2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

250

Owner Complaints

9 Crashes 2 Fires

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

18

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE

The 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE has received a total of 250 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING. 18 technical service bulletins have been issued by Mazda Motor Corp. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (91 complaints), Vehicle Speed Control (47 complaints), and Power Train (19 complaints).

Recalls for the 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE, potentially affecting up to 469,007 vehicles.

Recall 15V677000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

| 4 vehicles affected

Defect: 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....

Consequence: 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.

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. Owners may contact Mazda...

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Recall 15V677000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

| 4 vehicles affected

Defect: 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....

Consequence: 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.

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. Owners may contact Mazda...

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Recall 15E045000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

| 576 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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

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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Recall 14V552000 — HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

| 423 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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

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. Mazda's number for...

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Recall 14V282000 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

| 33,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or...

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Recall 12V357000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

| 217,500 vehicles affected

Defect: 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)...

Consequence: 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.

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. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at...

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Recall 12V357000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 217,500 vehicles affected

Defect: 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)...

Consequence: 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.

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. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at...

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Owner Complaints for the 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE

250 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steering
Complaints: 91 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 47 1 Crash
Power Train
Complaints: 19
Electrical System
Complaints: 15
Service Brakes
Complaints: 10
Engine
Complaints: 7
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 7
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 5
Wheels
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 4 Injuries
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 2
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 4 Injuries
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Air Bags
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Assist
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Suspension
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11718610 | AIR BAGS | | 245,000 miles Crash 2 Injuries
The contact owned a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH and attempting to make a turn, another vehicle unexpectedly T-boned the vehicle, impacting the passenger front side. The contact and a passenger sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was taken to a local emergency room. The contact suffered a back injury and was placed on medical leave from employment due to the accident. The passenger sustained bruises and lacerations. The contact stated that the driver and side curtain deployed; however, the front passenger airbag failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
#11660221 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
My brakes went out with no warning, or light on dashboard. I had the master cylinder changed and all brakes bled. The brakes went out 2months later,so changed the master cylinder again. 1 month after the brakes went out again. So I called Mazda service department and the gentleman told me to try and change the brake booster. So I changed the brake booster and master cylinder. 6 days later my brakes went out again, mazda told me they having issues with older model mazda tribute brakes going out. I have to get a rebuilt master cylinder for my car. My brakes have gone out on me 4 times and I almost wrecked each time. This is ridiculous I am scared to drive my car now and I have to keep paying a mechanic to do the repair and it's not working.
#11652901 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and more the vehicle recalls need to be fixed desperately it's going to cause safety problems while driving if not took care of.
#11652901 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and more the vehicle recalls need to be fixed desperately it's going to cause safety problems while driving if not took care of.
#11652901 | STEERING | | N/A miles
Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and more the vehicle recalls need to be fixed desperately it's going to cause safety problems while driving if not took care of.

View all Steering complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE

Mazda Motor Corp. has issued 18 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

02-004-22a — SUSPENSION

Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to...

09-025-18-3479 — EQUIPMENT

Mazda infotainment systems require contacting the proper source for diagnostic support, parts authorization, and parts exchange. Some components require prior authorization before ordering as exchange. Refer to DAG Exchange Central (MXConnect>Parts and Accessories>Parts>Programs>Exchange Central) for component availability, source of technical support and prior authorization requirement. NOTE: Always check for a...

02-010-18-3477 — STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.

06-001/16 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

06-001-16-3118 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN IGNITION KEY THAT IS BINDING IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN TO THE START POSITION ONLY. THIS MAY BE DUE TO A DAMAGED STEERING COLUMN LOCK MODULE.

0600116 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ignition key binding in ignition cyclinder when turning to start postion only

SB-05-003-11 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

MAZDA: THE ENGINE IS STALLING WHEN STOPPING OR ENGAGING INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT MAY BE INTERMITTENT AND USUALLY OCCURS ON LONG DRIVES. IT MAY BE CAUSED BY INTERNAL WEAR OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *RM

01-004-11 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

MAZDA: THERE MAY BE EXHAUST NOISE OR ODOR DUE TO AN EXHAUST LEAK BETWEEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE CYLINDER HEAD. 2008 TRIBUTE. *RM

SB-09-022-10 — STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

MAZDA: LIFTGATE OPENING UN COMMANDED OR NOT OPENING WHEN COMMANDED WHEN PARKED. THIS MAY BE DUE TO WATER INTRUSION INTO THE SWITCH CONNECTOR CAUSING CORROSION AT THE LIFTGATE REAR SWITCH. *PE

SB-09-001-10 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

MAZDA: EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE DIFFICULT TO OPEN. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE THAT IS DIFFICULT TO OPEN, DOE NOT SIT FLUSH WHEN RELEASED, AND/OR STICKS WHEN OPENING DOOR. THIS MAY BE DUE TO THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE PLUNGER (1) BINDING ON THE DOOR HANDLE COVER (2). *PE

Showing 10 of 18 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the MAZDA TRIBUTE

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Other MAZDA Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report