Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Mazda Tribute owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated the airbags did not deploy when the vehicle rear ended another vehicle. This occurred at 60 MPH while braking. There was a police report taken at the scene. Although the seat belt was worn, the contact sustained 7 broken ribs. The vehicle was taken to a body shop and the front end is being repaired. The dealership determined the airbags did not deploy because the impact was too high on the vehicle.
While driving home from work and with no impact of any kind the passenger air bag deployed. My vehicle did not hit anything. There was no one in front or behind me. I made it home without further incident, in this case I was concerned about the drivers air bag going off. It did not. I called the local city police desk and they advised that it was alright to drive the vehicle. I called my insurance co. And they sent an adjuster a few days later. The insurance co. Prompted me to take the vehicle to a Mazda dealer to have the system read. I did so. The vehicle was repaired with a new air bag and module. No explanation why the air bag deployed was given to me or the insurance co. To my knowledge.
On the above mentioned date, this vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. No serious injuries resulted although the driver of this vehicle was treated and released for bruising in the chest area. Both driver and passenger were wearing seat belts. Even though the damage was $12,800, entirely to the front end of the vehicle, neither air bag deployed. I can supply photos and damage estimate report if needed. I am very happy that no serious injuries resulted, but I am not comfortable that vthis system is safe or operable. If the damage almost resulted in a total loss, all in the front end, and the airbags did not deploy, I am not sure that they are on the vehicle, or are operable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised the contact that the seat belt tensioner needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and the current mileage was 160,000. ..updated 01/14/13 updated 01/18/2013
Vehicle was going 30mph when another vehicle 8 car lengths ahead stopped short and caused a chain recation. Consumer was in a rearend collision, and air bags didn't deploy. Consumer suffered a concusion/ wiplash,problems to cervical spine and a hernia disk. Insurance ajuster inspected damages, but didn't dtermine if air bags should have deployed. Mazda sent consumer back to insurance company, and was not showing any concern.
This truck was involved in an accident. The estimated speed of impact was 40 MPH striking a vehicle which was sitting still turning. Another vehicle behind her struck the rear of the truck. The truck spinned and pointed in the opposite direction going over a ditch. Neither front air bags deployed upon either impact with additional to a tire bursting. All three vehicles were classified as totaled. Please describe details
The air bag light illuminated on six different occasions. The dealer replaced the seat belt retractor on the driver and passenger side four times. The light continued to illuminate. Please provide further details.
We had the front driver a side and passenger side airbags deployed while slowing down for a red light. This premature deployment caused me to lose control of the vehicle and crash into the vehicle in front of me.
Consumer was traveling approximately 35mph and collided with another vehicle, hitting the other broadside. Airbag didn't deploy. Vehicle had $1200 worth of damage. Dealership was inspecting vehicle.
The air bag light came on. I called Mazda to see if there was a recall because I feel this is a safety issue. The light is for the driver position. Mazda (local) states no recall for my SUV but to bring SUV in for a fee to check it out and additional fee if needed. I was advised by Mazda north American operations OK to continue to drive but do have it checked out. They are working with me with this issue.
Airbag complaints in other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2001 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Mazda Tribute, 4% of the model year's 563 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Mazda Tribute airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2001 Mazda Tribute, though it has 13 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Mazda Tribute airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.