The Lemon Index
20021st generation
Avoid · most complaints: engine
Better years to buy
355 owner complaints, first 3 years 18–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2001 Toyota RAV4 622001 Honda CR-V 182001 Ford Escape 263
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2001 Mazda Tribute
- Engine stalling141 complaintsmostly at 23,000–66,000 miles (37,000–106,000 km)
- Throttle body / loss of power13 complaintsmostly at 16,000–21,000 miles (26,000–34,000 km)
- Rust / frame corrosion13 complaintsmostly at 110,000–140,000 miles (176,000–225,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 563 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Mazda Tribute (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 20,000 and 50,000 miles (32,000–80,000 km) (the middle half of the 78 complaints, of all 355 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 15E045000 (suspension), 14V174000 (body structure) and 12V357000 (engine) done? It has 15 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Mazda sent dealers 179 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Rear axle leak”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mazda's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 355 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 50K miles (32K to 80K km) on the car (78 of all 355 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The steering wheel wandered which caused the vehicle to change lanes at high and low speeds.
2001 Mazda Tribute owner · NHTSA complaint 10022891
More owner reports
Air bag light stays on. When taken to dealer, dealer replaced air bag module three times already. Also, replaced the wire harness . Problem still occurs
NHTSA complaint 885706
While driving, vehicle will stall, the steering and brakes lock and consumer has not control, dealer has made repairs to the ignition switch and tapped new relay, however stalling still occurs.
NHTSA complaint 881173
Problems Mazda told dealers about
Mazda sent dealers 179 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Rear axle leak
- Rear axle leak
- Concerns with vibration from #3 engine mount
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 15
- Suspension · recall issued 2015
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.
- Body structure · recall issued 2014
These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.
- Engine · recall issued 2012 3.0L engines only
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.
Show all 15 recalls
- Brakes · recall issued 2012
MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 2000, THROUGH JULY 19, 2002.
- Brakes · recall issued 2007
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS.
- Brakes · recall issued 2007
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 EQUI…
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2004
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 …
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2004 3.0L engines only
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L V6 DURATEC ENGINES , DURING DECELERATION, THE ENGINE CAN STALL.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2003
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.
- Visibility · recall issued 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.
- Equipment · recall issued 2000
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 CH…
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.
- Wheels · recall issued 2000
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.
- Speed control · recall issued 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL.
- Steering · recall issued 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedCruise control cable2012
- ClosedStuck throttle2012–2013
- ClosedEngine compartment fire2010–2012
- ClosedEngine compartment fire2009
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,600–$3,350 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Mazda Tribute year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2001 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mazda-tribute/?y=2001" title="Mazda Tribute reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="376" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mazda-tribute/2001/">Lemon Index</a> (2001 Mazda Tribute reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2001 Mazda Tribute reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew about 5 times the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 505; 100 is average, lower is better). The Mazda Tribute year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2004.
What are the most common 2001 Mazda Tribute problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (42%), electrical (19%) and transmission & drivetrain (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Mazda Tribute have?
15 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Mazda Tribute get?
18 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 Mazda Tribute problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 20,000 and 50,000 miles (32,000–80,000 km) (the middle half of the 78 complaints, of all 355 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2001 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2001 Mazda Tribute have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2001 Mazda Tribute cost in fuel a year?
About $2,600 to $3,350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Mazda Tribute have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mazda Tribute year is better than the 2001?
Nearby, the 2004 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (somewhat fewer complaints than the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works