- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Mazda Tribute Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 200 complaints about the 2003 Mazda Tribute with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (35) and the acceleration & cruise control (34). Those complaints describe 17 crashes, 9 fires and 16 injuries. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in June 2015 for the wheel bearing. For comparison, the 2002 has 385 and the 2004 has 182.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Tribute year, for its age
#71 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 200
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 17
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 16
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Mazda Tribute problems
Share of all 200 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Mazda Tribute recalls 8
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The 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.
- The risk
- A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.
- The risk
- An unexpected increase in engine idle speed may increase stopping distance and may result in a vehicle crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0L v6 duratec engines , during deceleration, the engine can stall.
- The risk
- Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
- The 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.
What owners say
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200 complaints about the 2003 Mazda Tribute
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 8.
NHTSA report 7.19.2015 July 19, 2025 NHSTA Report This is what happened to me [[redacted]]: I was at an off ramp stop waiting for cars to pass. I eased forward to see if everyone had passed. The car accelerated on its own and I tried to stop. When I braked it accelerated faster. I had both feet on the brakes and tried to stop, but each time the car accelerated. It accelerated three times until I crashed. I crashed into a utility trailer and the wheel well of the trailer caught on my front left bumper on the...
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driver's side. I was drug along the road around 60 miles per hour until the bumper bent and I could pull over onto the side of the road. The car was a total loss. The attached notice from Mazda matches the uncontrollable acceleration of my car. I contacted Mazda Corporation on the same day ([[redacted]]) and was told there is no VIN record of the car since I owned it. Additionally, they told me it was repaired in 2005 as a throttle recall. But there is a subsequent notice attached dated July, 2012 and no record of that recall repair. I called WA state Dept of Licensing to see if there is a new owner. They do not have a record of such. I contacted Copart in Arlington WA today to find out if the car was there for parts so nobody would buy the accelerator cable. Copart told me today they sold the car in 2024 but cannot release the name of whoever bought it. They said my insurance company would know. Whoever owns the car now needs to know there is a faulty accelerator cable causing a accident and they need to have it examined and replaced correctly. Please help find who owns this car and remedy a potential crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My ABS keeps locking up and Ive almost wrecked multiple times. I changed brakes and rotors and still the problem is on-going. Its dangerous and Ive read others saying the same thing online.
The sensor does not send the speed to the speedometer
The contact owns a 2003 Mazda Tribute. The contact had taken his vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was severe corrosion on the lower control arm. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V174000 (Structure) which he linked to the failure. After performing a VIN search, the contact also discovered that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacture had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
During a free, aaa inspection, the auto shop told me that the vehicle is dangeous due to structural damage or body damage. I don't know how long this been a problem
Car stalled when slowing to stop in left turning lane doing around 45mph, approaching the light in a busy intersection and vehicles approaching mine from behind. It would no longer start in park or move in drive, to get our of the way and off the street I had to wait and the move it in reverse. Got towed home and it still sits.
I was driving around 50mph and comng up to a stop light, as I began to slow down in the left turning lane for the red light going left, my tribute suddenly stalled.The light then of course turned green and this was not good, cause all the cars coming up from behind me were now intending to no slow down and begin to speed up, to carry on through the very busy intersection. Which almost created a pile up, beginning at my rear bumper, or another sudden collision near by. Luckily all the cars had either swerved around...
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mine, or managed to stop behind me. I then put mine in park and tried to start it, the engine started but I was unable to shift out of park. So I shut it off, put it in neutral and tried starting it, it started and shifted out of park but would not move while in drive. So I tried in one of the lower gears and it very slowly, about 5 mph began to move, getting me off the major st and on to a side street. I then checked reverse, which worked just fine and allowed me to pull into a nearby store to wait for a tow truck. I put it in park and shut it off, too wait for it to be towed home. The next day I tried to use it, but still nothing in drive, no check engine light and its been parked ever since, about 5 months now.
I was coming up to a stop light and as I slowed down my 03 mazda tribute stalled, leaving me stopped in the middle of 5 lanes. As the light was turning green & the cars nearing my rear, had to swerve around to avoid a collision. I had placed my shifter into park and was able to restart my vehicle, but it still would not move after shifting into d(drive). So I shifted into one of the lower gears, to slowly get off the street and into the nearest parking lot. I parked and shut my vehicle off, made sure all was intact...
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then restarting my vehicle. I shifted into r(reverse) and backed up normally, I then shifted into d(drive) but my car only rolled as though it was in n(neutral). So I shifted into r(reverse), backed directly into my parking space and called my roadside assist. To be towed home.
The abs malfunctioned and the abs light is on. When I engage the break it makes noise initial before it will start to engage properly, but the abs light keeps showing steadily. The trunk of the vehicle remains locked and cannot open. The latch is not bad.
While I was driving the car just shut off. I was told it was the battery and alternator. So I had them replaced. The car ran for aboutv10 minutrs and just shut off. While at the machanics he said that the wire harnesa is melting amd that I got lucky not to have a fire. The abs light goae off and on to. I called about a recall I saw in 2007 about the wire harness and they are telling me it is fixes. I have proof it is melted and. Would like my car fixed under the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda tribute. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling excessively to the right and made a grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger side subframe crossmember and engine cradle were corroded through. Also, the front lower control arms mount was detached and needed to be replaced. The contact also stated that the front driver's side was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The...
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manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 12237710780. The contact was referred to nhtsa. The contact wanted to know why the manufacturer and nhtsa did not include his state in nhtsa campaign number: 14v174000 (structure). The approximate failure mileage was 146,000. *Tr*jb
Nothing happened. I have been experiencing front end issues for some time now.
Driving in green bay wi 2/17/2019 and went through a roundabout, felt something giving out in steering? Pulled into a parking lot near by and had no control over car? Found out there is a recall on the mazda tribute subframe which gets corroded with salt and rusts out? Mazda fixed this recall on this car 12/18/2015 and performed the subframe recall on this car. Now the parts gave out again and broke so the parts do not last like they think they do? People will probably die in this car, thinking these parts are made...
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to last and they dont.? This vehicle is a danger to all who drive it this way, not knowing the parts will not last? Mazda claims they fixed it, it lasted 40,000 miles, wont fix it again, but how long does a recall part last? Especially since the previous owner took care of this car, went through all the necessary repairs and then we lost steering and had no idea that this was a severe danger? We are lucky to be alive. If this happens on a freeway this car can roll and people will be killed, not knowing about the parts failure? Please help, we have no car for work and are scared to even fix it? It only has 160,000 miles on it? I honestly need the right people to examine this? I dont have a picture yet, but would gladly provide them when you contact me with a case number and what we can do? Yikes thanks for the help?
I had a noise begin all of the sudden on the rear right side. Thought it was the muffler or shock and I was correct. Took it to a mazda dealership and they said the body rusted through at the strut tower contact and the shock/strut was completely unattached. It started while I was on the highway. This becomes a dangerous situation and they say they can't do anything about it. This is a manufacturer issue and I attempted to have it fixed. This should be addressed on all these vehicles. I was told I need to go and try to find a body shop see if they can fix this. I find this unacceptable from the manufacturer.
Help please? I purchased my 2003 mazda tribute in october, 2016. I recently needed repairs done (new muffler system was installed) but was told my lower control arm assemblies couldn't be replaced because of the huge crack in the sub-frame. The recall on the sub-frame was done in july, 2014 (before my purchase) ' by installing a cross-brace. When mazda made the recall, owners were informed that the parts to repair the suspension problem were not yet available' and a second letter would be mailed once parts were...
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available. A 'newly designed' reinforcement cross-brace was the fix?... Or just a band-aid that delayed the inevitable?... Because even with the cross-brace installed, my problem is still here ' my subframe is severely cracked and not safe' it could snap suddenly from something as simple as hitting a pothole. I am attaching pictures to this e-mail of the subframe showing where it is rusted through. You can see how wide that crack is... You can see where the reinforcement cross-brace fix is attached... And why the control arm assembly cannot be replaced. If the pictures aren't acceptable, I would be happy to have the mazda dealership here in wooster (330) 804-1000 verify my claim. I am 72 and only get $700 a month ss ' which I am barely getting by on. I had to save to get the new muffler and control arms so a mechanic friend could install them. I really need mazda to cover this expensive repair' and I have asked mazda for an exception (or extension) to the recall that was done on my car. I contacted mazda in an email on 10/5/18' and received a reply back the 'same' day assigning me an sr number: 1-1768908199' but I haven't heard from them again. Is there any way your agency can assist me here?... Maybe they'll respond to you? Thank you for your time and any efforts on my behalf. (Xx) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Every time I start my 2003 mazda tribute and every 30 minutes of operation thereafter, the car makes 5 sets of 5 beeps. An internet search told me that this is because of a malfunctioning instrument panel light to indicate that the airbags are also malfunctioning. A mazda mechanic informed me that this is a chronic problem with my make and model vehicle. And even if I have the very expensive job done to replace the entire airbag system, the replacement parts don't work either. I have owned this vehicle for over 3 years and this has been going on almost the entire time. Mazda needs to provide a good working solution to this problem and soon.
AIRBAGS SIGN ACTIVE
Takata recall, light continues to flash while driving and sitting in park, going down the highway or city streets.Driving down the highway the car stopped pulling with traffic speed of 65 mph had to maneuver off the highway. Wouldn't pull in any gear, shifter only had one gear it would sit in will slide from neutral to drive 2. Cost $224.00 To tow which I had to borrow.
The accelator is stuck at 4,000 rpm. Just arrived in driveway and put in park.
Structure cross bracket for lower control arm. Accelerator cable.Cruise control cable throttle body sticks even after the recalls the driver air bag does not work light on dash it's the plug at wire harness master cylinder leaks lose brake fluid engine stalled when on hwy105 was able to get it started again but while turning car started to rough idle and started to die again. Idled to a stop car was shaking and would run. Had to sit around 20 minutes before it would run and stay going. Car has been registered in minnesota and canada both have recalls for this car.
After finishing a road trip, we parked the car and the rpms began to move higher and higher. We put the vehicle in neutral, but the rpms began to drastically rise. The vehicle was then put into park and once again the rpm's continued to rise. We then turned the vehicle off and the problem stopped.
While driving my 2003 mazda tribute I heard a few strange sounds. Several times the car suddenly pulled to the right. There was also a sound of something rubbing that got faster and faster as I accelerated. Then when the car pulled suddenly to the right my son and I heard a loud sound. Fortunately, I was fairly close to our mechanic so I slowly drove the car there. Upon inspection the mechanic found the sub frame of my 2003 mazda tribute was completely corroded and is now deemed unsafe to drive. The cost to repair...
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it was estimated at $5,000.00 Plus. The car has approximately 95,000 miles on it and has been otherwise a trouble-free vehicle that was routinely maintained. I am very fortunate that my son and I were not injured in an accident caused by the sudden veering of the car ' or by the front end frame completely collapsing from beneath us as we were driving. Mazda issued a recall for this issue (7514d) in may of 2014. The nhtsa campaign no. Is 14v174000. I entered the vin no. For my car at safer car.Gov and it shows 0 recalls. (We were issued a recall notice for a different problem which we did get corrected by mazda a few years ago.) I was not notified of this recall.
Tl* the contact's son owns a 2003 mazda tribute. While the contact's son was driving at an unknown speed, the abs indicator illuminated. While the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to island mazda (1580 hylan blvd, staten island, ny 10305 (844) 667-0618) where it was diagnosed that the abs module's electrical wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 07v157000 (service brakes,...
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hydraulic), but the dealer stated that the recall was closed on february 8, 2008. The manufacturer was notified at 800-222-5500, but the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The approximate failure mileage was 58,899.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda tribute. While driving approximately 20 mph, a loud booming noise suddenly came from the front of the vehicle and the vehicle abruptly stopped. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger side suspension was severely damaged due to rust and corrosion of the subframe. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that...
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the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v174000 (suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The vin was invalid. The failure mileage was 35,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mazda tribute. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake service. The mechanic noticed that the front passenger side subframe corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The contact also stated that the vehicle was previously serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 14v174000 (structure); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 87,402. Updated 11/06/17*lj the vehicle was repaired. Updated 09/05/17*js
Mazda Tribute: every year compared
All Tribute years2003 Mazda Tribute vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 200 | 8 | D | |
| 2003 Mazda MAZDA6 | 175 | 9 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda Protege | 121 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda MPV | 114 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda B-Series | 22 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda Miata MX-5 | 15 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda 626 | 9 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda Millenia | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Mazda Tribute
Does the 2003 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2003 Mazda Tribute: wheel bearing (June 2015); frame and members (April 2014); engine and engine cooling (July 2012); control unit / module (April 2007) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mazda Tribute?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (35), acceleration & cruise control (34), body, doors & structure (32).
How many complaints has the 2003 Mazda Tribute had?
200 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 19, 2003 and the latest on July 19, 2025. Of these, 17 describe a crash and 9 a fire, and together they report 16 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Mazda Tribute a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 39 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Mazda Tribute year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mazda Tribute years have the most complaints?
2001 (564), 2002 (385), 2005 (383). See every Mazda Tribute year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Mazda Tribute has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data