CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Mazda Tribute has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA, including 17 crashes, 9 fires, 16 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Vehicle Speed Control (40 reports).
2003 Mazda Tribute recalls
Most common 2003 Mazda Tribute problems
Problem areas named in the 199 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 40 |
| Air Bags | 36 |
| Structure | 29 |
| Power Train | 26 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 23 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 23 |
| Electrical System | 15 |
| Suspension | 14 |
| Service Brakes | 10 |
| Steering | 9 |
What owners report
NHTSA report 7.19.2015 July 19, 2025 NHSTA Report This is what happened to me [XXX]: I was at an off ramp stop waiting for cars to pass. I eased forward to see if everyone had passed. The car accelerated on its own and I tried to stop. When I braked it accelerated faster. I had both feet on the brakes and tried to stop, but each time the car accelerated. It accelerated three times until I crashed. I crashed into a utility trailer and the wheel well of the trailer caught on my front left bumper on the driver's side. I was drug along the road around 60 miles per hour until the bumper bent and I could pull over onto the side of the road. The car was a total loss. The attached notice from
My ABS keeps locking up and Ive almost wrecked multiple times. I changed brakes and rotors and still the problem is on-going. Its dangerous and Ive read others saying the same thing online.
The sensor does not send the speed to the speedometer
The contact owns a 2003 Mazda Tribute. The contact had taken his vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was severe corrosion on the lower control arm. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V174000 (Structure) which he linked to the failure. After performing a VIN search, the contact also discovered that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacture had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
DURING A FREE, AAA INSPECTION, THE AUTO SHOP TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS DANGEOUS DUE TO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE OR BODY DAMAGE. I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG THIS BEEN A PROBLEM
2003 Mazda Tribute questions
Does the 2003 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2003 Mazda Tribute: Structure:Frame And Members; Engine And Engine Cooling; Vehicle Speed Control:Cables; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock; Vehicle Speed Control:Cables. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mazda Tribute?
Based on 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Vehicle Speed Control (40), Air Bags (36), Structure (29).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Mazda Tribute has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.