Owners have filed 251 complaints
about the 2008 Mazda Tribute with NHTSA between 2007 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 40
Against the median year of the Mazda Tribute. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
31.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
21.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
125.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3315.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4621.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2913.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5224.8%
150,000+ miles
3315.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2008 Mazda Tribute 4-DR. w/SAB (Later release)
—
—
—
20.4% risk
2008 Mazda Tribute 4-DR. w/SAB (Early release)
—
—
—
20.4% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2007peak 10Mar 2026
Recalls on the 2008 Mazda Tribute
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20154901 units in Canada
Powertrain
A safety defect may exist in vehicles in which remanufactured automatic transmissions were installed as service replacement parts. The shift lever bolt may not have been torqued to the proper torque specification. If the improperly torqued shift level bolt loosens and backs out, the shift lever may disengage from the transmission without warning, and the transmission may not respond to the shifter selection movement by the operator. This could result in the loss of transmission gear selection, and possible unintended vehicle movement, which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the shift lever assembly and/or the shift level bolt torqued to the proper specification.
Recall 201419720,531 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, a fault in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system could result in an immediate loss of power steering assist without warning to the driver. This would unexpectedly increase the steering effort force necessary to steer the vehicle at lower vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs as necessary and will reprogram the EPS controller with updated software. In the event that an EPS fault occurs, this updated software would allow for continued EPS function while displaying visual and audible warnings to the driver until the end of the drive cycle.
Recall 201223734,210 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine and speed control, 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. A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to slow or stop the vehicle if the transmission is not shifted into neutral. This could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear engine cover fastener, which will raise the cover in the area of the speed control cable to provide adequate clearance between the cover the speed control cable connector.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 245,000 milesOak Hills, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH and attempting to make a turn, another vehicle unexpectedly T-boned the vehicle, impacting the passenger front side. The contact and a passenger sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was taken to a local emergency room. The contact suffered a back injury and was placed on medical leave from employment due to the accident. The passenger sustained bruises and lacerations. The contact stated that the driver and side curtain deployed; however, the front passenger airbag failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
NHTSA complaint #11718610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesUnion, KYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AS I AM DRIVING THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL START KICKING LIKE SOMETHING IS TRYING TO IN GAGE ITSELF THIS HAS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT SO I HAVE HAD IT REBUILT THINKING MAYBE THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD I HAVE THE CAR BACK NOW AND THE CAR IS DOING THE SAME THING AS IT WAS DOING BEFORE TRANSITION WENT OUT IT HAS DONE IT ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT DRY PAVEMENT CITY AND OR COUNTRY ROADS WORRIED TO DRIVE IT NOW DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AGAIN OVER 3000 DOLLARS TO REPAIR ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED
NHTSA complaint #11396225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesUnion, KYCrash
WHEELS
AS I AM DRIVING THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL START KICKING LIKE SOMETHING IS TRYING TO IN GAGE ITSELF THIS HAS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT SO I HAVE HAD IT REBUILT THINKING MAYBE THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD I HAVE THE CAR BACK NOW AND THE CAR IS DOING THE SAME THING AS IT WAS DOING BEFORE TRANSITION WENT OUT IT HAS DONE IT ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT DRY PAVEMENT CITY AND OR COUNTRY ROADS WORRIED TO DRIVE IT NOW DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AGAIN OVER 3000 DOLLARS TO REPAIR ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED
NHTSA complaint #11396225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AS I AM DRIVING THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL START KICKING LIKE SOMETHING IS TRYING TO IN GAGE ITSELF THIS HAS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT SO I HAVE HAD IT REBUILT THINKING MAYBE THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD I HAVE THE CAR BACK NOW AND THE CAR IS DOING THE SAME THING AS IT WAS DOING BEFORE TRANSITION WENT OUT IT HAS DONE IT ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT DRY PAVEMENT CITY AND OR COUNTRY ROADS WORRIED TO DRIVE IT NOW DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AGAIN OVER 3000 DOLLARS TO REPAIR ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED
NHTSA complaint #11396225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosharon, TXCrash2 injured
STEERING
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET IN LEFT LANE TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND COLLIDE WITH AN ON COMING VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10676323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,185 milesEnterprise, ALFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT CHANGED LANES TO PASS A VEHICLE BUT WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO SPEED UP, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE ONLY RACED UP AND DOWN WITH NO RESPONSE FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR FILTER AND FUEL CONTROL MODULE HAD BURNED OUT AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 25,185. UPDATED 07/22/10 *BF UPDATED 09/23/10 *BF UPDATED 09/24/10 THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/27/10
NHTSA complaint #10328794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 274,300 milesFayetteville, GA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and inoperable, with the maintenance warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 274,300.
NHTSA complaint #11725529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 245,000 milesOak Hills, CACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH and attempting to make a turn, another vehicle unexpectedly T-boned the vehicle, impacting the passenger front side. The contact and a passenger sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was taken to a local emergency room. The contact suffered a back injury and was placed on medical leave from employment due to the accident. The passenger sustained bruises and lacerations. The contact stated that the driver and side curtain deployed; however, the front passenger airbag failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
NHTSA complaint #11718610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ville Platte, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes went out with no warning, or light on dashboard. I had the master cylinder changed and all brakes bled. The brakes went out 2months later,so changed the master cylinder again. 1 month after the brakes went out again. So I called Mazda service department and the gentleman told me to try and change the brake booster. So I changed the brake booster and master cylinder. 6 days later my brakes went out again, mazda told me they having issues with older model mazda tribute brakes going out. I have to get a rebuilt master cylinder for my car. My brakes have gone out on me 4 times and I almost wrecked each time. This is ridiculous I am scared to drive my car now and I have to keep paying a mechanic to do the repair and it's not working.
NHTSA complaint #11660221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, TN
STEERING
Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and more the vehicle recalls need to be fixed desperately it's going to cause safety problems while driving if not took care of.
NHTSA complaint #11652901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and more the vehicle recalls need to be fixed desperately it's going to cause safety problems while driving if not took care of.
NHTSA complaint #11652901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and more the vehicle recalls need to be fixed desperately it's going to cause safety problems while driving if not took care of.
NHTSA complaint #11652901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesHuron, OH
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving at low speeds and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the roadway. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed; however, the failure recurred while making a turn. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and making a turn and had become a persistent failure after turning off and restarting the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be charged a fee for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11545165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort ann, NY
STEERING
The steering is very tight, and sometimes the wheel gets stripped out of your hands, vehicle has been brought to the dealer for a diagnosis
NHTSA complaint #11544127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesGranite City, IL
STEERING
The contact's son owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while her son was driving and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son was able to veer to the side of the road by using physical force to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering), and any additional repair was at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11518769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was shaking uncontrollably. There was a lot of tension in the steering wheel. While driving approximately 45 mph and making a turn, the steering wheel jerked but went in the other direction. While driving at high speeds, the tires were riding roughly. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was due to the brake pads. The contact called the local dealer who informed her about an unknown steering wheel component replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering) but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11507472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Torrington, CT
POWER TRAIN
Power steering failed all of a sudden without warning. Lost almost all control of steering. PSCM
NHTSA complaint #11498758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Torrington, CT
STEERING
Power steering failed all of a sudden without warning. Lost almost all control of steering. PSCM
NHTSA complaint #11498758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
House Springs, MO
STEERING
I have to put the key in the ignition a certain way and press on it to get the car to start and was told it is a pin that gets stuck in the steering column and it won't let the vehicle start and they said it is a Steering column lock module and there should be a recall on it. This is a big problem my fiance' has cancer and needs to be at her appointments when she has them not when the vehicle decides to let me get her there. It won't start all the time.
NHTSA complaint #11488049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
House Springs, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have to put the key in the ignition a certain way and press on it to get the car to start and was told it is a pin that gets stuck in the steering column and it won't let the vehicle start and they said it is a Steering column lock module and there should be a recall on it. This is a big problem my fiance' has cancer and needs to be at her appointments when she has them not when the vehicle decides to let me get her there. It won't start all the time.
NHTSA complaint #11488049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
House Springs, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have to put the key in the ignition a certain way and press on it to get the car to start and was told it is a pin that gets stuck in the steering column and it won't let the vehicle start and they said it is a Steering column lock module and there should be a recall on it. This is a big problem my fiance' has cancer and needs to be at her appointments when she has them not when the vehicle decides to let me get her there. It won't start all the time.
NHTSA complaint #11488049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 218,100 milesRobertsville, MO
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 218,100.
NHTSA complaint #11463031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Effort, PA
STEERING
Driving my car pulling out of driveway when power steering cut out and steering became very difficult Had car brought to mechanic and he found there was a recall on steering torque sensor. Mazda said that was replaced on 8/10/2016 but the part they replaced it with failed just like the original recalled part did. They refused to fix it again saying they completed the recall on this car. Wouldn’t even have a next level supervisor call me to talk about fixing the safety issue
NHTSA complaint #11451491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hemet, CA
STEERING
It just hard and cant really drive it
NHTSA complaint #11443278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,968 milesLivingston, MT
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the power steering failed which caused the steering wheel to shake. The vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the steering shaft torque sensor malfunctioned, there was an open or short in the power steering control module, and an internal failure with the torque sensor. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was a recall repair for the electronic power steering performed in 2014, and that was a one-time recall repair. The failure mileage was 167,968.
NHTSA complaint #11422956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2 milesTallahassee, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IN COLDER FLORIDA WEATHER, FREEZING ISN'T REQUIRED, UPON START UP AND DRIVING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE EVERYTHING IS WARMED UP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL STICK AND BE VERY HARD TO PUSH DOWN. WHEN IT DOES BREAK FREE IT CAN BE SUDDEN WHICH RESULTS IN EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION FOR A MOMENT. THERE IS NO PEDAL OBSTRUCTION, SUCH AS A FLOOR MAT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN COOLER WEATHER, STATIONARY OR IN MOTION ON STREET, HIGHWAY ETC UNTIL IT WARMS UP. NOT LONG AFTER BUYING THIS USED CAR, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CABLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALER FOR A NEW CABLE. THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN. THIS STICKING PEDAL HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR SO I WAS UNAWARE OF THE ISSUE UNTIL TODAY WHEN I WENT TO FILL IT UP WITH GAS. I'M A GROWN MAN AND I HAD TO PUSH DOWN VERY HARD TO GET IT TO MOVE.
NHTSA complaint #11406329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orchard Park, NY
STEERING
POWER STEERING BECAME UNUSEABLE COULD NOT CONTROL AUTO WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET HAD IT TOWED TO TWO SERVICE CENTER COULD NOT FIX. ; MAVIS TIRE & REPAIR, LACKAWANNA, NY AND LUKES ENTERPRISE SOUTHWESTERN BLVD ORCHARD PARK,NY
NHTSA complaint #11398710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orchard Park, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
POWER STEERING BECAME UNUSEABLE COULD NOT CONTROL AUTO WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET HAD IT TOWED TO TWO SERVICE CENTER COULD NOT FIX. ; MAVIS TIRE & REPAIR, LACKAWANNA, NY AND LUKES ENTERPRISE SOUTHWESTERN BLVD ORCHARD PARK,NY
NHTSA complaint #11398710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orchard Park, NY
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
POWER STEERING BECAME UNUSEABLE COULD NOT CONTROL AUTO WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET HAD IT TOWED TO TWO SERVICE CENTER COULD NOT FIX. ; MAVIS TIRE & REPAIR, LACKAWANNA, NY AND LUKES ENTERPRISE SOUTHWESTERN BLVD ORCHARD PARK,NY
NHTSA complaint #11398710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesUnion, KYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AS I AM DRIVING THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL START KICKING LIKE SOMETHING IS TRYING TO IN GAGE ITSELF THIS HAS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT SO I HAVE HAD IT REBUILT THINKING MAYBE THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD I HAVE THE CAR BACK NOW AND THE CAR IS DOING THE SAME THING AS IT WAS DOING BEFORE TRANSITION WENT OUT IT HAS DONE IT ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT DRY PAVEMENT CITY AND OR COUNTRY ROADS WORRIED TO DRIVE IT NOW DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AGAIN OVER 3000 DOLLARS TO REPAIR ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED
NHTSA complaint #11396225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesUnion, KYCrash
WHEELS
AS I AM DRIVING THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL START KICKING LIKE SOMETHING IS TRYING TO IN GAGE ITSELF THIS HAS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT SO I HAVE HAD IT REBUILT THINKING MAYBE THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD I HAVE THE CAR BACK NOW AND THE CAR IS DOING THE SAME THING AS IT WAS DOING BEFORE TRANSITION WENT OUT IT HAS DONE IT ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT DRY PAVEMENT CITY AND OR COUNTRY ROADS WORRIED TO DRIVE IT NOW DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AGAIN OVER 3000 DOLLARS TO REPAIR ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED
NHTSA complaint #11396225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.