Recalls
7campaigns
2 brake · 1 structure · 1 engine
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
384filed
Owner reports, 2000–2009 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
22mpg combined
$2,969/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· 5-speed manual
4 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (7)
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2002 Mazda Tribute. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2002 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
Lower Control Arm Corrosion-Regional Recall
Structure · frame and members
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
- Consequence
- A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
20.6% repairedof 109,000 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V174000
Listed for 2002 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
Speed Control Cable Connector Interference
Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
Repair progress not yet reported217,500 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V357000
Listed for 2002 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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 BRAKE FLUID LEAKS, IT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.
- Consequence
- CORROSION MAY DEVELOP IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LEADING MELTING, SMOKING OR POSSIBLE FIRE.
- 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, VEHICLE OWNERS SHOULD PARK THEIR VEHICLES OUTSIDE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION 6.
Repair progress not yet reported52,390 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V016000
Listed for 2002 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
ABS MODULE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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 BEING OPERATED.
- 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 CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
Repair progress not yet reported95,300 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 07V157000
Listed for 2002 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
MAZDA/FMVSS 206/LIFTGATE LATCH
Latches/locks/linkages · hatchback/liftgate · lock
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
- 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 1-800-222-5500.
Repair progress not yet reported49,800 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V605000
Listed for 2002 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
MAZDA/ACCELERATOR CABLE
Vehicle speed control · cables
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
- Consequence
- AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported121,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V583000
Listed for 2002 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
MAZDA/PCM/ENGINE STALLING
Power train · automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 DURATEC ENGINES , DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
- Consequence
- SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported106,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V175000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (384)
384 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine and engine cooling is mentioned most often.
19involved a crash
24involved a fire
13injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 384 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 124 | 32.3% |
| Service brakes | 80 | 20.8% |
| Electrical system | 41 | 10.7% |
| Air bags | 37 | 9.6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 37 | 9.6% |
| Power train | 35 | 9.1% |
| Structure | 26 | 6.8% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 22 | 5.7% |
| Steering | 15 | 3.9% |
| Suspension | 13 | 3.4% |
How 2002 compares with other Tribute years
Best and worst Tribute years →20005
2001563
2002384
2003199
2004157
2005377
2006130
20074
2008202
200935
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 | 0 |
| 2001 | 563 | 13 |
| 2002 | 384 | 7 |
| 2003 | 199 | 6 |
| 2004 | 157 | 5 |
| 2005 | 377 | 3 |
| 2006 | 130 | 2 |
| 2007 | 4 | 0 |
| 2008 | 202 | 4 |
| 2009 | 35 | 1 |
This year (2002)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined
22
mpg combined
20
city
25
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,050
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 404 g/mi
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle -
What it costs you to run
$2,969per year
$247per month
682gallons a year
Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 21 | $3,200 | 423 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 | 468 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | $3,700 | 494 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2002 Tribute for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2002 Mazda Tribute FAQ
How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 14V174000 (structure), 12V357000 (engine), 12V016000 (brake), 07V157000 (brake), 04V605000 (latch), 04V583000 (vehicle speed control), 04V175000 (power train). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2002 Mazda Tribute problems?
Owners filed 384 complaints with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling (124), Service brakes (80), Electrical system (41) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2002 Mazda Tribute get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 20 city, 25 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2002 Tribute compare with other years?
Among the 2000–2009 Mazda Tribute model years at least five years old, the 2007 drew the fewest complaints (4) and the 2001 the most (563). The 2002 drew 384. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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