Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Mazda Tribute owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop and continued to move forward. The contact had to forcefully depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. In addition, none of the locks functioned and the body frame was rusted. The contact also stated that the rear hatch window detached from the vehicle. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 04V583000 (vehicle speed control), 12V357000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control), and 14V174000 (structure). The vehicle was unable to be driven and was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact called preston Mazda (located at 260 boardman poland rd, boardman, oh 44512, [phone]) and was informed to tow the vehicle to their facility. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. While driving various speeds, the front passenger wheel became disengaged from the vehicle and jammed into the wheel well. The failure caused the vehicle to be immobile. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then transported to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer stated that the manufacturer would not cover the repair due to the extensive corrosion. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V174000 (structure) prior to the failure, but the recall repair was not performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000....updated 09/12/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the undercarriage on the passenger side of the vehicle fractured due to severe rust. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact did not take the vehicle to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 181,000.
The rear window glass door would not snap into lock position -- there was a recall for exactly the same by Mazda for 2001, 2002, 2003 2004 & 2005 tributes. But they insist that my VIN is not one of them. I think it should have been and should be. Following is the info on 2001-2005 recall --- recall date: dec 22, 2004 recalled vehicles: 2001 Mazda Tribute 2002 Mazda Tribute 2003 Mazda Tribute 2004 Mazda Tribute 2005 Mazda Tribute component: latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock. Manufactured by: Mazda north American operations affected vehicles: 49,800 recall summary: 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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the entire subframe was fractured due to corrosion. The dealer repaired the vehicle according to NHTSA campaign number: 14V174000 (suspension). The technician informed the contact that the lower control arms, both frontal struts, and the tie rod ends needed to be replaced due to excessive corrosion on the subframe. The technician added that even after the repairs were performed, the vehicle would not be safe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and refused to provide additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000. Updated 11/12/14 updated 8/5/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise heard near the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was indicated that they performed a manufacturer recall for the sub-frame, upper and lower control arms but the contact was uncertain if the dealer actually complied and replaced the parts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for further inspection and diagnosis. The manufacturer recall failed to provide a solution because the contact continued to hear the abnormal noise in the front of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 06/13/17
Inner door handles broken from regular use. Driver side door handles actually broke in half. Passenger front door handle broke as well internally. Neither door handle opens from inside. As for driver side door handle I replaced it with back passenger door handle as I did not feel I should have to pay for a defect like this. Front passenger door handle remains to be fixed. We all need to call Mazda and report this problem. This has been a huge problem with many of these vehicles. Mazda needs to know about it. 1800-222-5500.
Drivers side door handle broke under normal use. Cannot open door from inside vehicle. An alarming safety problem. When I took the panel off I found a small piece of plastic had broken off from the assembly. The door handle is constructed from ridiculously cheap plastic. This also affected the alarm system working properly as it would engage while inside the vehicle and go off when exiting the vehicle.
Both the inside handles of my 2002 Mazda Tribute have malfunctioned causing extreme difficult in getting out of the vehicle. This could result in a very dangerous situation in the case of an accident or fire along with various other incidents. It is my understanding from internet searching that this is a common problem, however, I have never heard of other vehicles having this problem.
Interior door handle on driver's side is broken. Have had to open the window to get out of the car, (open by exterior handle). Repair costs over $150.00 due to manual labor involved. Also, steering became very noisy with screeching on turning at slow speeds. The outer tie, tye (spelling?) rods had to be replaced because the one's on there could not be re-greased. Cost: $210.00.
Related recalls
Structure › Frame and members
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…
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.
Body complaints in other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2002 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the body & structure of the 2002 Mazda Tribute, 7% of the model year's 384 complaints. The component named most often is body (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mazda Tribute body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-174 (frame and members, Apr 4, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Mazda Tribute body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 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.