2003 Mazda Tribute recalls and problems
The 2003 Mazda Tribute has 6 safety recalls and 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mazda Tribute vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Mazda Tribute recalls
Recall 14V-174: Structure
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.
Risk: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Recall 12V-357: Vehicle Speed Control, Engine and Engine Cooling
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.
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.
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.
Recall 07V-157: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
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.
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.
Recall 04V-605: Latches/Locks/Linkages
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.
Risk: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
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.
Recall 04V-583: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.
Risk: An unexpected increase in engine idle speed may increase stopping distance and may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
Recall 04V-175: Power Train
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 duratec engines , during deceleration, the engine can stall.
Risk: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the power control module (Pcm) with the appropriate calibration. The recall began on may 3, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
2003 Mazda Tribute problems reported by owners
| 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 | |
| Engine | 6 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 18
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 10
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cables — 8
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 7
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
- Air Bags › Frontal — 5
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 4
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 4
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Mazda Tribute complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mazda Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Mazda Tribute: 14V-174 (structure), 12V-357 (vehicle speed control, engine and engine cooling), 07V-157 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-605 (latches/locks/linkages), 04V-583 (vehicle speed control) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mazda Tribute?
Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (40 reports), followed by air bags (36). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 miles.
Are Mazda recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.