The 2001 Mazda Tribute (twin of the Ford Escape) is a first-generation compact SUV that suffers from serious powertrain reliability issues, particularly catastrophic V6 engine failures and transmission cooler leaks that destroy transmissions. The 2.0L I4 is somewhat more reliable but underpowered.
Catastrophic 3.0L V6 Engine Failure (Duratec)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: sudden loss of compression, coolant mixing with oil (milky dipstick), overheating without external leaks, metal shavings in oil, knocking or rattling before total failure
Fix: The Duratec V6 suffers from head gasket failures that lead to coolant intrusion, cracked cylinder heads, and total engine destruction. Almost always requires engine replacement (used or rebuilt) rather than rebuild due to block/head damage. 18-24 labor hours for engine swap.
Symptoms: transmission slipping or delayed engagement, pink/milky transmission fluid, strawberry milkshake appearance in coolant reservoir, transmission failure after coolant contamination
Fix: The internal transmission cooler (inside the radiator) fails and allows coolant to mix with ATF, destroying the transmission within days or weeks. Requires radiator replacement PLUS transmission rebuild or replacement if caught late. Radiator alone is 3-4 hours; transmission is 8-12 hours if contaminated.
Symptoms: ABS light stays on, brake pedal pulsing during normal stops, grinding noise from ABS pump at startup, loss of ABS function, premature rear brake wear
Fix: The ABS hydraulic control unit fails internally, often requiring complete module replacement. Rebuilds are available but reliability varies. Includes bleeding ABS system. 2-3 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Rear Liftgate Lock/Latch Failure
Common · low severity
Symptoms: liftgate won't latch closed, liftgate pops open while driving, key won't turn in liftgate lock, warning light for open liftgate stays on
Fix: Plastic components in the liftgate latch mechanism break or wear out. Recall was issued but doesn't cover all failure modes. Replacement latch assembly required. 1-1.5 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Front Suspension Lower Control Arm Bushings
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, steering wander or vague feel, uneven tire wear (inner edge), visible cracking in rubber bushings
Fix: Lower control arm bushings deteriorate and separate. Many techs replace entire control arms rather than pressing bushings due to time savings. Requires alignment after. 3-4 labor hours both sides with alignment.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Automatic Transmission Shift Solenoid Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh or delayed shifts, stuck in one gear (limp mode), transmission slipping, check engine light with transmission codes (P0750-P0760 range)
Fix: CD4E transmission shift solenoids fail electrically or mechanically. Requires valve body removal to access. Often done with fluid flush and filter change. 4-6 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 110,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: no start/crank but won't fire, stalling when hot, loss of power under acceleration, whining noise from fuel tank, hard starting after sitting
Fix: In-tank fuel pump assembly fails. Requires dropping fuel tank or removing rear seat and cutting access panel (not factory-equipped). Tank drop method is 3-4 hours; access panel method 2-3 hours.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid color IMMEDIATELY if buying used—pink or milky fluid means walk away, the transmission is already dead
Avoid the 3.0L V6 entirely if possible; the 2.0L I4 is far more reliable despite being sluggish
Replace radiator preemptively around 80k miles to prevent transmission cooler failure—$400 now beats $3,500 later
Monitor coolant level obsessively on V6 models; unexplained loss without external leaks means internal head gasket failure is starting
Service transmission fluid every 30k miles with Mercon V—the CD4E does not have a lifetime fill despite what the manual says
Hard pass unless you find a 2.0L I4 with documented radiator replacement and low miles under $2,000—the V6 is a ticking time bomb and transmission cooler failures are nearly inevitable.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Consequence: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS · 14V174000
2014-04-04
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Tribute vehicles manufactured May 22, 2000, through December 19, 2003, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
Consequence: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 29, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7514D.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 12V357000
2012-07-27 · PE12019
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 12V016000
2012-01-20 · EA10002
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 2000, THROUGH JULY 19, 2002. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID. IF BRAKE FLUID LEAKS, IT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR.
Consequence: CORROSION MAY DEVELOP IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LEADING MELTING, SMOKING OR POSSIBLE FIRE.
Remedy: MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR CAP AND MODIFY THE ABS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FREE OF CHARGE. UNTIL THE REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED, VEHICLE OWNERS SHOULD PARK THEIR VEHICLES OUTSIDE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION 6.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 07V157000
2007-04-10 · PE06048
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
Consequence: 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. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · 07E023000
2007-03-29
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
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. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 04V175000
2004-04-09 · EA02027
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 DURATEC ENGINES , DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
Consequence: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH THE APPROPRIATE CALIBRATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY · 03V515000
2003-12-15 · PE03030
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A POST WITHIN THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVERS COULD FRACTURE, WHICH COULD AFFECT LATCH FUNCTION, RESULTING IN EITHER A "NO LATCH" OR "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION. IN THE "PARTIAL LATCH" CONDITION, THE BUCKLE TONGUE CAN BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND APPEAR TO BE ENGAGED, BUT WILL RELEASE FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT THE PUSH BUTTON BEING DEPRESSED WHEN A RELATIVELY LOW LOAD IS APPLIED, SUCH AS WHEN AN OCCUPANT MOVES SLIGHTLY IN THE SEAT.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL HAVE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVER REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SERVICE BUCKLE COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE CAN DISENGAGE DUE TO A BROKEN BALL SOCKET.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION, OR OF THE WIPER FUNCTION ON THE DRIVER SIDE ONLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUALS DO NOT INDICATE WHICH SEATING POSITIONS ARE EQUIPPED WITH CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGES. ALSO, THE MANUALS DO NOT EXPLAIN THE MARKINGS IN THE VEHICLES THAT LOCATE THE LOWER ANCHORAGES.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH REVISED OWNER MANUALS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY · 00V277002
2000-09-18 · RQ01001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE O-RING SEALS IN THE FUEL LINE CONNECTOR AT THE OUTLET END OF THE FUEL FILTER WERE DAMAGED WHEN THE LINE WAS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. IN SOME CASES, THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A FUEL ODOR, OR POSSIBLY IN FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE CONNECTION.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL LINE.
WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER · 00V260002
2000-09-12
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME 4X2 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MAY HAVE INADVERTENTLY BEEN BUILT WITH 4X4 REAR HUBS INSTEAD OF 4X2 HUBS. IF THE INCORRECT HUBS ARE INSTALLED ON A 4X2 VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEELS CAN LOOSEN, OR IN SOME CASES, SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR HUBS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · 00V210002
2000-08-09
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CAN HAVE A CRACKED OR MISSING SPEED CONTROL CABLE SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB. THE LOCATING TAB COULD ENTER THE SERVO CLUTCH CAVITY AND INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO CLUTCH. ALSO, WATER COULD ENTER THOSE UNITS THAT CONTAIN A CRACKED OR MISSING SERVO CAP LOCATING TAB, EVENTUALLY CAUSING CORROSION THAT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE FUNCTION OF THE SPEED CONTROL.
Consequence: IF EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS OCCURS AND THE SPEED CONTROL IS USED, THE SPEED CONTROL COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE, RESULTING IN A STUCK THROTTLE. A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLES. VEHICLES WITH SPEED CONTROL CABLES FROM CAVITIES 3 AND 4 WILL HAVE THE CABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO REPLACED.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR · 00V223002
2000-08-09
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MIS-ASSEMBLED OR INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED NUT THAT ATTACHES THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE NUT COULD BE UPSIDE DOWN IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY, WHICH COULD OVERSTRESS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WHEN THE NUT IS TIGHTENED. IN ADDITION, SOME OF THE NUTS MAY HAVE BEEN CRACKED DURING MANUFACTURE RESULTING IN THE NUT FRACTURING WHEN IT IS TIGHTENED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN LEAD TO THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMING LOOSE OR SEPARATING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL RETENTION ARMATURE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE STEERING COLUMN TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION.
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