CarBrief

NHTSA has 199 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Mazda Tribute[1]. It also has 6 recalls, so check that each one was done before you buy or keep one[2].

199owner complaints[1]
6recalls[2]
18–22MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 199 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 17 mention a crash, 9 a fire and 16 injuries[1]. No deaths were reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

The biggest groups by count are:

We read a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups. It is not a count of all owners, so treat it as a hint of what people describe.

Air bags. In the sample, owners describe an air bag warning light that stays on or comes back after repairs. Others describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash[4].

Speed control. Owners in the sample describe an accelerator pedal that sticks or a car that speeds up when it should not. Some say this led to a crash[5]. See the recalls below for the related fixes.

Brakes. In the sample, owners describe front pads and rotors wearing out early, sometimes at low mileage[6].

Structure. In the sample, owners describe a rotted or broken front subframe. The median mileage for structure complaints is 130,000, higher than for the other groups listed above[7][4][5][6][8][9][10][11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:

Some structure complaint texts say the damage was not covered by a recall or that a recall repair did not prevent the failure[7]. A Mazda dealer can tell you which recalls apply to a specific car[12].

Fuel economy

EPA lists four versions. The 2.0L 4-cylinder with a 5-speed manual rates higher than the 3.0L 6-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic[3][18][19][20]. In each pairing, front-wheel drive rates higher than 4-wheel or all-wheel drive[3][18][19][20]. All use regular fuel.

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG Est. annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl, manual[3] 20 / 25 / 22 $3,050
2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, automatic[18] 17 / 23 / 19 $3,550
4WD, 2.0L 4-cyl, manual[19] 19 / 23 / 21 $3,200
4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, automatic[20] 16 / 21 / 18 $3,700

EPA's fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2003 Tribute 3 stars for rollover[21]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.

Engine and size

The EPA lists a 2.0L 4-cylinder and a 3.0L 6-cylinder[3][18]. The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2WD DX[22] 173 in 71 in 67 in 103 in 3,091 lb
2WD LX/DX V6[23] 173 in 72 in 68 in 103 in 3,291 lb
4WD DX[24] 173 in 71 in 67 in 103 in 3,245 lb
4WD ES V6[25] 173 in 72 in 68 in 103 in 3,455 lb
4WD LX/DX V6[26] 173 in 71 in 67 in 103 in 3,455 lb

How 2003 compares with other years

2001: 563 complaints, 13 recalls20012002: 384 complaints, 7 recalls20022003: 199 complaints, 6 recalls19920032004: 157 complaints, 5 recalls20042005: 377 complaints, 3 recalls20052006: 135 complaints, 2 recalls20062008: 202 complaints, 4 recalls20082009: 36 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 39 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 14 complaints, 2 recalls2011
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Tribute model year. The 2003 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200156313
20023847
20031996
20041575
20053773
20061352
20082024
2009361
2010392
2011142

NHTSA's counts for each Tribute model year show 199 complaints and 6 recalls for 2003[2]. Four years have more complaints: 2001 with 563, 2002 with 384, 2005 with 377 and 2008 with 202[2]. Five have fewer: 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011[2]. For recalls, only 2001 with 13 and 2002 with 7 have more than 2003[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many were sold.

Should you buy a used 2003 Tribute?

The 2003 Tribute has a mid-range complaint count among the model years listed, but a high recall count[2]. Several recalls involve a stuck or sticking throttle and a corroding control arm attachment[12][13][16]. Before buying, confirm with a Mazda dealer that each recall was completed on that exact car. Have a mechanic look at the front structure for rust and check the brakes, since owners in our sample describe both[6][7]. The 2.0L versions use less fuel than the V6 versions[3][18][19][20].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mazda Tribute?
By complaint count, air bags (35), speed control (34), brakes (31) and structure (29) lead the list[4][5][6][7].
How many recalls does the 2003 Mazda Tribute have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls[2]. They cover control arm corrosion, a stuck throttle, the ABS module connector, the liftgate latch, the accelerator cable and engine stall[12][13][14][15][16][17].
What is the gas mileage of a 2003 Mazda Tribute?
EPA combined ratings range from 18 MPG for the 4WD 3.0L automatic to 22 MPG for the 2WD 2.0L manual[20][3].
Is the 2003 Mazda Tribute safe?
NHTSA gives it 3 stars for rollover[21]. It also has recalls for steering, throttle and brake system issues, so check that they were done[12][13][14].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 199 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Mazda Tribute (17 mention a crash, 9 a fire, 16 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mazda Tribute model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for Tribute 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. 35 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,377). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 34 complaints name the speed control component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 31 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,651). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 29 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 130,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 28 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 24 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 15 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,949). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 14 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 14V174, filed April 4, 2014: Structure › Frame And Members. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 12V357, filed July 27, 2012: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 07V157, filed April 10, 2007: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 04V605, filed December 23, 2004: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hatchback / Liftgate › Lock. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 04V583, filed December 10, 2004: Vehicle Speed Control › Cables. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 04V175, filed April 9, 2004: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for Tribute 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Tribute 4WD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Tribute 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 2WD DX: length 173 in, width 71 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,091 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 2WD LX/DX V6: length 173 in, width 72 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,291 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 4WD DX: length 173 in, width 71 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,245 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 4WD ES V6: length 173 in, width 72 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,455 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 4WD LX/DX V6: length 173 in, width 71 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,455 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.