With 2 recalls and 35 complaints, the 2009 Mazda Tribute rates as low on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

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

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

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2009 Mazda Tribute's biggest weak point? STEERING. It leads 35 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Steering16

02Steering,electrical System2

03Structure2

04Air Bags2

05Power Train,electrical System1

35 total across 1 model years (2009–2009)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Mazda Tribute Fuel Economy

20–32mpg combined

17-34city

24-31hwy

$2,100-$3,400/yr

Fuel economy for the 2009 Mazda Tribute ranges from 20 to 32 MPG combined across 7 setups. The table below breaks it down by trim so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

By Trim

Tribute Hybrid 2WD - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

32mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

34 city31 hwy~$2,100/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute Hybrid 4WD - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

28mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

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

Tribute FWD - Manual 5-spd

24mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

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

Tribute FWD - Automatic 6-spd

23mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 city28 hwy~$2,950/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Automatic 6-spd

21mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

19 city25 hwy~$3,200/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute FWD - Automatic 6-spd

21mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

18 city26 hwy~$3,200/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Automatic 6-spd

20mpg

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

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

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

Where to Find 2009 Mazda Tribute

13States

42%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Texas (21%), but the remaining listings are spread across 12 other states nationwide.

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 2009.

Buying a 2009 Mazda Tribute?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2009 Mazda Tribute a good car to buy?

The 2009 Mazda Tribute has its strengths and its watch-outs. 2 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report steering as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2009 Mazda Tribute?

There are 2 documented recalls for the 2009 Mazda Tribute. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2009 Mazda Tribute?

You'll get between 20 and 32 MPG combined from the 2009 Mazda Tribute, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2009 Mazda Tribute?

Out of 35 owner complaints, steering issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.