Skip to main content

2003 MAZDA Tribute

8 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #12V357000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Manufacturer
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
What Happened
The speed control cable in your Tribute connects the accelerator pedal to the throttle. The engine cover in your vehicle might be too close to this cable, which could cause it to get stuck.
Risk if Unfixed
If the throttle gets stuck, your vehicle could speed up uncontrollably and be hard to stop, which could cause a crash, serious injury, or even death.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will adjust the engine cover to give your speed control cable more space, and this repair is free. You should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #07V157000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Manufacturer
MAZDA MOTOR CORP
What Happened
The ABS module in your vehicle is like a computer that helps prevent your wheels from locking up when you slam on the brakes. The connector that connects this module to the rest of your brake system might have a problem: there could be missing or loose seals that let water or dirt inside.
Risk if Unfixed
If this electrical issue isn't fixed, your ABS system could fail, which would trigger the warning light on your dashboard. In the worst case, the module could overheat, causing a burning smell, smoke, or even a fire, even when your engine is turned off or while you're driving.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will inspect the ABS module connector and fix or replace it as needed, free of charge. You should contact your dealer as soon as possible to schedule the repair, which is part of this recall that started on May 9, 2007.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #07E023000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Manufacturer
CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
What Happened
The master cylinder is a crucial part of your brake system, like the main control center that helps you stop your vehicle. In some cases, the seal on your master cylinder could fail, allowing brake fluid to leak out.
Risk if Unfixed
If the master cylinder seal fails, brake fluid can leak out, causing your brakes to perform poorly. This could make it harder to stop your vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will have you contact Cardone to arrange for a repurchase of the faulty master cylinder, free of charge. This will be done as soon as possible, starting in April 2007.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Remedy
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #04V175000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Manufacturer
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
What Happened
The transmission control module is like the brain of your vehicle's automatic transmission. In some 2004 Mazda SUVs with a 3.0L V6 engine, this module can malfunction during braking.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, your engine could stall while you're driving, making it hard to control your vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will update the transmission's computer system with a new software calibration, free of charge. Schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 DURATEC ENGINES , DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15E045000 Plain English
Component

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

Manufacturer
Timken Company
What Happened
The front wheel bearing in your vehicle helps your wheels stay stable while driving. The wheel bearings sold under part number 510072 are the wrong size, which could cause problems.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wrong wheel bearing is used, it could affect how well your vehicle brakes and steers. This could make it harder to control your vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your distributor will give you a replacement wheel bearing for free, so you should contact them to arrange the replacement as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #14V174000 Plain English
Component

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Manufacturer
Mazda North American Operations
What Happened
The lower control arm in your Tribute is a metal piece that helps connect your steering system to the rest of your vehicle. Over time, it can corrode, especially in certain areas near salted roads.
Risk if Unfixed
If the lower control arm fails, it could separate, causing your steering to feel loose and unresponsive. This could make it hard to control your vehicle, increasing the risk of a serious accident.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will install a new metal reinforcement to protect the lower control arm from corrosion, free of charge. You should schedule this repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #04V605000 Plain English
Component

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

Manufacturer
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
What Happened
The latch on your vehicle's rear liftgate is a critical safety feature that keeps your tailgate closed while driving. In some 2001-2005 models, this latch might not work properly in a crash, which could cause the liftgate to open unexpectedly.
Risk if Unfixed
If your liftgate is unlocked and you're in a crash, it could swing open, which could hit you or someone else. This is a serious safety risk, especially in a collision.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will replace the latch release rod, the clip that holds it in place, and the spring that makes it work smoothly. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #04V583000 Plain English
Component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

Manufacturer
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
What Happened
The accelerator cable in your vehicle is a critical part that helps your engine idle smoothly. In some cases, this cable can malfunction and prevent the throttle from returning to idle, causing issues.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, your engine could stay at a high idle speed, which means it'll take longer to stop when you press the brake pedal. This could increase the risk of a crash, especially in heavy traffic or emergency situations.
Free Fix
Your Mazda dealer will replace the faulty accelerator cable for free. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #4.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 recall
POWER TRAIN
1 recall
SUSPENSION
1 recall
STRUCTURE
1 recall
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 recall
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 recall

Other MAZDA Tribute Years

2010
3 recalls
2009
2 recalls
2008
5 recalls
2007
1 recall
2006
3 recalls
2005
4 recalls
2004
7 recalls
2002
9 recalls
2001
15 recalls

Related Pages

2003 Toyota Camry Recalls 2003 Honda Accord Recalls 2002 MAZDA Tribute Recalls 2004 MAZDA Tribute Recalls All MAZDA Recalls MAZDA Tribute Recall History