2004 Mazda Tribute recalls and problems

The 2004 Mazda Tribute has 5 safety recalls and 157 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
157
Crashes / fires
15 / 3
Injuries / deaths
15 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Mazda Tribute vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Mazda Tribute recalls

Recall 14V-174: Structure

Reported Apr 4, 2014 · 109,000 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

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

Reported Jul 27, 2012 · 217,500 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

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

Reported Apr 10, 2007 · 95,300 vehicles affected · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

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

Reported Dec 23, 2004 · 49,800 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

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

Reported Dec 10, 2004 · 121,000 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

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.

2004 Mazda Tribute problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension49
Structure45
Vehicle Speed Control34
Air Bags23
Engine and Engine Cooling18
Power Train14
Wheels10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic9
Unknown or Other5
Engine5
Electrical System3
Steering3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 36
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 11
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cables — 7
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 3
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 100,000 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 2004 Mazda Tribute complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicle Speed Control · reported Oct 31, 2025
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a potential recall failure involving a 2005 Mazda Tribute driven by my fiancé, [XXX], who died following a crash on [XXX]. Mazda has opened Case #[XXX] in response to my inquiry, and I am requesting federal oversight of this investigation. Joey’s vehicle may have been affected by NHTSA Recall 12V357000, which addresses throttle body malfunction and unintended acceleration. Service records show that a dealership performed a recall service, but the parts used may have been ineffective or incomplete. The crash sequence—rear-ending a stopped…
Air Bags · reported Aug 15, 2024
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 cannot be repaired.
Structure · at 203,350 miles · reported May 8, 2023
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 rear shock had detached due to rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 203,350.
Air Bags · at 212,900 miles · reported Mar 2, 2023
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.
Suspension · reported Oct 6, 2022
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

Other Mazda Tribute years

Compare all Mazda Tribute years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 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). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mazda Tribute?

Owners report suspension problems most often (49 reports), followed by structure (45). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 100,000 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.