MYRModel Year Report

2008 Mazda Tribute

● Typical for this model
2008 Mazda Tribute
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mazda Tribute Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 563 complaints 2002: 384 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 157 complaints 2004 2005: 377 complaints 2006: 130 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2008: 202 complaints 2008 2009: 35 complaints 2010: 39 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints 2011
2008: 202 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20005
2001563
2002384
2003199
2004157
2005377
2006130
20074
2008202
200935
201039
20117

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 46%

46% of complaints: steering — 92 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20150118

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, 20230918

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, 20230912

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 23%

23% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 47 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
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, 20210215

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 19 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES 5%

5% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20120913 — engine and engine cooling, 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. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed contro

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, 2012

Campaign 12V357000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140716 — steering

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.

Campaign 14V282000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20141105 — 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.

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.

Campaign 14V552000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20150520 — suspension

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.

Campaign 15E045000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20151125 — power train

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.

Campaign 15V677000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Mazda Tribute — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (92 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (47 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 12V357000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V282000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V552000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V677000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2010 ▲ 2006

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2002 ■ 2005

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 46% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.