Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
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. The contact stated that the front passenger door malfunctioned and as a result, she unable to unlocked or open the door. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 152,000. The consumer stated brake fluid leaked which caused her to not have any brakes. As a result, the consumer had an accident and hit a pole. The consumer also stated the vehicle has electrical problems. Updated 04/25/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the rear window latch failed to lock. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated the VIN was not affected by NHTSA campaign number: 04V605000 (latches/locks/linkages). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,000.
We have a 2002 Mazda Tribute ls. While on vacation the passenger side door became permanently locked. The door would not unlock using the remote keyless entry or manual button. This presented a serious safety hazard in the event one would need to use the door to exit the car following a crash, and also created an incredible nuisance for the passenger. We took the car to the dealer and after destroying the side panel, replacing the entire lock mechanism and charging us nearly $600 we can open the door again. This is obviously a defective part, but Mazda nor the dealership was willling to assist in the repair of a problem that was in no way due to our negligence or mis-use. The car is extremely well cared for and driven only by myself and wife (mature adults). Subsequently, Mazda issued a recall for the back hatch locking mechanism. …
Interior driver door handle disengaged (broken cable attachment), handle no longer opens door. Must lower window and open door from exterior handle, not safe in cases where passengers (driver) need rapid egress. Weak door handle assembly at point of cable attachment seems like a design flaw/shortcut. This issue was common on the web-based repair sites with over 50 owners reporting issues on 1 site alone. Factory certified repair is $350! Consequently a work around has been posted on the internet that is dangerous. Involves drilling a hole in the handle base and rerouting the cable to this new (less efficient) location. The poor design, weak break-strength and critical nature of the component (door handle assembly) almost ensures this component will fail. The outrageous cost to replace almost guarantees a steady reliable source of income for Mazda dealer rare dept. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that she was unable to open the door to exit the vehicle. He contact had to open the window and stick her arm out the window to unlock the door from the exterior door handle. In addition, the rear lift gate would not remain closed or locked and would sporadically open while the vehicle was in motion. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 04V605000 (latches/ locks/ linkages: hatchback/ liftgate: lock) but was advised by the dealer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was unknown and the failure mileage was 120,000.
2002 Mazda Tribute I have had to replace all 4 door locks, at my expense. Has happened again to both front doors. Mechanic said that Mazda skimped on the rod mechanism and instead of installing two separate rods, one for the locks and one for the handles, the one rod cannot support all the doors. These doors will not open from the inside or the outside resulting in very expensive labor costs to remove the door panel to replace a $3.00 part. Here's what I don't understand. What is Mazda going to do when someone sues them for not being able to exit their vehicle in an emergency. I cannot comprehend why this is not a recall.
I have had numerous issues with all 4 doors that become suddenly broken. I have had both rear door locks replaced, and both front door locks replaced. Now the same issue has occurred once again on both front doors. There is obviously a defect with this model. Not only is this costly but extremely dangerous. My mechanic has no explanation for this problem, but it seems to stem from a small plastic componet in the lock panel. The parts cost $3.00 the labor is another story. After reading other peoples complaints on this issue I'm appalled there has been no recall on this.
The front drivers side door lock and latch system failed. The door will not open from outside the vehicle. The actuating rod broke away from the latch. Mazda seemed to have this same problem in the late 1980's with the 626 and 929; recalls were performed then. Problem is I can't seem to find parts available to fix it. I have gotten away with gluing it for the past year. Now there is nothing left to attached the actuating rod too. I have been on the internet and have noticed several other complaints of this happen on the same vehicle (2002 Mazda Tribute lx).
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.
Related recalls
Latches/locks/linkages › Hatchback/liftgate › Lock
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear liftgate latch release rod, the release rod attachment clip and the door handle return spring. The recall began on March 31, 2005. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Door Lock & Latch complaints in other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
How common are door lock & latch problems on the 2002 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the locks & latches of the 2002 Mazda Tribute, 6% of the model year's 384 complaints. The component named most often is doors › latch (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mazda Tribute door lock & latch problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-605 (lock, Dec 23, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Mazda Tribute door lock & latch problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to locks & latches 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.