Selling a junk or dead Mazda Tribute

Every Tribute is now at least 15 model years old. If yours needs more than it's worth, we buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Known problems, first generation and second

Tribute owners filed these reports with NHTSA through October 10, 2026. They aren't a measure of reliability. Each recall's vehicle total is for its full campaign. Many say only "certain sport utility vehicles," so other models could be counted. Generation details come from Wikipedia.

First generation (EP): 2001-2006

Model years 2001-2006, built on Ford's CD2 platform alongside the Ford Escape. North American Tributes came from the Ford plant in Claycomo, Missouri. Tribute buyers chose a 2.0-liter four, a 2.3-liter four or a 3.0-liter V6. These years hold 1,820 complaints, counting 5 filed under a 2000.

Engine and cooling, 2001-2002. The 2001 and 2002 hold 268 of the Tribute's 302 engine and engine cooling complaints. They also hold 37 of the 55 complaints that mention a fire. Recall 04V175000 reprogrammed the engine computer on 2001-2003 V6 Tributes that could stall while slowing down.

The throttle and speed control. Vehicle speed control ranks among the top components on every year from 2003 to 2006. Recall 04V583000 replaced accelerator cables on 2002-2004 Tributes because the throttle might not return to idle. Recall 12V357000 covers V6 Tributes with speed control from 2001-2006 and 2008; the engine cover sat too close to the speed control cable connector, and dealers increased the clearance.

The frame. Structure tops the 2004 and 2005. On the 2005 it is 100 complaints, with suspension close behind at 88. Recall 14V174000 adds a reinforcement cross-brace to certain 2001-2004 Tributes. It is limited to SUVs first sold in, or now kept in, states it names, starting with Connecticut and Delaware. That campaign counted 109,000 vehicles.

Brakes. Recall 12V016000 replaced the brake fluid reservoir cap and modified the ABS wiring on 2001-2002 Tributes, because a leaking cap could drip fluid onto the ABS. Recall 07V157000 checked ABS module connectors for missing wire seals on 2001-2004 cars.

Second generation: 2007-2011

Built from January 2007 to November 2011 in Claycomo, with 2.3- and 2.5-liter fours or the 3.0 V6, and a 6-speed automatic from 2009. The EPA's data also lists Tribute Hybrid and flex-fuel versions. These years hold 295 complaints.

From 2008 to 2011, steering leads the list every year. The 2008 has 202 complaints, and 84 name steering. Recall 14V282000 updated the power steering and instrument cluster software on 2008-2011 Tributes whose steering torque sensor might not work properly. On 2010-2011 cars with the 3.0 engine, recall 16V788000 replaced a fuel delivery module that could crack.

Complaints and recalls for each year

Source: NHTSA complaint records, October 10, 2026. Every Tribute year lists the recall campaigns covering it, and a campaign can span a few years.

The Tribute was dropped after the 2011 model year and replaced by the CX-5 in 2012.

Worth fixing?

Have the shop put the price in writing, then check what that Tribute goes for when it runs. When the repair gets close to that number, selling it whole is usually the better deal.

• Frame trouble on a 2001-2004? Check recall 14V174000 at NHTSA's recall lookup first. If the frame is rotted, see our rotted frame guide.
• Overheating or engine trouble on a 2001-2002? The head gasket and overheating guide helps you weigh the repair.
• Throttle sticking or surging? Ask a Mazda dealer whether the accelerator cable or speed control recall was done.
• Steering warnings on a 2008-2011? Ask about the software update in recall 14V282000.

How to sell a Tribute whole

1. Have the VIN, mileage and what's wrong ready. Say if it's 4WD and whether it rolls.
2. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Tell us where it sits. Barn, yard, carport or curb. Let us know about seized brakes or a weak frame, so the driver can get it on the truck safely. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. Leave it whole. Don't pull the catalytic converter or the wheels first, and mention anything already gone.
5. When the driver comes, show photo ID and give over the title. See junk truck or SUV for more on selling an SUV, or selling with no title if the title is lost.

Other Mazdas: the CX-7, the MPV, or every Mazda we cover.