The 2008 Mazda Tribute has a elevated safety risk profile with 5 recall campaigns and 202 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

202

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

15E0450002015-03-06

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

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 Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

15V6770002015-19-10

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Tribute vehicles manufactured February 9, 2007 to April 22, 2008. The affected vehicles have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.

If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

View at NHTSA

14V2820002014-29-05

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured October 5, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.

If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

View all 5 recalls

14V5520002014-10-09

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. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail, resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.

If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

12V3570002012-27-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.

A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 202 owners have filed complaints about the 2008 Mazda Tribute. STEERING issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Steering78

02Vehicle Speed Control39

03Power Train17

04Service Brakes7

05Electrical System6

202 total across 1 model years (2008–2008)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Mazda Tribute Fuel Economy

19–32mpg combined

17-34city

22-30hwy

$2,100-$3,550/yr

Across 7 configurations, the 2008 Mazda Tribute returns 19–32 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Tribute Hybrid 2WD - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

32mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

34 city30 hwy~$2,100/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute Hybrid 4WD - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

28mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

29 city27 hwy~$2,400/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute FWD - Manual 5-spd

24mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

22 city28 hwy~$2,800/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute FWD - Automatic 4-spd

22mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 city26 hwy~$3,050/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Automatic 4-spd

21mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

19 city24 hwy~$3,200/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute FWD - Automatic 4-spd

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

18 city24 hwy~$3,400/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Automatic 4-spd

19mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

17 city22 hwy~$3,550/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2008 Mazda Tribute

13States

42%in top 3

21% of the market sits in Texas, though listings span 13 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

TXTexas

421%

MOMissouri

211%

NCNorth Carolina

211%

FLFlorida

211%

MIMichigan

15%

ILIllinois

15%

VAVirginia

15%

NENebraska

15%

WAWashington

15%

OHOhio

15%

CACalifornia

15%

OROregon

15%

COColorado

15%

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2008.

2008 Mazda Tribute Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2008 Mazda Tribute a good car to buy?

The 2008 Mazda Tribute has 5 recalls on record. There are 5 recalls on record, so check that they've been completed before buying. The most commonly reported issue area is steering, which is worth inspecting during a test drive. Review the safety data and pricing breakdown above.

Are there recalls on the 2008 Mazda Tribute?

NHTSA shows 5 recall campaigns for the 2008 Mazda Tribute. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2008 Mazda Tribute?

Depending on configuration, the 2008 Mazda Tribute delivers 19–32 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2008 Mazda Tribute?

STEERING is the number-one complaint area for the 2008 Mazda Tribute, based on 202 NHTSA filings. During a test drive, pay extra attention to this system. See the known issues section for the full breakdown.