2009 Mazda Tribute
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 PER YEAR
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
54% of complaints: steering — 19 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Lost of power steering hard to steer the steering wheel
NHTSA ODI report, 20240122
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. PAUL MILLER MAZDA IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180313
I WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN TOWN WAITING AND THEN MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE, A BEEPING NOISE AND THEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT! I COULDN'T DRIVE!! THIS IS NOT SAFE!!! IT TOOK ME 20 MINUTES TO GET HOME WITH NO STEERING!
NHTSA ODI report, 20180215
9% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE SPEED INCREASED FROM 70 TO 80 MPH SIX TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120601
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Mazda Tribute — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V282000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Mazda Tribute reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Mazda Tribute is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mazda Tribute?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Mazda Tribute have?
2 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.