Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Mazda Tribute owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would accelerate unintendedly, and the brakes would fail during the unintended acceleration. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the code reader was not able to read any codes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the accelerator and brakes were repaired years prior and would not cover the cost for repair. The failure mileage was 189,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. While driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact mentioned a burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact pulled over and discovered that part of the frame was fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger side of the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Already reported.....this is additional info poor mechanic service had car for month no rental vehicle:2004 trb lx xa safety recall(s) found: 4 special service program (ssp) recall(s) found: 0 last updated: March 11, 2015 Mazda recall #: 6812g NHTSA recall #: 12V357000 recall date recall description repair description recall status 07/26/12 Tribute 3.0l engine cover modification. There May be inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control (sometimes known as cruise control) cable, which could allow the engine to be stuck at full power when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. Safety risk: a throttle that is stuck fully or almost fully open May result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury, or death. …
2004 Mazda Tribute, 6 cylinder. The engine exploded upon starting, specifically the intake manifold. Upon starting, an extremely loud explosion occurred, the hood was raised about an inch and smoke and flame poured out from under the hood. I exited the vehicle and the smoked subsided and plastic parts where scattered about the parking lot. Towed the Tribute to the dealer where they stated that the intake manifold blew up and it would cost over $1000 to repair with no guarantee that the engine is not damaged. The dealer stated that they had no clue what caused the explosion. I was lucky that the car was parked and that my child was not near the car, otherwise this could have been an deadly incident.
Vehicle exhibited extended crank prior to the incident. As it was nearing 30K mile service, we decided to wait and have dealer inspect at that time. Before the car went in for maintenance, it shut down going uphill. Although it would restart, it ran rough and had to be towed to the nearest dealership. #3 ignition coil was replaced that that visit. The car began starting hard again in late 2007 and was brought to the dealership again - this visit, they replaced the idle air valve, hoping to fix the problem. It continued to start hard and 2 weeks later it ran very rough again on startup. This visit had the dealership replace the #2 ignition coil. The car continued to start hard, was returned to the dealership, and the #4 ignition coil was replaced. Hard start continued, car back to dealer again, fuel pump replaced. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power and began to shake violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that the catalytic converter failed and damaged the EGR valve. The mechanic stated that the catalytic converter system would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximately failure mileage was 114,000. Updated 04/09/13 the consumer stated the first time a problem occurred, his daughter was driving and she noticed the vehicle would no longer accelerate properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined the EGR valve, had a hole in it. …
Braking system (ABS) failed (I could have killed someone or myself) no back pressure going up hills resulting in failing suspension all front end has failed all door latches failed I'm terrified to operate this vehicle!!!!! Recall notices where never sent to me and modern motors only completed recall numbers 7514d and 6812g why is it that recalls are closed when I obviously had issues and I never received notices? I purchased my Mazda Tribute 2004 at modern motors in 2008 as the second owner. I was never informed of these recalls and I think it's only fair that they should be done at no charge. …
Tl contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decreased speed and felt as though it was losing power. The speed would not increase above 5 MPH and the brakes would not engage properly. The mechanic stated that the problem was due to the catalytic converter and it would take 1-3 months to receive the part. After 4 weeks, the vehicle was repaired; however, when the shifting gears from park, reverse, and drive she heard a grinding noise. There was also little or no resistance in the steering wheel while making right and left turns. The NHTSA campaign id number: 07e023000 is related to the service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder and NHTSA campaign id number: 04V583000 is related to the vehicle speed control:cables. The contact is aware of the safety risk in the transmission. The current and failure mileages were 53,000.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. While turning at 15 MPH, the vehicle's computer can rev the engine to keep it running. However, the engine is revving up to 3,000 rpms. The failure occurs while the vehicle is in drive or reverse. A crash could occur if the contact's foot is not depressing the brake pedal at the time. The failure is intermittent and sometimes the vehicle revs up to 1,000 rpms and other times up to 3,000 rpms. The dealer from where the vehicle was purchased stated that the vehicle was fine and designed to perform in that manner. The failure has since recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it is currently located. The contact is attempting to trade in the vehicle. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 66,000.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. While driving approximately 45 MPH on normal road conditions; proceeding to a traffic sign the engine began to hesitate and misfire. An independent mechanic replaced the coil pack, spark plugs and by passed the wiring harness. In addition, the fuel injection was cleaned. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Ford dealer on a separate occasion the for the identical failures. The technician recommended replacement of the wiring harness at an estimated cost of $1,300. The vehicle will be taken to an authorized dealer to have the wiring harness terminal replaced. The contact was concerned about the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current was mileage 107,000.
Engine complaints in other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Mazda Tribute, 14% of the model year's 157 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Mazda Tribute engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 Mazda Tribute, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Mazda Tribute engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.