2004 Mazda Tribute recalls and problems

5 recalls and 157 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Mazda Tribute.

5
recalls
157
owner complaints
15
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Mazda Tribute recalls

Structure: frame and members

NHTSA campaign 14V174000 · reported April 4, 2014 · Mazda North American Operations · 109,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Vehicle speed control: cables · Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 12V357000 · reported July 27, 2012 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 217,500 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 07V157000 · reported April 10, 2007 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP · 95,300 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate, lock

NHTSA campaign 04V605000 · reported December 23, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 49,800 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
The fix
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.

Vehicle speed control: cables

NHTSA campaign 04V583000 · reported December 10, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 121,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.
The risk
An unexpected increase in engine idle speed may increase stopping distance and may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on january 28, 2005. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500, option #4.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 31, 2025 · Vehicle speed control · crash reported

I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a potential recall failure involving a 2005 Mazda Tribute driven by my fiancé, […], who died following a crash on […]. Mazda has opened Case #[…] in response to my inquiry, and I am requesting federal oversight of this investigation. Joey’s vehicle may have been affected…

Aug 15, 2024 · Air bags

The driver air bag light on the instrument panel has been illuminated since 2004, repair had been attempted several times but has failed. A bulletin has been sent by the manufacture to the dealership regarding steering wheel airbag light being illuminated giving a false warning, due to defective electrical wiring that…

May 8, 2023 · Structure · 203,350 miles

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stopped and noticed there was rust on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the…

Mar 2, 2023 · Air bags · 212,900 miles

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 212,900.

Oct 6, 2022 · Suspension

rear passenger side wheel well ,shock tower mount ,and sub frame .shock tower mount broke fell off hit the cement , chipped my rim and crushed my break lines i took it to lafountaine mazda and they have done an estimate for repairs and damage

Tribute model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 135632113
2002 73841924
2003 6199179
2004 5157153
2005 3377164
2006 213091
2007 0400

Across all years, the 2001 Tribute has the most complaints (563). All Mazda Tribute years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Mazda Tribute, the most recent reported on April 4, 2014 (Structure: frame and members). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda Tribute?
Owners have filed 157 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (49 complaints), followed by structure (45).
How many 2004 Mazda Tribute complaints mention a crash or fire?
15 of 157 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 15 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 31, 2025.