Recall 14V174 affects 109,000 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute vehicles for lower-control-arm corrosion that can affect steering. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 109,000 2001-2004 Tribute SUVs because corrosion can weaken the forward attachment point for the lower control arm. If the lower control arm separates, the driver can lose significant steering control and crash risk rises; the Mazda dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The lower control arm on the 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute is a suspension arm that connects the front wheel assembly to the vehicle structure. Its forward attachment point holds that arm in place while the wheel moves up and down, and while steering and braking loads pass through the front suspension.
On affected Tribute vehicles, that forward attachment area is subject to excessive corrosion. Rust eats into the structure around the attachment point, so the lower control arm is no longer held as firmly as designed. As the metal weakens, the suspension connection loses strength and the front wheel assembly no longer stays positioned the way Mazda intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the area has rust damage, the vehicle can look normal from the driver's seat while the suspension attachment is already weakened.
Who's affected?
Spans 4 model years, all tied to the same body or structural component.
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2002 Mazda Tribute | body or structural component |
| 2001 Mazda Tribute | body or structural component |
| 2004 Mazda Tribute | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 109,000 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A lower control arm separation can cause a significant loss of steering control and raise the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair and limit driving until a Mazda dealer gives vehicle-specific instructions. Repair will be free at any franchised Mazda dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute is included in this recall.
- Contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 to confirm the repair status for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 14V174 and Mazda recall 7514D when you call or speak with a dealer.
- Ask a franchised Mazda dealer about the free reinforcement cross-brace installation that addresses corrosion at the lower-control-arm forward attachment.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete, since lower-control-arm separation can cause a significant loss of steering control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician installs a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace at the forward lower control arm attachment area. That brace is meant to strengthen the area where corrosion has affected the attachment point on 2001-2004 Tribute vehicles in the covered states. Parts and labor are covered under the recall once the dealer repair is available. Call a Mazda dealer with your VIN and ask whether campaign 7514D is open for your vehicle before arranging service.
Timeline
| April 4, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 29, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V174?
Recall 14V174 covers 109,000 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute vehicles with corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm. If the lower control arm separates, the vehicle can lose steering control and crash risk increases. Mazda dealers install a reinforcement cross-brace for free.
What should I do if my 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Tribute is included in recall 14V174. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer and ask for recall number 7514D or NHTSA campaign 14V174. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Mazda's remedy says dealers install the newly designed reinforcement cross-brace free of charge at a franchised Mazda dealer.
Is it safe to drive a Mazda Tribute with recall 14V174 open?
The recall involves steering control risk, so treat an open recall as a safety repair. The lower control arm attachment can corrode and separate, causing a significant loss of steering control. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free Mazda dealer repair.
What if I bought my Mazda Tribute used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Tribute is included, then call a franchised Mazda dealer with recall number 7514D or NHTSA campaign 14V174.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V174000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V174 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V174000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →