Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 7 | −97% | — | Steering | Good |
| 2010 | 39 | −68% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2009 | 35 | −80% | 1 | Steering | Good |
| 2008 | 202 | 1.8× | 4 | Steering | Caution |
| 2006 | 130 | typical | 2 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2005 | 377 | 2.0× | 3 | Suspension | Caution |
| 2004 | 157 | −28% | 5 | Suspension | Average |
| 2003 | 199 | 1.3× | 6 | Airbag | Average |
| 2002 | 384 | 3.4× | 7 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2001 | 563 | 5.8× | 13 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2000 | 5 | −93% | — | Engine | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Tribute year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mazda Tribute problems
Latest Mazda Tribute recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured March 3, 2009, to May 26, 2011. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Structure › Frame and members
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Tribute vehicles manufactured May 22, 2000, through December 19, 2003, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New…
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 29, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mazda Tribute should you avoid?
2001, 2002, 2005 and 2008 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Tribute years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2001.
What is the best year for the Mazda Tribute?
2011 has the fewest complaints compared with other Tribute years at the same age, followed by 2000 and 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mazda Tribute problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (419), speed control & acceleration (341) and body & structure (291). Engine complaints peak in the 2001 model year.
How many recalls has the Mazda Tribute had?
20 recalls across 2000–2011. The model year with the most is 2001. See all Mazda Tribute recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.