2008 Mazda Tribute
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 202
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2008
None on file
47% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 202 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 563 |
| 2002 | 384 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 157 |
| 2005 | 377 |
| 2006 | 130 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 202 |
| 2009 | 35 |
| 2010 | 39 |
| 2011 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
47% · 94 reportsMost commonly citing tie rod assembly and electric power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
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 ODI report, 2015-01-18
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-18
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 ODI report, 2023-09-12
Vehicle speed control
26% · 53 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and cables.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-02-15
Also filed under Forward collision avoidance and wheels
Power train
12% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that transmission fluid was leaking from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that he believe that the transmission cooler was cracked and causing the leak.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-29
Also filed under Suspension
Electrical system
8% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing ignition.
Service brakes
5% · 10 reportsSafety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2012-09-13Engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control12V357000 Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed…
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13…
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2014-07-16Steering14V282000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured October 5, 2006, through September 11, 2010.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge.
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2014-11-05Hybrid propulsion system14V552000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 10, 2006, to May 23, 2008.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.
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2015-05-20Suspension15E045000 The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury...
Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
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2015-11-25Power train15V677000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Tribute vehicles manufactured February 9, 2007 to April 22, 2008.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission and if necessary tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015.
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Mazda Tribute — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 94 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 53 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 25 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V357000 · Engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control
- Recall 14V282000 · Steering
- Recall 14V552000 · Hybrid propulsion system
- Recall 15E045000 · Suspension
- Recall 15V677000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2008 Mazda Tribute reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mazda Tribute is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda Tribute?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.