2008 Mazda Tribute: common problems and reliability

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. Owners most often flag automatic transmission failure: includes slipping, sudden engagement of neutral while driving, hard shifting, and complete failure. rebuilt transmissions are commonly mentioned. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

404
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Mazda Tribute vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2008 a good year for the Tribute?

Across the 4 Tribute model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2007) to 404 (2008). With 404 complaints, the 2008 Tribute sits abovethe 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

steering
188
vehicle speed control
106
power train
50
electrical system
30
service brakes
20

Recalls affecting the 2008 Tribute

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 remanufa

suspension:front:wheel bearing

Campaign 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 Tr

steering:electric power assist system

Campaign 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 no

hybrid propulsion system

Campaign 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

What owners say across generations

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…

  • Automatic transmission failure: includes slipping, sudden engagement of neutral while driving, hard shifting, and complete failure. Rebuilt transmissions are commonly mentioned. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Severe rust/corrosion: specifically on rear strut towers, wheel wells, undercarriage, and exhaust components. Can lead to structural failure (e.g., shock tower tearing through). Frequency: very frequent.

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 $3,999–$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