2001 Mazda Tribute Problems
The 2001 Mazda Tribute has 581 NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls, with engine problems dominating owner reports. Based on 581 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2001 Mazda Tribute has 581 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2001 Mazda Tribute Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2001 Mazda Tribute trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2001 Mazda Tribute Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
MAZDA TRIBUTE 2001 has 581 NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls, with engine problems (173 complaints) and electrical faults (84 complaints) as top issues. Buyers should verify recall completion and inspect thoroughly. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mazda
- Model
- Tribute
- Model year
- 2001
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 581
- Crash-related complaints
- 21
- Safety recall campaigns
- 15
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2001 Mazda Tribute problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2001 Mazda Tribute?
The 2001 Mazda Tribute is a high-risk purchase due to 173 engine complaints and 15 recalls. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are verified as completed.
Engine and transmission issues can lead to costly repairs, and the high recall count suggests systemic problems that may not be fully resolved.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in pre-purchase inspection and ongoing maintenance.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking reliable daily transportation or those unable to absorb potential repair costs should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2001 Mazda Tribute
Inspection Focus
- Engine: Check for unusual noises, leaks, and check engine light history.
- Transmission: Test for smooth shifting and check fluid condition.
- Electrical: Verify all lights, windows, and dashboard functions work properly.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for leaks, noises, and service history.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2001 Mazda Tribute, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2001 Mazda Tribute shows a high volume of owner complaints concentrated in engine, electrical, and transmission systems. With 15 recalls and 21 crash-related complaints, buyers should approach this model year with caution. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to later model years with fewer complaints, the 2001 Tribute stands out for its high complaint volume across multiple systems.
Recall context: With 15 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been performed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 173 complaints, the highest of any component.
- Electrical faults total 84 complaints, indicating potential wiring or component failures.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are reported in 73 complaints.
- Engine Problems: 173 complaints suggest frequent mechanical failures.
- Electrical Faults: 84 complaints point to potential reliability issues.
- Transmission/Drivetrain: 73 complaints indicate possible shifting or driveline problems.
Full breakdown
All 2001 Mazda Tribute complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Mazda Tribute. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 173 | — | 4 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 84 | — | 4 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 73 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 59 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 56 | 5 | 7 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 46 | 4 | 6 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 45 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 40 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 35 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 32 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 31 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 22 | 9 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 20 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2001 Mazda Tribute. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Corroded Subframe led to almost complete separation of drivers side control arm, 72k original miles, took my problem to Bergery Mazda where no one cared. If the part was already replaced in 2014 how is it possibly broken already.
The contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling and occasionally while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle would stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. …
THE GAS PEDAL IS THE ISSUE THAT I HAVE WITH MY 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE YOU CAN HARDLY PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND IT ACCELERATES VERY HARD. IT IS VERY NON SAFE. WHAT CAN BE DONE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.
POOR BRAKING. POOR PEDAL RESPONSE. LONG STOPPING DISTANCE. BRAKES CHECKED AS GOOD. DEALER SAYS NO RECALLS OPEN FOR MY VIN
I WENT IN THE STORE FOR A FEW MINUTES AND I CAN OUT AND THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR AT ALL IT SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND ALL IT DID WAS THE SHIFTER JUST STOPPED AND WAS LOOSE IT WOULD NOT INGAGE IN ANOTHER GEAR
THE THROTTLE WILL STICK OPEN. IT HAPPENS TYPICALLY IN THE WINTER WHEN IT'S REALLY COLD BUT LATELY, IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING WHEN IT'S WARM OUT. IN ORDER FOR ME TO GET CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE I HAVE TO QUICKLY SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND POWER OFF THE VEHICLE AND COAST TO A STOP. IF I D…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT FAILED TO DRI…
SUBFRAME RUST,LOWER ARMS CANOT BE CHANGED.I WAS DRIVING AND I HEARD POP AND COULDN"T KEEP THE CAR DRIVING STRAIGHT
I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A GUY IN JULY OF THIS YEAR AND HE SAID "THE GAS PEDAL GETS STUCK SOMETIMES BUT IF YOU JUST PUMP THE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES IT SHOULD STOP". WELL THE GAS PEDAL DOESN'T GET STUCK SOMETIMES, IT GETS STUCK ALL THE TIME. IT GETS STUCK AND EITHER CAUSES THE CAR NOT …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DE PAULA MAZDA (799 CENTRAL AVE, ALBANY, NY 12206) WHO INSTALLED A REINFORCEME…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED, WHICH NEARLY DAMAGED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JACK SWEENEY MAZDA IN CINCINNATI, OH WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE…
MAZDA RECALL 7514D, CROSS BRACE KIT, FAILED CAUSING CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF STEERING. THE CROSS BRACE ATTACHMENT AT THE FRAME FAILED. CROSS BRACE INTACT, BUT THE FRAME ATTACHMENT WAS SEVERELY CORRODED CAUSING FRAME FAILURE AND CROSS BRACE SEPARATION FROM THE FRAME. THE RECALL WAS C…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE), THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE REAR BOLTS ON THE VEHICLE WERE RUSTED AND UNREPAIRABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK A FIRE HYDRANT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER CROSS BRACE…
FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, I HAVE REPEATEDLY REQUESTED A COPY OF THE REVISED OWNER'S MANUAL FOR MY VEHICLE FROM MAZDA AND FROM THREE MAZDA DEALERSHIPS. STARTING IN JANUARY, 2012, MAZDA CLAIMED TO NO LONGER HAVE ANY COPIES AVAILABLE AND REFUSED TO PROVIDED ME WITH SO MUCH AS EVEN A …
A MECHANIC TOLD ME THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE IT WAS TOWED TO MAZDA DEALERSHIP TO FIX UNDER RECALL WHERE IT SAT FOR A WEEK AFTER THAT TIME GOT A CALL FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT MAZDA REFUSES TO FIX IT STATING THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS NEGLECTFUL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF…
WARNING LIGHT WON'T TURN OFF.
PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND COULD NOT GET IT OUT OF REVERSE. STEERING TOTALLY LOCKED UP. I LOOKED ON GOOGLE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING QUITE A BIT AND A FEW YEARS HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECALLED. I WAS IN A CVS PARKING LOT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. BLOCKED TRAFFIC AND PEOPLE WERE NOT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO THE DRIVE POSITION AND FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE RPMS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE WHILE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN THE REVERSE POSITIO…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2001 Mazda Tribute.
Safety recalls
2001 Mazda Tribute recalls
15 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2001 Mazda Tribute. With 15 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been performed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
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Questions
2001 Mazda Tribute buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2001 Mazda Tribute reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 581 owner complaints, 21 crash-related complaints, and 15 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2001 Mazda Tribute is a high-risk purchase due to 173 engine complaints and 15 recalls. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are verified as completed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mazda Tribute?▾
#1: Engine Problems (173 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (84 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (73 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2001 Mazda Tribute?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2001 Mazda Tribute?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2001 Mazda Tribute, NHTSA complaints include 21 crash-related reports and 13 fire reports out of 581 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2001 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?▾
Yes. 15 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2001 Mazda Tribute. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING. With 15 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been performed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2001 Mazda Tribute?▾
The 2001 Mazda Tribute is a high-risk purchase due to 173 engine complaints and 15 recalls. Only consider if thoroughly inspected and all recalls are verified as completed. Engine and transmission issues can lead to costly repairs, and the high recall count suggests systemic problems that may not be fully resolved. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Mazda Tribute reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2001 Mazda Tribute based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.