The Lemon Index
200120031st generation
Avoid · most complaints: engine
Better years to buy
206 owner complaints, first 3 years 18–22 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2002 Toyota RAV4 352002 Honda CR-V 912002 Ford Escape 281
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2002 Mazda Tribute
- Engine stalling99 complaintsmostly at 10,000–40,000 miles (16,000–64,000 km)
- Rust / frame corrosion13 complaintsmostly at 82,000–150,000 miles (132,000–241,000 km)
- Brakes: ABS module / pump12 complaintsmostly at 60,000–162,000 miles (97,000–261,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 384 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 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 11,000 and 35,000 miles (17,000–56,000 km) (the middle half of the 65 complaints, of all 206 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 9 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?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Mazda sent dealers 150 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Subject regarding intermittent engine quit or idle dip, regarding 3.0 l duratec engines only”?
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 206 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 10K to 34K miles (17K to 56K km) on the car (65 of all 206 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
While driving at 20-25 mph and without any warning vehicle stalled out and everything shut down. Contacted dealer, and the dealer could not find cause of problem.
2002 Mazda Tribute owner · NHTSA complaint 8012127
More owner reports
Consumer stated the engine has stopped running on 4 separate occasions, when this happens power brakes and steering are no longer operative, the dealer has been unable to rectify the problem.
NHTSA complaint 786446
Vehicle stalled at 25-30 mph. Dealer could not find cause.
NHTSA complaint 8009909
Problems Mazda told dealers about
Mazda sent dealers 150 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Subject regarding intermittent engine quit or idle dip, regarding 3.0 l duratec engines only
- Intermittent engine quit condition
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 9
- 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 9 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 …
- Speed control · recall issued 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
- 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.
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 $2,750–$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. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2002 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mazda-tribute/?y=2002" 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/2002/">Lemon Index</a> (2002 Mazda Tribute reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2002 Mazda Tribute reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew about 4 times the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 449; 100 is average, lower is better). The Mazda Tribute year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2004.
What are the most common 2002 Mazda Tribute problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (56%), electrical (13%) and brakes (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have?
9 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 2002 Mazda Tribute get?
18 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 Mazda Tribute problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 11,000 and 35,000 miles (17,000–56,000 km) (the middle half of the 65 complaints, of all 206 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2002 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 2002 Mazda Tribute have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2002 Mazda Tribute cost in fuel a year?
About $2,750 to $3,350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Mazda Tribute have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mazda Tribute year is better than the 2002?
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