2002 Mazda Tribute Brake Problems

Which parts fail

• Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
  11
• Foundation components › Master cylinder
  8
• Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
  7
• Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
  5
• Foundation components
  2
• Antilock › ABS warning light
  2

Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  815%
• 25k–50k
  611%
• 50k–75k
  1425%
• 75k–100k
  815%
• 100k–150k
  713%
• 150k+
  1222%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Mazda Tribute owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting erratically and made an abnormal rumbling sound. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond and was jerking upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact who is an independent mechanic had replaced the transmission speed sensor, the transmission shift position sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the shift solenoid block, the transmission fluid, the transmission clutch solenoid, and the wheel speed sensor; however, the failure persisted. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved DTC codes indicating that the ABS wiring was overheating. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V016000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). …

My car has had a abs engine code for a year that I have spent a lot of money trying to get it off because, I can't renew my tag because it failed emissions vehicle safety test . So I was notified by my insurance company that my vehicle was under recall. I read it and called Mazda and it was confirmed and I went to the shop and I waited 6 hours for the installation of a new abs module and wire harness. Hennesy Mazda of morrow Georgia bypassed the abs system but replaced my voltage regulator with out my consent. The recall recommended repair is to replace the abs module and harness. The dealership refused to comply and neither offered a tow back to Newnan Georgia where I live. So they placed me and others at risk by failing to comply. I have been ignored even after speaking with 3 customer service representatives and I was given a call [redacted] 10/11/23. …

My 2002 Mazda Tribute is leaking brake fluid per Mazda recall my vehicle was manufactured 01/02. And it smells smoky! I didn't get a recall notice but, my Tribute is having the exact problem sited on U.S. News & world report. Quote: Mazda recalling 52,390 Tribute suvs from the 2001 and 2002 model years for a problem with their brakes. According to the national highway traffic safety administration, part of the Tribute's brake system could leak brake fluid. If the brake fluid leaks, it's possible that the fluid can come in contact with wires that control the anti-lock brake system. Corrosion May develop in the electrical connector leading melting, smoking or possible fire,' NHTSA reports. NHTSA says that owners should park their Mazda Tribute outside until the vehicle has been taken in to the dealership to be fixed. …

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 approximately 30 MPH, there was a strong burning odor when smoke began to billow from the hood area. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road and inspected the fire under the hood. A fire report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was neither diagnosed nor repaired. Prior to the fire, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 07V157000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock: control unit/module). The dealer was contacted in order to secure an appointment for recall repairs but the dealer advised that the parts needed for repair were not available. In addition, the technician assured the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive however, the contact experienced the recall consequence before the recall repair could be performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …

Tl contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The vehicle was parked when the vehicle brake fluid leaked onto the antilock brake module connector which resulted into a fire. The failure occurred twice and was extinguished with a fire extinguisher. Also, after the second occurrence there was a disconnection of the battery. The vehicle had been previously serviced for the recall remedy, associated with NHTSA campaign id number 07V157000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock: control unit/module). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle had prior recall remedy performed and was unable to provide further assistance. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that she smelled a burning odor upon exiting the vehicle. The contact also stated that the anti lock braking light would intermittently illuminate and the anti lock braking system would engaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the anti lock braking system was faulty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 07V157000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000.

I started my car and the 'check engine' light flashed on-and-off. Thinking it would go away, I drove to route 3 in south shore, ma. Once on the highway, the light did not stop flashing, so I pulled over. Thirty seconds after pulling over in a rest area, white smoke appeared from under the hood. 10 seconds later, black smoke came from the hood which was accompanied with a burning smell. Luckily, someone from massdot was in the rest area and we determined that it was a car fire. We proceeded to step back and call 911 from a safe distance. The engine area of the car was on fire until the fire department was able to put it out.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for unrelated repairs where the mechanic advised the contact that the master cylinder was leaking onto the ABS pump wiring. The wiring was melted and the pump was no longer functioning. The ABS and brake warning lights were also illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 12V016000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module ) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Tl contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. While driving 65 MPH, the contact heard a flapping sound that only occurred when the accelerator pedal was depressed. She then noticed smoke and flames coming from the engine compartment. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. Recall number 07V157000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module) was referenced. The insurance inspector stated that the cause of the fire was due to the recalled item. However, the inspector is waiting for a second opinion. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 47,000.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Brake complaints in other Tribute years