Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Corroded Subframe led to almost complete separation of drivers side control arm, 72k original miles, took my problem to Bergery Mazda where no one cared. If the part was already replaced in 2014 how is it possibly broken already.
Mazda recall 7514d, cross brace kit, failed causing catastrophic loss of steering. The cross brace attachment at the frame failed. Cross brace intact, but the frame attachment was severely corroded causing frame failure and cross brace separation from the frame. The recall was completed 8/21/14. It is suspect that severe corrosion May have existed at the time that the recall was performed, but was either not detected or not addressed, leading to the ultimate frame failure. The vehicle was travelling on a city street at approximately 10-15 MPH, having just started from a stop and in a right had turn, at the time of the incident she did not recognize the seriousness of the event and continued driving since the vehicle momentarily corrected the steering failure. The car reached 30-45 MPH when serious steering issues were detected. …
Put the car in reverse and could not get it out of reverse. Steering totally locked up. I looked on google and this seems to be happening quite a bit and a few years have already been recalled. I was in a cvs parking lot when this happened. Blocked traffic and people were not happy.
1.the first problem I had with my Tribute was all the power steering fluid had leaked out, so they replaced the rack and pinion. 2.the second, when going for my first brake job I'm informed that the front rotors are too thin and under specs. And need to be replaced (a $700 job) so, I went to Mazda and they said the brake pads are too hard for the rotors are are unusually wearing so, they replaced my rotors. 3.the third, a week later I'm strained, because the starter stuck and burned itself out, they towed the car and replaced the starter. 4.the fourth, they told me that the master cylinder had leakage so, I had to have them fix that. 5.the fifth, now I am currently dealing with a sputtering or cluncking noise that occurs upon slow acceleration of 40 MPH with pedal vibration and also occurs sometimes at 60 MPH now. They haven't been able to figure out and fix this problem yet. …
The madza Tribute 2001 stalls without warning, at varying speeds. Both the brakes and the steering system are inoperable. The car starts again after this occurs. This has happened 5 times! Luckily, my son who drives this car hasn't been injured. But what about the next time? What if he is driving on the expressway at 55 or 65 miles an hour? Can Mazda assure me that he won't be seriously injured or killed? The service department has offered several explanations after verifying that this is a on going problem with this vehicle. We have been told that the air intake valve sticks when carbon builds up on it. Now we are told it is a flaw in the computer. Clearly there is a serious design flaw which the service departments have been unable to repair. This car is a disaster waiting to happen! How can I possibly allow my son to drive this vehicle?!!
Unusual squeaking noises heard from lower steering column where it connects to power steering rack at slow speeds. When going slowly over small bumps and turning steering wheel from side to side, strange noises can be heard from the steering rack including a mechanical noise. Vehicle only has 29,300 miles on it and is not used off-road. Mazda dealer finds we need to replace the tie rod ends and has ordered replacement parts. We will ask for the old parts when the final repair is made.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the vehicle was being examined by a private mechanic for routine maintenance. The mechanic stated that the steering wheel was very loose. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the VIN did not qualify for the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 00V223002 (steering:wheel and handle bar). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 131,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized sporadically while driving at low speeds and a loud noise emitted from under the hood. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that transmission fluid was leaking and the tie rod was fractured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 162,000.
While attempting to make a turn while traveling 15mph steering locked up, causing vehicle to loose control and rollover. *akthere were no injuries and no other vehicle was involved, after the vehicle was released from the body shop, the consumer drove about 20 miles when an engine rod failed, the mechanic believes that this May have been the cause of the original accident.
My 2001 Tribute has stalled twice in the last yar. It seems to be related to hills. This life threatening situation could result in a crash because power steering fails, and there is no engine power. Mazda must recall for this issue before someone is hurt.
Related recalls
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles May have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly to the steering column. The nut could be upside down in the steering wheel assembly, which could overstress the steering column shaft when the nut is tightened.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
Steering complaints in other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Mazda Tribute, 6% of the model year's 563 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Mazda Tribute steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V223002 (steering wheel/handle bar, Aug 9, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Mazda Tribute steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.