Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
Wife stopped at gas station to fill up. Car would not start after fillup. Had car towed home. Determined it was a bad fuel pump. Replaced fuel pump. Should have been a simple repair, but it was anything but simple. Completed fuel pump replacement, with no further problems. About two weeks after replacing the fuel pump, my wife and I started smelling fuel outside of the car. I removed the cover over the fuel pump, but could not find a leak. I looked under the car, and observed a gas spot on the ground just forward of the fuel tank, but still can't find the leak. Car runs fine, but the gas mileage has dropped to about 10 to15 mpg, from 20 to 25mpg. There are no caution/warning lights on the dash. Had an ase certified mechanic friend of mine look at it. He could not find the leak. Does not leak all the time, and when it does, it appears to be only a few drops. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact heard a loud noise coming from the engine compartment when she turned on the ignition. The passenger compartment became filled with smoke. The contact exited the vehicle. When the smoke finally cleared, the contact raised the hood and discovered extensive damage. They vehicle was towed to a shop, and after two days of inspecting the damage, they believed that two of the injectors were leaking fuel and caused the engine to explode. Mazda stated that due to the age of the vehicle and the fact that it was no longer under warranty, nothing could be done. The current and failure mileages were 82,000. Updated 05/20/08.
On 11/07/05 vehicle was brought in due to stalling when slowing and stopping. The engine sensor was replaced. On 11/08/05 vehicle was bought back still stalling. Ac gasket and idle valve were replaced. We were told our engine was damaged and dealer would not fix. The day I picked up the vehicle it stalled at 60 MPH. Three days later it would not start. Brought vehicle to local mechanic, fuel pump had to be replaced. The vehicle is undrivable. This is the second time I have filed a complaint about this vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted a strong gasoline fuel odor when the engine was started. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 00V277002 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 5,000 and the current mileage was 156,000.
Check engine came on. Checked everything according to owners manual, including making sure gas top was on tight. Took to dealer and they found a leaking vent line on tank. They said Mazda told them to cap it off as there wasn't a service bulletin on this. Don't think this is a permanent fix. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***760935
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving or when parked, a strong fuel odor emitted inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 00V277002 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure and current mileage was 167,000.
Passenger cabin continues to get fuel fumes at restart. Understand that this is a design problem and that new gaskets are in the works to correct. We expect dealership to replace old ones with new gaskets when available. Check engine light has come on twice in first 2000 miles. Both times we were told that gas cap was opened when vehicle was turned on. This has not been the case and we continue to argue over this. We refuse to pay the reset fee for the check engine light to be turned off. When we bought the vehicle, it was clear that Mazda knew of this potential problem as the saleman went out of her way to explain that the cap must be tight at all times. This we have done. Dealership currently looking at vehicle for this second check engine problem.
A severe gasoline odor. Happens various times. While driving, odor comes through the vents, or after turning off car, extreme gas odor. Happens a various times, at various speeds, at various levels of gas in my gas tank. We have taken it to the Mazda dealership more times than I can remember. They have supposedly contacted Mazda corporate and can never find a problem. The car completely shut down one time. I was able to pull over and re-start the car. The dealership could find no reason for this either but said they had a similar incident with another Mazda Tribute owner. I am obviously concerned about our health and safety with this vehicle. Thank you for any help you can give me. Andrea ledenbach.
Transmission has been replace (with a rebuilt trans) in sept. In nov, we had to have the rack replaced and the rear differential was leaking. The master cylinder cover was leaking. Additionally we experienced a gas smell throughout the cabin. The left front window has had repairs. We have also experienced numerous squeaks and rattles all over the vehicle. Today while driving down hill the vehicle completely shut down. I had no steering or brakes and had to stop the vehicle with the hand brake. This stall almost resulted in a rear end acciedent. Lastly the tires had to be replaced at approximately 19000 miles.
Many other owners of the Mazda Tribute and Ford escape also experience this problem. The dealer said it was probably a chemical burning off the engine - this doesn't make sense. The smell usually only occurs when you start after shutting off the vehicle for a short period. Upon starting, a faint gasoline smell comes thtough the vents for about 15 seconds and then goes away. We(owners of this new type of vehicle) are concerned that there May be a leak/ larger problem. Thank you.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The o-ring seals in the fuel line connector at the outlet end of the fuel filter were damaged when the line was connected to the filter during vehicle assembly. In some cases, this damage could result in a fuel odor, or possibly in fuel dripping from the connection.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line.
Fuel System complaints in other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Mazda Tribute, 6% of the model year's 563 complaints. The component named most often is delivery (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Mazda Tribute fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V277002 (delivery, Sep 18, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Mazda Tribute fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
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.