The 2004 Mazda Tribute has a high safety risk profile with 6 recall campaigns and 182 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

182

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

15E0450002015-03-06

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

14V1740002014-04-04

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

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

View at NHTSA

12V3570002012-27-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

View all 6 recalls

07V1570002007-10-04

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

04V5830002004-10-12

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.

AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

View at NHTSA

04V6050002004-23-12

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

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.

IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 182 owners have filed complaints about the 2004 Mazda Tribute. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Vehicle Speed Control24

02Air Bags20

03Engine And Engine Cooling19

04Suspension,structure18

05Suspension17

182 total across 1 model years (2004–2004)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Mazda Tribute Fuel Economy

18–22mpg combined

16-20city

22-25hwy

$3,050-$3,750/yr

Across 4 configurations, the 2004 Mazda Tribute returns 18–22 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Tribute 2WD - Manual 5-spd

22mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 city25 hwy~$3,050/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Manual 5-spd

21mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

19 city23 hwy~$3,200/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 2WD - Automatic 4-spd

19mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

17 city23 hwy~$3,550/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Automatic 4-spd

18mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

16 city22 hwy~$3,750/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2004 Mazda Tribute

13States

42%in top 3

21% of the market sits in Texas, though listings span 13 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

TXTexas

421%

MOMissouri

211%

NCNorth Carolina

211%

FLFlorida

211%

MIMichigan

15%

ILIllinois

15%

VAVirginia

15%

NENebraska

15%

WAWashington

15%

OHOhio

15%

CACalifornia

15%

OROregon

15%

COColorado

15%

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2004.

2004 Mazda Tribute: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2004 Mazda Tribute a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2004 Mazda Tribute. There are 6 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2004 Mazda Tribute?

Yes, 6 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2004 Mazda Tribute?

Fuel economy ranges from 18 to 22 MPG combined. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that gap is worth about $530 annually. See the fuel economy section for per-trim data.

What are common problems with the 2004 Mazda Tribute?

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL problems top the list with 182 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.

How does the 2004 compare to other Mazda Tribute years?

Each Mazda Tribute model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Mazda Tribute overview page.