Photo: Cutlass / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2011
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific vehicle's age, maintenance history, and powertrain.
10 problems reported (2 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failure
Includes slipping, sudden engagement of neutral while driving, hard shifting, and complete failure. Rebuilt transmissions are commonly mentioned.
- Very frequentSevere rust/corrosion
Specifically on rear strut towers, wheel wells, undercarriage, and exhaust components. Can lead to structural failure (e.g., shock tower tearing through).
- RecurrentV6 (3.0L Duratec) water pump failure
Can lead to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed.
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentV6 and 4-cylinder ignition coil failures
Coils fail frequently due to a noted bad design.
- Recurrent2.3L non-turbo engine oil consumption
Occurs as the engine ages.
- RecurrentGeneral engine stalling, no-start, and acceleration issues
Attributed to various causes including faulty sensors, vacuum leaks, clogged catalytic converters, and electrical gremlins.
- RecurrentElectrical and starting issues
Includes intermittent no-start conditions, dashboard instrument cluster failures (gauges dropping to zero while driving), hot battery cables, and faulty wiring causing stalls.
- RecurrentPoor fuel economy
Real-world mileage reported as low as 14-17 MPG city and 18-23 MPG highway (16.8-13.8 L/100km city, 13-10.2 L/100km highway), worse than EPA estimates.
- IsolatedHeating/AC system problems
Includes blend door actuator issues, fluctuating temperature output, and heater core flow problems.
- IsolatedSerpentine belt and tensioner issues
Belts are noted as extremely difficult to install; pulleys can seize and melt.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Feedback suggests the manual transmission models avoid the pervasive automatic transmission issues. For engines, the base 2.0L and 2.3L four-cylinder Mazda MZR engines are noted for better reliability, with the 2.0L specifically called "incredibly reliable." The 3.0L V6 (Ford Duratec) is acknowledged for providing more power, which is appreciated for a vehicle of this size, but carries a known risk of a catastrophic water pump failure. The V6 is also noted for requiring intake manifold removal for spark plug/coil service, increasing maintenance complexity and cost.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, Honda Element and Hyundai Santa Fe.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific vehicle's age, maintenance history, and powertrain. The Tribute is generally acknowledged as a practical, value-oriented compact SUV, praised by some long-term owners for its reliability, comfortable ride, good visibility, and solid driver dynamics. Positive feedback often highlights specific examples of high mileage (200,000+ miles/322,000+ km) with minimal major repairs. However, a very strong and recurrent theme in community feedback is the vehicle's shared platform and components with the Ford Escape, which brings a host of known, potentially severe reliability issues. Criticisms are dominated by automatic transmission failures, pervasive rust problems (especially on rear strut towers, wheel wells, and undercarriages), and various engine-related concerns depending on the specific powerplant. The consensus indicates that well-maintained examples, particularly with manual transmissions or the base four-cylinder engines, can be durable and cost-effective transportation, but ownership carries a significant risk of encountering expensive, model-specific failures.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more affordable, often less reliable alternative to segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4. It is explicitly identified as a rebadged Ford Escape, sharing all its strengths and weaknesses. Compared to the Escape, the Tribute is sometimes noted for having slightly better driver dynamics and a more attractive interior in higher trims (e.g., leather seats). Against the Honda Element, it is seen as less uniquely utilitarian but potentially more conventional in styling. The Hyundai Santa Fe of similar vintage is mentioned as a potentially more reliable alternative. Overall, it is viewed as a budget choice where purchase price savings are often offset by higher potential repair costs and accelerated depreciation compared to its Japanese-branded rivals.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is strongly implied as preferable to avoid automatic transmission failures. The base four-cylinder engines (2.0L, 2.3L) are recommended over the V6 for long-term reliability, despite less power. All-wheel drive (AWD) is noted as a desirable feature for utility. A thorough pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is universally emphasized, with a specific focus on checking for rust on the rear strut towers, wheel wells, and undercarriage, and verifying the condition of the automatic transmission. Checking the vehicle history for prior accident damage or a rebuilt title is also recommended.
General recommendations
Suitable for budget-conscious buyers seeking a low-cost entry into the compact SUV segment who are mechanically inclined or prepared for potential repairs. Suitable as a secondary vehicle or "beater" for short commutes. NOT recommended for buyers seeking a "set-it-and-forget-it" reliable vehicle without a significant maintenance/repair budget. Essential to have a trusted mechanic perform a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection focusing on rust and transmission health. Avoid examples with significant rust, as repair costs can exceed vehicle value. Be prepared to perform repairs; owner discussions frequently detail DIY fixes. Consider the cost of imminent repairs (tires, exhaust, suspension) when negotiating price. For automatic transmission models, an extended warranty or significant cash reserve for a potential rebuild is advised.
Remarks
The Mazda Tribute is a badge-engineered first-generation Ford Escape (2001-2007) and second-generation Escape (2008-2011). Nearly all critical feedback is directly linked to this shared Ford lineage. The pervasive rust issues are a major factor in these vehicles' attrition, often rendering them unsafe or uneconomical to repair before the drivetrain fails. The automatic transmission problems appear across all model years mentioned (2003-2008). Owner satisfaction is binary: many report trouble-free ownership up to high mileage, while an equal or greater number report experiencing one or more of the major failure modes. This dichotomy underscores the importance of individual vehicle condition and maintenance history over general model reputation. Analysis based on approximately 45 substantive owner discussions and problem reports spanning the entire production run.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2001. Years to avoid: 2008, 2005, 2002, 2001Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Mazda Tribute years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 21 | 0 | steering |
| 2010 | 78 | 3 | power train |
| 2009 | 36 | 2 | steering |
| 2008 | 404 | 5 | steering |
| 2007 | 4 | 1 | vehicle speed control |
| 2006 | 135 | 3 | vehicle speed control |
| 2005 | 383 | 4 | suspension |
| 2004 | 182 | 7 | suspension |
| 2003 | 200 | 8 | air bags |
| 2002 | 389 | 9 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2001 | 581 | 15 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2000 | 5 | 0 | engine and engine cooling |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices57 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2010 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 16V788000
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.
2010 · suspension:front:wheel bearingcampaign 15E045000
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.
2010 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 14V282000
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.
2009 · suspension:front:wheel bearingcampaign 15E045000
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.
2009 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 14V282000
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.
2008 · power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)campaign 15V677000
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. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
2008 · suspension:front:wheel bearingcampaign 15E045000
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.
2008 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 14V282000
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.
2008 · hybrid propulsion systemcampaign 14V552000
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.
2008 · engine and engine coolingcampaign 12V357000
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) is used.
2007 · suspension:front:wheel bearingcampaign 15E045000
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.
2006 · suspension:front:wheel bearingcampaign 15E045000
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.
2006 · engine and engine coolingcampaign 12V357000
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) is used.
2006 · visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motorcampaign 05V525000
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
2005 · suspension:front:wheel bearingcampaign 15E045000
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.
42 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.0i V6
3.0L 6-cylinder · 240 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2008–2011