Recall 12V357 covers 217,500 Mazda Tribute vehicles from 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 for stuck-throttle risk. Mazda dealer repair is free.
Mazda is recalling 217,500 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 Tribute vehicles with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control because the engine cover can interfere with the speed control cable connector. A stuck throttle can push the vehicle to very high speeds and make it hard to slow or stop; the Mazda dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The speed control cable connector is part of the throttle linkage area on Mazda Tribute SUVs with the 3.0L V6 engine and speed control. It sits near the engine cover and helps the throttle respond when the accelerator pedal is pressed, even when cruise control is off.
On affected 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 Mazda Tribute vehicles, the engine cover sits too close to that connector. When the accelerator pedal is fully or almost fully depressed, the connector can catch against the cover. That interference can leave the throttle stuck instead of letting it return normally.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner would not have a dashboard light, sound, or routine drivability symptom to rely on before the throttle sticks. If the pedal has been pressed down and the throttle does not return normally, treat that as the failure condition, not an early warning.
Who's affected?
Spans 7 Tribute model years, with speed-control cable and engine cooling components listed.
| 2006 Mazda Tribute | Cables |
|---|---|
| 2006 Mazda Tribute | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2001 Mazda Tribute | Cables |
| 2001 Mazda Tribute | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2002 Mazda Tribute | Cables |
| 2002 Mazda Tribute | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2005 Mazda Tribute | Cables |
| 2005 Mazda Tribute | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | Cables |
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2004 Mazda Tribute | Cables |
| 2004 Mazda Tribute | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2008 Mazda Tribute | Cables |
| 2008 Mazda Tribute | Engine and engine cooling |
| Units affected | 217,500 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A stuck throttle can push the Tribute to very high speeds and make the vehicle hard to slow or stop. That loss of speed control raises the risk of a crash, serious injury, or death. If the throttle sticks, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Mazda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, or 2008 Mazda Tribute is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the free engine-cover-clearance repair that keeps the speed control cable connector from holding the throttle open.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V357 when you call.
- Avoid fully depressing the accelerator until the repair is complete, and leave extra room to stop if the throttle does not release normally.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician increases the engine cover clearance so the cover no longer interferes with the speed control cable connector on affected Tribute vehicles with the 3.0L V6 engine. Mazda's remedy says parts are available and the repair is free of charge. The service visit focuses on creating enough space around the cable connector so the throttle returns normally after the accelerator pedal is fully or almost fully depressed.
Timeline
| July 27, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 13, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V357?
Recall 12V357 covers 217,500 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 Mazda Tribute vehicles with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and speed control cable connector can cause a stuck throttle. Mazda dealers repair the clearance issue for free.
What should I do if my 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 Mazda Tribute is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Tribute is included in recall 12V357. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the engine-cover clearance repair. Reference recall number 12V357 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mazda dealers increase the engine cover clearance free of charge. Remedy parts are available, and the safety recall began on September 13, 2012.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a stuck throttle after the accelerator pedal is fully or almost fully pressed. That can lead to very high vehicle speeds and make the vehicle difficult to stop or slow, which can cause a crash, serious injury, or death.
What if I bought my Mazda Tribute used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Tribute is included, then call a franchised Mazda dealer or Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V357000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V357 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V357000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation 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 →