CarModelProblems.com

2008 Mazda Tribute Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 7.3× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
202Complaints
5Recalls
6Crashes
1Fires
12Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Steering (45.5% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Steering complaints here are 7.3× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering92 · 45.5%RecalledRecall 14V282000
Vehicle Speed Control47 · 23.3%not available
Power Train19 · 9.4%RecalledRecall 15V677000
Electrical System15 · 7.4%not available
Service Brakes10 · 5%not available
Engine7 · 3.5%RecalledRecall 12V357000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

STEERING92 · 45.5%
POWER TRAIN19 · 9.4%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15 · 7.4%
SERVICE BRAKES10 · 5%
ENGINE7 · 3.5%
Unspecified / other7 · 3.5%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION5 · 2.5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL5 · 2.5%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE5 · 2.5%

Percentages are the share of the 202 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

NHTSA campaign 15V677000 · 2015 · reported 10/19/2015

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:front:wheel Bearing

NHTSA campaign 15E045000 · 2015 · reported 06/03/2015

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:electric Power Assist System

NHTSA campaign 14V282000 · 2014 · reported 05/29/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Hybrid Propulsion System

NHTSA campaign 14V552000 · 2014 · reported 09/10/2014

If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling

NHTSA campaign 12V357000 · 2012 · reported 07/27/2012

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“ON MY WAY OUT TO STORE I BACKED UP OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AS I SWITCHED GEARS AND WENT INTO DRIVE MY GAS PEDAL WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10693376 — filed 03/10/2015 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOST OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER…”NHTSA complaint 10679765 — filed 01/29/2015 · STEERING
“TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY THE STEERING MADE A GRINDING CLUNKING SOUND AS I WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. TOOK VEHICLE FOR A TEST DRIVE AROUND…”NHTSA complaint 10619323 — filed 08/06/2014 · STEERING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

132011241320134522201572120171011201915112021742023422026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda Tribute?

Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 92 of 202 NHTSA complaints (45.5%), followed by vehicle speed control (47), power train (19), electrical system (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have?

202 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 12 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V677000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Mazda Tribute's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.