Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The contact owned a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, a pop noise was heard, the vehicle had unintended acceleration; the engine revved and sped up to 80 - 90 mph, inadvertently, and the brakes failed to engage after the contact had depressed with both feet on the brake pedal. The contact made a turn into a park and the vehicle slid, then crashed into a tree. There was smoke coming from under the hood and the contact turned off the vehicle before exiting and walking until she got assistance from a bystander, who called the police. A police report was filed. The contact did not receive medical attention at the scene but later went to the emergency room for injuries sustained with six broken ribs. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
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). …
Have owned this car for 2 years, come April 2015. 8 months of those 2 years it has been sitting in the drive way broke down.was out of town when I felt the transmission slip and decrease in acceleration while I was on the freeway home. I had to get off on the nearest exit with my 1yr old daughter in the back, and there was a stop light from the off ramp to the road, it was red when I got off so of course I had to stop. Well the light turned green and my car would not accelerate it jerked like the gears were trying to shift but could not. I had to get off in reverse and wait 4 hours for a tow truck. We were 128 miles from home. I have not been able to fix it, still unfortunately still paying on it. I know there have been recalls made in April of 2004 for this model car. I just want to know if mine falls under that recall and I'm I eligible even though I am the second owner.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. While the contact was driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine completely stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted and continued traveling. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the technician informed the contact that the failure was related to the power control module. The vehicle was repaired under the service warranty. The same failure reoccurred four to five years after the replacement of the power control module. There was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 04V175000 (power train:automatic transmission:control module TCM, PCM). The contact was in the process of notifying the manufacturer to determine whether the VIN was included in the recall defect. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint.the failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
At 50,089 miles, my transmission failed; more specifically, the torque converter malfunctioned resulting in total transmission failure. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle -- I had to replace rotors within the first year of ownership, and May have to do so again at 52,000 miles. The vehicle has trouble starting, the brakes aren't very responsive, and I've had to replace the ignition switch with an unattractive and impractical replacement, because the dealership reported that the type that came with my vehicle wasn't available. The rear window has leaked. Needless to say, the warranty expired just before my transmission failed.
I was stopped at a stoplight in a busy intersection. I went to proceed trhough the intersection when the light turned green and the car was acting like it was stuck in neutral. I had to push down hard on the accelerator to get through the intersection and pull over onto the shoulder safely. The car would not move, except to go in reverse. There was no warning that something was going wrong with my car. I had the car towed to the transmission shop, where it wa s going to have a new transmission installed.
2002 Mazda Tribute. Consumer writes in regards to accident she had in 2004 due to sudden acceleration. Not knowing there was a problem with the vehicle, she put the vehicle in reverse, and consequently, she hit a pole in her driveway. The right front bumper, fender, fog light and windshield wiper fluid were damaged. After the accident, the consumer received a recall notice, regarding rapid acceleration. The consumer also stated the transmission was defective and had to be replaced.
We have a 2002 Mazda Tribute es 2wd. On several occasions, the vehicle has stalled at slow speeds (so far). The stalling has occurred when shifting from park to reverse, reverse to drive, and it also happened when we drove over a speed bump. The Mazda dealership has made three unsuccessful attempts to fix the problem so far. The vehicle is at the dealer at the moment for the fourth attempt. If this is unsuccessful, we are going to pursue a refund under the north carolina lemon law.
While backing out driver heard a clanking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was unable to be moved, and the driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer. Mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced. Consumer's vehicle failed to accelerate smoothly, do to delayed shifting. Gas mileage have been off for several weeks and is making the vehicle sluggish.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the ABS activates intermittently while the brakes are applied. The activation extends the stopping distance of the vehicle. Upon inspection the dealership determined the gear ring on the front passenger side axel is broken. The broken gear ring causes the ABS sensor to obtain an improper reading. The axel is going to be replaced.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 Duratec engines , during deceleration, the engine can stall.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the power control module (PCM) with the appropriate calibration. The recall began on May 3, 2004. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Transmission complaints in other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Mazda Tribute, 9% of the model year's 384 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mazda Tribute transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-175 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Apr 9, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Mazda Tribute transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.