Photo: Cutlass / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
2009 Mazda Tribute: common problems and reliability
One of the best Tribute years.
36 owner complaints, most about steering. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2009 Tribute?The 2009 Mazda Tribute has 36 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2009 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Mazda Tribute vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Tribute years only. How we score it
Is 2009 a good year for the Tribute?
Across the 12 Tribute model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2007) to 581 (2001). With 36 complaints, the 2009 Tribute sits below 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 2009 Tribute
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.
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 2009 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Tribute against its rivals
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