Recall 12V016 affects 52,390 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute vehicles for brake-fluid leaks near ABS wiring. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 52,390 2001-2002 Tribute vehicles because the brake master cylinder reservoir cap can leak brake fluid onto the ABS module wiring harness connector. That leak can corrode the connector, melt wiring, create smoke, or raise the risk of a fire, and the Mazda dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake master cylinder reservoir on the 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute holds brake fluid for the hydraulic brake system. Its cap is supposed to seal the reservoir so fluid stays contained while the system builds pressure for braking. The ABS module is the electronic unit that helps control wheel lockup during hard braking.
On affected Tribute vehicles, the reservoir cap can leak brake fluid. If that fluid runs onto the ABS module wiring harness connector, it can contaminate the electrical connection. That puts brake fluid where it does not belong, around wiring that is supposed to stay dry and clean.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not count on a dashboard light, noise, or pedal change to appear before brake fluid reaches the ABS connector.
Who's affected?
This is a two-model-year recall tied to the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2002 Mazda Tribute | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2001 Mazda Tribute | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 52,390 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Corrosion in the ABS electrical connector can lead to melting, smoke, or fire. No warning sign is listed, so schedule the recall repair soon and treat smoke or heat damage as a reason to stop using the vehicle and call a Mazda dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Mazda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute is included in this recall.
- Park the vehicle outside and away from structures until the repair is complete.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the free brake master cylinder reservoir cap replacement and ABS electrical system modification that keeps leaking brake fluid away from the ABS connector.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V016 when you call.
- Call Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 6, with questions about scheduling or recall coverage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician replaces the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modifies the ABS electrical system so leaking brake fluid is kept away from the ABS module wiring connector. Mazda's remedy says this work is free of charge. Until the repair is performed, keep the vehicle parked outside. The dealer repair is covered by the recall once Mazda makes the remedy available for your VIN.
Timeline
| January 20, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 22, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V016?
Recall 12V016 covers 52,390 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute vehicles with a brake master cylinder reservoir cap that can leak brake fluid onto the ABS module wiring connector. Corrosion in that connector can lead to melting, smoking, or fire. Mazda dealers replace the cap and modify the ABS electrical system for free.
What should I do if my 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Tribute is included in recall 12V016. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the brake reservoir cap replacement and ABS electrical system modification. Mazda's remedy also says to park outside until the repair is performed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mazda dealers replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the ABS electrical system free of charge under recall 12V016.
Is it safe to drive my Mazda Tribute before the repair?
Treat this as a fire-risk recall until the repair is complete. The issue starts with brake fluid leaking near the ABS electrical connector, where corrosion can lead to melting, smoking, or fire. Mazda's remedy says owners should park outside until the dealer completes the repair.
What if I bought my Mazda Tribute used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or where the vehicle was purchased. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute is included, then reference recall 12V016 when you call a Mazda dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V016000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V016 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V016000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →