2004 Mazda Tribute Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Mazda Tribute.

20032005
Complaints
232
Crashes
19
Fires
7
Injuries
23
Fatalities
3
Recalls
2

Worst 2004 Mazda Tribute Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#148 complaints

Suspension Failures

Avg mileage:135,989 mi
#236 complaints

Body Structure

Avg mileage:135,085 mi
Fires:1
#324 complaints

Unintended Acceleration

Avg mileage:98,433 mi
Crash-related:5
Fires:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Mazda Tribute.

Suspension Failures
48
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
135,989
Body Structure
36
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
135,085
Unintended Acceleration
24
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Avg Miles
98,433
Airbags
15
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
99,407
Automatic Transmission
11
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
41,596
Engine & Cooling
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
93,344
Wheel Issues
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
151,330
Vehicle Speed Control:Cables
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
66,067
Hydraulic Brakes
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
77,316
Structural Problems
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
142,609
Engine Problems
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
113,333
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Frontal
3
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Side/Window
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal
3
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other Equipment
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Hazard Flashing Warning Lights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Fuel Pump
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Mazda Tribute. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2004 Mazda Tribute

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~326,500 vehicles.

14V174000Structure:frame And Members
~109,000 affected

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.

12V357000Vehicle Speed Control:cables · Engine & Cooling
~217,500 affected

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.

Other Mazda Tribute Years

2004 Mazda Tribute — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2004 Mazda Tribute reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2004 Mazda Tribute has 232 NHTSA complaints, 19 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Suspension Failures with 48 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2004 Mazda Tribute?
Top reported problems: Suspension Failures (48 complaints, avg 135,989 mi); Body Structure (36 complaints, avg 135,085 mi); Unintended Acceleration (24 complaints, avg 98,433 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Mazda Tribute?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 115,152 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2004 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA complaints for the 2004 Mazda Tribute include 19 crash-related reports, 7 fire reports, 23 injuries, and 3 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2004 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 326,500 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2004 Mazda Tribute?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Mazda Tribute reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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