Engine
2.3L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 201 of 202 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 167 of 202 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Steering
94 complaint records1 crash report
"WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL A LOUD CLUNK NOISE IS APPARENT AND STEERING FEELS DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Speed control
53 complaint records1 crash report
"GAS PEDAL STICKING INTERMITTENTLY & HAS OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY TYPICALLY DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65-70MPH. NOT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS DAILY. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →
Power train
25 complaint records
"2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE, ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DONE ON TIME. AT 118,110 MILES TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHIN A DAY NO WARNING. THE TRIBUTE, JUST STARTED LOSING POWER ON MY WAY HOME, THEN IN MY DRIVEWAY WOULD GO INTO ANY OF THE AUTOMATIC GEARS...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15V677000 | Power Train | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Tribute vehicles manufactured February 9, 2007 to April 22, 2008. | Normally free |
| 14V552000 | Hybrid Propulsion System | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 10, 2006, to May 23, 2008. | Normally free |
| 14V282000 | Steering | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured October 5, 2006, through September 11, 2010. | Normally free |
| 12V357000 | Vehicle Speed Control | Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015490 2015-10-19 | Powertrain | 1 | 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. |
| 2014197 2014-05-29 | Steering | 20,531 | 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. |
| 2012237 2012-07-27 | Other | 34,210 | 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... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA-055-26 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system. | |
| 09-022-26 Jul 2026 | Electrical System | This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or... | |
| SA-029-26 Apr 2026 | Power Train | This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. | |
| 09-038-24 Aug 2024 | Unknown Or Other | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. | |
| SA-011-24b Jul 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA-011-24a Jun 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| SA-011-24 Feb 2024 | Wheels | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| 09-016-23 Feb 2023 | Electrical System | Speedometer replacement procedure | |
| 02-004-22a Nov 2022 | Suspension | Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. | |
| 09-024-22 Jul 2022 | Electrical System | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. | |
| 01-006-22 Jun 2022 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. | |
| 02-004-22 May 2022 | Suspension | Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. | |
| SA-014-22 Mar 2022 | Equipment | Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. | |
| 01-003/22 Mar 2022 | Equipment | The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. | |
| 00-001-22 Feb 2022 | Service Brakes | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| 01-006-21-3779b Dec 2021 | Electrical System | Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. | |
| 05-002-21-3854 Dec 2021 | Power Train | Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE). | |
| 01-006-21-3779a Aug 2021 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. | |
| 09-025-21-3824 Aug 2021 | Equipment | This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driverâÂÂs floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage. | |
| SA-041-21 Jun 2021 | Equipment | Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories. The links provided below can be used for quick access: For 2016 models and newer: NOTE: Instructions are found under the "Attachments" section once a part is selected. | |
| 01-005-21-3778 Feb 2021 | Electrical System | The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. | |
| 01-006-21-3779 Feb 2021 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. | |
| 00-001-21-3768 Jan 2021 | Steering | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| 09-002-21-3770 Jan 2021 | Equipment | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer | |
| MT-002-20 Aug 2020 | Wheels | New CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda dealerships) in California effective September 1, 2010. | |
| 09-006-20-3673a Jul 2020 | Equipment | When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). | |
| 00-001-20-3689 Mar 2020 | Equipment | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| 09-006-20-3673 Jan 2020 | Equipment | When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12). | |
| 02-002-20-3651 Jan 2020 | Suspension | Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. | |
| 09-003-20-3671 Jan 2020 | Equipment | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. | |
| SA-013-19 Apr 2019 | Equipment | MAZDA IDS INOPERATIVE WITH VCM-II LICENSE EXPIRATION MESSAGE - If you encounter an IDS inoperative problem with VCM-II license expiration message, follow the instructions below: 1. CLICK HERE to download the resetting tool to your PC desktop. 2. | |
| 00-003-19-3583 Mar 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually. | |
| 02-004-19-3574 Jan 2019 | Steering | Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road. | |
| 00-001-19-3560 Jan 2019 | Equipment | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle- specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| 00-002-19-3561 Jan 2019 | Service Brakes | Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program. | |
| 09-005-19-3562 Jan 2019 | Equipment | When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12). | |
| 09-009-19-3566 Jan 2019 | Electrical System | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. | |
| 09-004-19-3543 Jan 2019 | Equipment | Mazda infotainment systems require contacting the proper source for diagnostic support, parts authorization, and parts exchange. Some components require prior authorization before ordering as exchange. | |
| 01-004-19-3558 Jan 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. | |
| 09-002-19-3554 Jan 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid anypotential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference,which can be avoided with proper usage. | |
| 01-001-19-3551 Jan 2019 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. | |
| 01-002-19-3552 Jan 2019 | Electrical System | The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. | |
| 02-001-19-3550 Jan 2019 | Suspension | Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. | |
| MT-012-18 Dec 2018 | Structure | If a vehicle has body vibration or steering wheel shimmy while driving and the root cause is determined to be tire balance, re-balance the tires using a Hunter GSP9700 or equivalent balance machine. | |
| 00-001-18-3446a Oct 2018 | Equipment | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle- specific workshop manual or owner's manual. | |
| 00-003-18-3480a Oct 2018 | Equipment | Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program. | |
| 09-014-18-3443a Oct 2018 | Equipment | When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12). | |
| 09-034-18-3430a Oct 2018 | Vehicle Speed Control | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. | |
| 00-005-18-3516 Sep 2018 | Equipment | A very limited number of Tribute Hybrid vehicles were produced during the 2008-2010 MY. These special vehicles were sold ONLY in the state of California by Dealers who chose to be "Mazda Certified Hybrid" dealers. | |
| 01-016-18-3522 Sep 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. | |
| 09-034-18-3430 Aug 2018 | Vehicle Speed Control | In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. | |
| 00-003-18-3480 May 2018 | Service Brakes | Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorizedequipment program.NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer... | |
| 09-025-18-3479 May 2018 | Equipment | Mazda infotainment systems require contacting the proper source for diagnostic support, parts authorization, and parts exchange. Some components require prior authorization before ordering as exchange. | |
| 02-010-18-3477 May 2018 | Steering | Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road. | |
| 05-001-18-3453 Apr 2018 | Equipment | Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing ATF. Using the wrong ATF may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the transmission. NOTE: ATF M-V (TYPE M5) IS NOT THE SAME FLUID AS MERCON®V OR MERCON®LV ATF. | |
| 09-019-18-3450 Mar 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage. | |
| 01-008-18-3451 Mar 2018 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. | |
| 01-009-18-3452 Mar 2018 | Electrical System | The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. | |
| 02-006-18-3449 Mar 2018 | Suspension | Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. | |
| 00-001-18-3446 Mar 2018 | Equipment | Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. |
Showing 60 of 124 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mazda Tribute →