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).

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 reliability, comfortable rid

  • 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.
  • Engine-specific problems:
  • V6 (3.0L Duratec) water pump failure — can lead to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed. Frequency: recurrent.
  • V6 and 4-cylinder ignition coil failures — coils fail frequently due to a noted bad design. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Tribute.

Typical used price

Used Tribute listings typically run $3,999–$5,995 across 2001 to 2011 model years.

Other Tribute model years