Avoid: 2008, 2005, 2002, 2001 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2007 (few owner reports)
11 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 12 model years, the Mazda Tribute has 2,418 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 57 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and engine and engine cooling. 2001 drew the most complaints (581), 2007 the fewest (4).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mazda Tribute vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $3,597–$5,995.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2001 (581 complaints). Lowest: 2007 (4).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific vehicle's age, maintenance history, and powertrain.
Includes slipping, sudden engagement of neutral while driving, hard shifting, and complete failure. Rebuilt transmissions are commonly mentioned.
Specifically on rear strut towers, wheel wells, undercarriage, and exhaust components. Can lead to structural failure (e.g., shock tower tearing through).
Can lead to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed.
Coils fail frequently due to a noted bad design.
Occurs as the engine ages.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tribute. Individual model years are broken down above.
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