Mazda Tribute Recalls

The Mazda Tribute has 35 recalls spanning the 2001–2011 production run, with the most serious recent issue being a cracked fuel delivery module on 2010–2011 models equipped with the 3.0L engine that can leak fuel and start a fire.

The 2008–2011 model years share a steering torque sensor defect where the electric power steering system can drop its assist without warning, requiring significantly more effort to steer at low speeds. The 2008 model year has two additional concerns: the hybrid coolant pump can fail and cause the powertrain to shut down unexpectedly, and vehicles that received a remanufactured transmission may have a shift lever bolt that works loose, leaving the driver unable to select gears or causing the displayed gear position to not match the actual gear engaged.

The 2001–2006 and 2008 model years with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control share a throttle-sticking defect where inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector can trap the throttle open at high pedal positions, making the vehicle difficult to slow or stop. The 2001–2004 model years, particularly those in salt-belt states and Canadian provinces, are subject to corrosion at the lower control arm's forward subframe attachment point, which can separate and cause a significant loss of steering control.

The 2001–2002 model years have a brake master cylinder reservoir cap that can leak fluid onto the anti-lock brake module's wiring connector, corroding the terminals and potentially causing melting, smoke, or fire. The 2001 model year alone carries the heaviest recall load: the ABS module connector can allow contamination in and short electrically, also risking fire; a misassembled steering wheel retaining nut can cause the steering wheel to loosen or detach from the column; rear hubs on certain two-wheel-drive models may have been built with four-wheel-drive hubs by mistake, allowing the rear wheels to loosen or separate; fuel line o-ring seals damaged during assembly can leak fuel near ignition sources; the accelerator cable inner liner can migrate and contact the pedal arm, preventing the throttle from returning to idle; the speed control servo cap can shed a locating tab into the clutch cavity and stick the throttle open; the front seatbelt buckle cover contains a post that can fracture and prevent the buckle from latching fully; and the windshield wiper linkage ball socket can break and cause sudden loss of wiper function on one or both sides.

The 2006 model year has a wiper motor that may have been assembled without grease on the output shaft gear, causing the gear teeth to distort or fracture after extended use on the high-speed setting and resulting in wiper failure. The 2005 model year has an A-pillar trim area that can exceed permitted head impact limits in a crash on vehicles without side air curtains or a moonroof, and a rear liftgate latch that may not hold in a crash if the gate is left unlocked.