Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mazda Tribute. While driving 55 MPH up a mountain, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to serra Mazda (1503 gadsden hwy, birmingham, al 35235, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the throttle was failing. The dealer stated that they could not repair the vehicle because the warning indicator did not illuminate. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Fuel fill neck diagnostic code po457 occurred and the check engine light came on which seemed to cause the vehicle to sputter, and to have loss of power while driving. Upon inspection there is nothing wrong with the part. Upon a google search other have had the same problem and it appears they recalled this same vehicle with the 3.0 engine (mine has the 2.5).
Takata recall: the brakes fail when depressed to come to complete stop. The ABS control module failed when needing to stop instantly. As I was driving down the highway and made an instant stop the SUV did not stop right away as it would jerk forward and then swerve before making a stop almost causing lost of control of the vehicle. The engine light stay on because of the gas cap error but the vehicle does not require a gas cap it is a cap-less tank. Causes gas to seep through.
Car will lose power during driving. Engine begins to sputter, which results in a jerking motion of the vehicle. Pressing the gas does nothing. Engine revs according to RPM dial, but car will not accelerate. RPM dial will continue to show engine revving while idling (after I pull over and put car in park). This has happened twice - 8/22/19 and again 8/27/19. Diagnostic run on car on 8/22/2019 lists no error codes, for me to fix issue. Video taken, but still images wont help.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. While traveling at 40 MPH, the contact changed lanes to pass a vehicle but when he depressed the accelerator pedal to speed up, the pedal went to the floorboard and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but the engine only raced up and down with no response from the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership and the dealer stated that the air filter and fuel control module had burned out and caused the failure. The current and failure mileages were 25,185. Updated 07/22/10 updated 09/23/10 updated 09/24/10 the consumer no longer owns the vehicle. Updated 09/27/10
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. While driving approximately 45 MPH, a loud banging sound was heard from the front end of the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that a piston shot through the back of the engine. The engine was replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Vehicle traveling on interstate highway of major metropolitan city when smoke from engine brought vehicle and traffic to standstill. Two fire trucks and police responded. Oil found sprayed on highway and throughout engine compartment, with total loss of engine oil. Vehicle taken to dealership service department for diagnosis. Per dealership report, oil leak found emanating from a large gaping hole on bottom of engine block (v6) where it appears cylinder rod #5 disconnected and went through the bottom of the engine block and ruptured the oil filter, releasing all engine oil content. Engine considered blown by dealership and given out of warranty, an $8500 engine replacement is required at the total expense of the owner given the vehicle is beyond the 36,000 mile engine warranty period, and therefore Mazda is not responsible. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda Tribute. While driving 85 MPH and depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle accelerated without warning. The brake pedal had to be depressed multiple times to slow the vehicle down. The contact drove the vehicle home. Also, while the vehicle was in drive, it accelerated at full throttle. The contact called kinsel Ford (located at 3355 eastex fwy, beaumont, tx 77706, [phone]) and was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V357000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control). The dealer stated that if the failure was related to the recall, there would be no charge. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
NHTSA investigations
Engine stalling
Engine stalling
Ford's and Mazda's letters to NHTSA dated April 5 and April 9, 2004, state that they will recall model year 2001-03 Ford escape and Mazda tribute vehicles with the v6 engine built thru September 11, 2002.dealers will adjust engine calibration in the programmable control module (PCM), which in its current setting, can cause the engine to shut down if the vehicle is decelerating at speeds below 40 MPH.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Tribute years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (171), 2002 (130), 2003 (28), 2005 (25) and 2004 (22) model years. Engine complaints make up 30% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Mazda Tribute engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Mazda Tribute model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda Tribute engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (165 mentions), followed by the engine (77).
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.