Mazda Tribute Reliability
2,831 NHTSA complaints (2000–2011). Complaint rate: 4238.0 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2001–2002 Mazda Tribute. The 2009–2011 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Mazda Tribute Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 278 | 9.0% |
| SUSPENSION | 229 | 1.7% |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 194 | 3.6% |
| STEERING | 166 | 1.8% |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 165 | 0.6% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 111 | 0.9% |
| AIR BAGS | 105 | 18.1% |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 86 | 0.0% |
| POWER TRAIN | 84 | 4.8% |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 83 | 8.4% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000GOOD | — | 6 | 2 | — | View 2000View→ |
| 2001AVOID | — | 734 | 26 | 17 | View 2001View→ |
| 2002AVOID | — | 502 | 24 | 29 | View 2002View→ |
| 2003 | — | 266 | 22 | 11 | View 2003View→ |
| 2004 | — | 232 | 19 | 7 | View 2004View→ |
| 2005AVOID | — | 542 | 22 | 4 | View 2005View→ |
| 2006 | — | 181 | 11 | 1 | View 2006View→ |
| 2007GOOD | — | 6 | 0 | — | View 2007View→ |
| 2008 | — | 251 | 9 | 2 | View 2008View→ |
| 2009GOOD | — | 46 | 2 | — | View 2009View→ |
| 2010GOOD | — | 57 | 0 | — | View 2010View→ |
| 2011GOOD | — | 8 | 1 | — | View 2011View→ |
See also: Mazda Tributeaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
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