Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Suspension — runs 4.9× the fleet median for that category across the 965 model-years tracked on this site.
157Complaints
7Recalls
15Crashes
3Fires
15Injured
2Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Suspension (30.6% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Suspension complaints here are 4.9× the median for that category across the 965 model-years tracked on this site.
4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Suspension
48 · 30.6%
Recalled
Recall 15E045000
Structure:body
36 · 22.9%
Recalled
Recall 14V174000
Vehicle Speed Control
24 · 15.3%
Recalled
Recall 04V583000
Air Bags
15 · 9.6%
No official action
—
Power Train:automatic Transmission
11 · 7%
No official action
—
Engine And Engine Cooling
10 · 6.4%
Recalled
Recall 12V357000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 157 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A stuck throttle 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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“IN RESEARCHING THE NHTSA WEBSITE IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS IS NOT A UNIQUE COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE HAS 91,000 MILES. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE UPPER…”NHTSA complaint 10787472 — filed 10/31/2015 · SUSPENSION
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY AT 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SNAPPING SOUND. THE BRAKE…”NHTSA complaint 10779751 — filed 10/05/2015 · SUSPENSION
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE HAD AN ABNORMAL LOUD SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE…”NHTSA complaint 10778151 — filed 09/28/2015 · SUSPENSION
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda Tribute?
Suspension issues are the most-reported category, cited in 48 of 157 NHTSA complaints (30.6%), followed by structure:body (36), vehicle speed control (24), air bags (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2004 Mazda Tribute have?
157 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 15 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 15 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.
Does the 2004 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes — 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15E045000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2004 Mazda Tribute's reported problems?
4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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