Door Lock & Latch complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 2003 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the rear hatch door would not lock. He made several unsuccessful attempts to lock the rear hatch. He called the Mazda dealer in regards to NHTSA campaign id number 04V605000 (latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock) and they stated that his VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 72,000 and current mileage was 75,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to close the rear hatch, the lift gate was difficult to lock into place. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, who determined the lift gate lock needed to be replaced. There was a NHTSA recall, # 04V605000, regarding the lift gate lock. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted.
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
The driver side door handle failed, I was trapped inside the car on the driver side. I had to lower the power window, reach outside of the car and open the door. I purchased a handle and paid to have the door handle replaced on 6/29/2005. The passenger side door handle failed , leaving the passenger trapped inside the car on the passenger side. Passengers had to lower the power window, reach outside the car and open the door. I purchased a handle and paid to have the door handle replaced on 3/13/2006. Recently, every time I crank my car a large cloud of gray smoke comes from the tailpipe. Today, 6/16/2006, I went to put the key into the ignition and the key would not go in. After several attempts the key went into the ignition but, the key would not turn. I was unable to start the car. …
Unable to open doors from inside of vehicle. After 90000 miles driver and passenger doors became inopperable within 2 days of each other. Driver's side could not be opened from inside or outside while passenger side door could be opened by rolling down the window and lifting up on outside handle. Shop determined that handle(chromed plastic) inside door mechanism(Mazda part#ec01-58-330n)cracked. The handle has a 1/16th" raised catch that cracked off on both handles. The second incident happened just 10months later @109K once again both handles were involved but this time they were 1 week apart. The parts cost (as of 8/24/04) 52.29 + labor each. I have old parts. No children used these doors only 2 adults. This is a serious situation due to the inability to open the doors from the inside in the event of an emergency or the need to exit the vehicle quickly. …
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Tribute years have door lock & latch problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (59) and 2002 (22) model years. Door Lock & Latch complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Mazda Tribute door lock & latch problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-605 (lock, Dec 23, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda Tribute door lock & latch problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the doors › latch (30 mentions), followed by the hatchback/liftgate › lock (5).
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.