Photo: Cutlass / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
2008 Mazda Tribute: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Tribute years.
One of the Mazda Tribute years to avoid. All Tribute years
404 owner complaints, most about steering. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Tribute?The 2008 Mazda Tribute has 404 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and vehicle speed control.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Mazda Tribute vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Tribute years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the Tribute?
Across the 12 Tribute model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2007) to 581 (2001). With 404 complaints, the 2008 Tribute sits above the model's median of 182.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 Tribute
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 15V677000Mazda 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.
suspension:front:wheel bearing
Campaign 15E045000The 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.
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 14V282000Mazda 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.
hybrid propulsion system
Campaign 14V552000Mazda 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.
Show 1 more recall
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 12V357000Mazda 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific vehicle's age, maintenance history, and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tribute. See the full Tribute owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Tribute listings typically run $3,597–$5,995 across 2001 to 2011 model years.
Other Tribute model years
Compare every Tribute year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Tribute against its rivals
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