Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Everytime I fill the car up with gas it does this thing where I lose power when I stop or when I turn the wheel. So I have to stop and start the car. Its very dangerous because it has cut off while I was making a turn. We have tried to fix it several times. We replaced the fuel pump and that helped for a month or two but then it goes right back to cutting off after it is filled up with gas.
While the car was in use and running, the timing chain cover failed resulting in the serpentine belt tensioner coming detached. The serpentine tensioner mount broke off the timing chan cover, resulting in the loss of all loads driven from the serpentine belt. This failure presents a severe safety issue as without the serpentine belt properly functioning the alternator will not generate electricity, the battery will be drained and then the electric power steering will fail. An average driver will not be able to control the vehicle without power steering and brake assistance. Until almost all of the oil has been thrown from the engine or the battery dies, there is no warning to the driver -- the driver knows nothing of this failure until the low oil pressure, alternator or check engine light comes on. The vehicle had only 62156 miles when this extraordinary failure occurred.
AutoZone said that the part is called steering angle sensor and is locking up my car I am not able to press the gas as it only accelerates the engine and nothing else and the steering wheel lock I usually have my car turn on in the middle of traffic the part number they gave me is SU14859
Power steering does not work. Started up my car and I am unable to turn the wheels at low speed. Electrical power steering unit. No check engine light on. Unsafe to drive, attempted to call Mazda service line, says recall service for exact issue stated was completed in 2014 for recall # 7614e 'closed'. I did not own the vehicle at this time. Attempted to call dealer who performed service for answers. Dealer #42175, no answers or information given.
I have to put the key in the ignition a certain way and press on it to get the car to start and was told it is a pin that gets stuck in the steering column and it won't let the vehicle start and they said it is a Steering column lock module and there should be a recall on it. This is a big problem my fiance' has cancer and needs to be at her appointments when she has them not when the vehicle decides to let me get her there. It won't start all the time.
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.
2006 MAZADA TRIBUTE- Consumer sent a request to Mazda North America to request estimate for cost of repair for replacement of the sensor and switches on the doors and service to the "door ajar" alarm system. Mazda customer care stated they wouldn't be able to provide assistance in the issue. The vehicle is out of warranty and there is no open recalls or special service programs. Consumer resubmitted request to Mazda. Consumer states: "This is the responsibility of the manufacturer! This feature , (Door Ajar) notification is a major preventative safety item that should have an interrupt feature within. It does not! The defect of malfunction, ringing of the chime, is a conscience detraction element that cannot be tolerated continuously!" The consumer stated the cost of repairs will cost $4590 and feels this is the responsibility of the manufacturer.
My Mazda Tribute v 6, 3.0 all of a sudden stopped on the highway. I had it towed to my son's house, than to the Mazda dealership. It was at the dealership when I was told what had occurred. My coils had blown out and damaged my (PCM)computer. They said it would cost $2689. I could not afford the dealership's cost so I had it towed again to a private mechanic where he replaced the coils. I went on ebay and found a reasonably priced PCM where it was programmed keys included. My research has LED me into writing this letter. I found that Ford motors and their affiliates have known about this problem with the coils blowing out the PCM for quite some time and have never told the owners of their vehicles about this problem. If I had known I would have never purchased the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Tribute years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (81), 2002 (41), 2005 (19), 2003 (15) and 2008 (15) model years. Electrical complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Mazda Tribute electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Mazda Tribute model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda Tribute electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (44 mentions), followed by the ignition › module (8).
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.