10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
107,334 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2002 Mazda Tribute Owner Comments

problem #6

Nov 222022

Tribute

  • 162,000 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 the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting erratically and made an abnormal rumbling sound. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond and was jerking upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact who is an independent mechanic had replaced the transmission speed sensor, the transmission shift position sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the shift solenoid block, the transmission fluid, the transmission clutch solenoid, and the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved DTC codes indicating that the ABS wiring was overheating. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V016000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer bypassed the ABS module. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH to the residence after the repair, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the recall repair did not involve bypassing the ABS module. The dealer was contacted, but no further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and several cases were opened; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

- Newnan, GA, USA

problem #5

Sep 172021

Tribute

  • 230,000 miles
The contact owned a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, a pop noise was heard, the vehicle had unintended acceleration; the engine revved and sped up to 80 - 90 mph, inadvertently, and the brakes failed to engage after the contact had depressed with both feet on the brake pedal. The contact made a turn into a park and the vehicle slid, then crashed into a tree. There was smoke coming from under the hood and the contact turned off the vehicle before exiting and walking until she got assistance from a bystander, who called the police. A police report was filed. The contact did not receive medical attention at the scene but later went to the emergency room for injuries sustained with six broken ribs. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

- Pocatello, ID, USA

problem #4

May 292015

Tribute

  • 116,000 miles
While driving 45 rush hour traffic the shifter cable broke

- Virginia Beach , VA, USA

problem #3

Jul 252014

Tribute 6-cyl

  • 136,000 miles

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

Have owned this car for 2 years, come April 2015. 8 months of those 2 years it has been sitting in the drive way broke down.was out of town when I felt the transmission slip and decrease in acceleration while I was on the freeway home. I had to get off on the nearest exit with my 1yr old daughter in the back, and there was a stop light from the off ramp to the road, it was red when I got off so of course I had to stop. Well the light turned green and my car would not accelerate it jerked like the gears were trying to shift but could not. I had to get off in reverse and wait 4 hours for a tow truck. We were 128 miles from home. I have not been able to fix it, still unfortunately still paying on it. I know there have been recalls made in April of 2004 for this model car. I just want to know if mine falls under that recall and I'm I eligible even though I am the second owner.

- Selma, CA, USA

problem #2

Jan 012004

Tribute

  • miles
2002 Mazda Tribute. Consumer writes in regards to accident she had in 2004 due to sudden acceleration. Not knowing there was a problem with the vehicle, she put the vehicle in reverse, and consequently, she hit a pole in her driveway. The right front bumper, fender, fog light and windshield wiper fluid were damaged. After the accident, the consumer received a recall notice, regarding rapid acceleration. The consumer also stated the transmission was defective and had to be replaced.

- Carson, CA, USA

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problem #1

Jan 102002

Tribute

  • 4 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the transmission had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure did not offer any assistance and referred her to the dealer. The failure mileage was 4 and the current mileage was 86,000.

- Boyle, MS, USA

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