and when I checked my VIN# against recalls, there is none for this problem for my particular vehicle. But I know there is a safety recall in effect for 2001-2002 Tributes for this problem per NHTSA 12V016000. It specifically references the master cylinder reservoir cap, which I think may be my problem also.

- Rock Hill, SC, USA

problem #13

Nov 192014

Tribute

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the ABS sensor illuminated intermittently several times. The contact mentioned that the vehicle failed to restart after parking it. The contact used battery cables and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was not notified nor ws the vehicle included in recall NHTSA campaign id number: 12V016000 (service brakes, hydraulic), NHTSA campaign id number: 07V157000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and NHTSA campaign id number: 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #12

Apr 142014

Tribute 4WD 6-cyl

  • 165,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Applying brakes and ABS kicks in and makes the tires lock up in the back and slides the rear end of the vehicle around. Seems electrical problems are occurring also. Headlights have a short, reverse lights don't work, and window controls don't always work. Vehicle has done all this since I have owned it. It was bought used and I have had it checked for all recalls and they are all up to date, or so the Mazda dealer says they are. I have had brakes replaced along with rotors and tires and the vehicle does the same thing.

- Huntington, WV, USA

problem #11

Mar 062013

Tribute

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the ABS warning indicator began to illuminate until the engine was turned off. In addition, the brakes emitted a strong burning odor. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 07V157000 (service brakes, hydraulic) in 2012 however, the failure recently recurred. The manufacturer was notified and they informed the contact that the owner would be responsible for the diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #10

Oct 102012

Tribute 4-cyl

  • 154,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that the brake fluid reservoir housing was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V016000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 154,000 and the current mileage was 188,000.

- Chapel Hill, NC, USA

problem #9

Mar 242013

Tribute

  • miles
Bought vehicle at about 75K miles, currently has 99K miles, during this entire time the brakes have been warped and have gotten substantially worse. My driving habits are primarily city, and hwy driving, no towing, no heavy loads. Brakes should be fine but are warped so bad that when braking medium to hard, especially before a corner, the vehicle become difficult to control from shaking and shuttering of the brake rotors. From the research I found online this appears to be a common problem among Mazda Tributes. I was instructed to report this here. Mazda needs to confront this issue because it is so common.

- Bend, OR, USA

problem #8

Nov 252012

Tribute

  • 185,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while parked the vehicle burst into flames. The contact put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was not contacted. The contact believed the fire was caused by NHTSA campaign I.D. number 12V016000 (service brakes, hydraulic: Antilock: Control unit/module). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but decided to referred the contact to the dealer in order to determine if the vehicle was included in the recall. The failure mileage was 185,000.

- Mt. Ida, AR, USA

problem #7

Aug 082012

Tribute

  • 113,000 miles
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. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign I.D. number 12V016000 (service brakes, hydraulic: Antilock: Control unit/module), which stated that a fire could result from brake fluid leaking onto the master cylinder. The contact did not verify with the manufacturer if the vehicle was involved in the recall. The failure mileage was 113,000.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #6

Feb 012012

Tribute

  • 82,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated received the recall notice associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 12V016000 (service brakes, hydraulic: Anti lock: Control unit/module) in February 2012. The manufacturer stated that the part was not available yet. The contact felt that the recall had exceeded a reasonable time for repair. The failure mileage was 82,000 and the current mileage was 85,000.

- Matteson , IL, USA

problem #5

Jun 132012

Tribute 6-cyl

  • miles
Got a recall notice in Feb. 2012 and have not heard anything from Mazda since. I did contact the co. And they said the parts to fix my car would be available in the second quarter of 2012. It is now June 13th and I still have not heard anything. Do I need to be concerned? the recall is 6712A and I was told not to park close to any structures. My husband wants the car moved away from the house. I need to know if there is a real safety problem and why the co. Won't get back to me about it. Thank you

- Banner Elk, NC, USA

problem #4

Jun 032012

Tribute

  • miles
Received notice from Mazda regarding safety recall #6712A in Feb 2012 for our 2002 Mazda Tribute - recommended action was to park vehicle outdoors, away from structures to prevent unattended potential fire from spreading related to electrical short /ABS module. It has now been 3 months and Mazda has not provided the necessary repairs to return this vehicle to a safe condition.

- Stuart, FL, USA

problem #3

May 232012

Tribute

  • miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 12V016000 (service brakes hydraulic: Antilock: Control unit/ module) on December 12, 2012. The dealer was contacted and advised that the parts needed for the repair would not become available until the second quarter of 2012. The contact was concerned because the vehicle would not be repaired under the recall ina reasonable amount of time. The manufacturer was contacted and still advised that the parts had not yet become available. The failure mileage was unavailable.

- Lakewood, CA, USA

problem #2

Feb 012012

Tribute

  • 62,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA campaign id number 12V016000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module). An authorized dealer was notified on numerous occasions and the contact was informed that there was not an available release date for the necessary parts in order to make the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

- Forest, VA, USA

problem #1

Apr 232012

Tribute 6-cyl

  • 252,000 miles
Master cylinder cap leak caused fluid to drip on ABS module causing short, now ABS module motor stays on continuously even when I turn off the car, unless I disconnect the battery. (this is the 3rd oem master cylinder I have had replaced on this Mazda Tribute! they all have had leaky caps!) I already had the last Mazda ABS recall completed (which was a joke - Mazda was only bound to "inspect the ABS module for corrosion - and if they found none they were not bound to take any action or replace any parts). I received another recall notice within a month of them completing the first recall. This time the recall states that they must replace the leaky master cylinder cap and replace the faulty ABS module at no cost. So I called my local dealership (rick case Mazda) and explained that my vehicle is already showing symptoms that could result in a fire if I weren't disconnecting the battery every time I turned off and parked the vehicle. To which they said they had no parts yet from Mazda to service the recall, but bring it in anyway and we'll diagnose the problem. Service manager says they will ask the Mazda rep what they should do in this case. I have no confidence that they will take care of the problem as they obviously did not do anything on the last recall.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

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