IllustrationIGNITION SWITCH NOT WORKING. TRANSMISSION 2ND AND 5TH GEAR NOT WORKING AND CONTROL ARMS FOR ALL 4 WHEELS SEEM TO BE GOING BAD
2008 Mazda Tribute
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda Tribute do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 143.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tribute years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
160–25K
2525–50K
3750–75K
2675–100K
38100–150K
28150K+
170 reports with mileage · 32 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 94 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports
Suspension complaints
5 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BELIEVE THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLER WAS CRACKED AND CAUSING THE LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BELIEVE THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLER WAS CRACKED AND CAUSING THE LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 05/08/12*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE NOISY, AND HAD BEEN SINCE THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND THE OUTER TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 05/30/12
2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE ALWAYS MAINTAINED GOOD, FIRST WHEN DRIVING ON WET BRIDGES SUV TENDS TO GLIDE. THIS HAPPENS THE TIME A BRIDGE IS WET. CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND IM SCARED THEY MIGHT OVERCHARGE ME. $100.0 JUST TO CHECK IT. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE FRONT BEARINGS IN THE FRONT HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND BRAKES MAKE A SWUSHIN…
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2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE ALWAYS MAINTAINED GOOD, FIRST WHEN DRIVING ON WET BRIDGES SUV TENDS TO GLIDE. THIS HAPPENS THE TIME A BRIDGE IS WET. CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND IM SCARED THEY MIGHT OVERCHARGE ME. $100.0 JUST TO CHECK IT. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE FRONT BEARINGS IN THE FRONT HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND BRAKES MAKE A SWUSHING NOISE EVER TIME I APPLY THE BRAKES . IGNITION KEY HAS TO BE PUSH WHILE TURNING IT TO START CAR. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAYS THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH IS BAD. THIS CAR IS LACED WITH PROBLEMS PLEASE ADVISE FORD TO RECALL THIS SUV. IT WILL KILL PEOPLE , YOU DON'T WANT IT TO BE RAINING AND YOU SLAM YOUR BRAKES AND YOUR CAR SLIDES AND RUNS INTO PEOPLE. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS WITH FORD URGENTLY. THANK YOU BTW WHEN YOUR BRAKING THE SEAT KIND OF FEELS LIKE ITS GOING FORWARD AND INCREASING SPEED KIND OF GOES BACK. *TR
I HAVE A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE WITH 13,000 MILES ON IT. LAST WEEK I NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS TILTED OUT OR IN TECHNICAL TERMS IT HAD EXTREME NEGATIVE CAMBER. I GOT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT HAD COME OUT OF THE CONTROL ARM. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS DESIGNED FOR THE BALL JOINT TO FIT IN A STAMPE…
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I HAVE A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE WITH 13,000 MILES ON IT. LAST WEEK I NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS TILTED OUT OR IN TECHNICAL TERMS IT HAD EXTREME NEGATIVE CAMBER. I GOT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT HAD COME OUT OF THE CONTROL ARM. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS DESIGNED FOR THE BALL JOINT TO FIT IN A STAMPED STEEL SLEEVE THEN BOLT TIGHT TO THE REAR SPINDLE ONCE THE BALL JOINT IS DISLODGED FROM THE CONTROL ARM THE INTEGRITY OF THE BALL JOINT AND THE CONTROL ARM ARE COMPROMISED. I CALLED THE DEALER AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND HE TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN RIGHT AWAY FOR FEAR THAT THE REAR WHEEL COULD COLLAPSE UNDER THE VEHICLE. I'M WELL AWARE OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN BUT I'M MORE CONCERNED THAT A WARRANTY REPAIR WOULD NOT SOLVE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I'M ALSO CONCERNED THE PROBLEM WOULD DIE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND NOT BE BROUGHT TO THE PROPER PERSONNEL ATTENTION. I'M GOING TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM BEFORE I TAKE IT IN FOR THE REPAIR. I REALLY DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE NOW THAT I KNOW WHAT COULD POSSIBLY HAPPEN. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ANY OTHER TRIBUTE OR ESCAPE. I DON'T PLAN ON DRIVING THIS VEHICLE UNTIL I RECEIVE A RETURN RESPONSE FROM YOUR DEPARTMENT. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYS VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVING OVER BRIDGES WITH IRON GRATES. THE FAILURE CAUSES HIM TO GRIP THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTLY IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED THE FIRST DAY THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON THE HI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYS VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVING OVER BRIDGES WITH IRON GRATES. THE FAILURE CAUSES HIM TO GRIP THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTLY IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED THE FIRST DAY THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 705.
Official recalls
415V677000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Oct 19, 2015
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 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission and if necessary tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8815J.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
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 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.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission and if necessary tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8815J.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
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 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.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission and if necessary tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8815J.
14V552000 · Hybrid Propulsion System
Sep 10, 2014
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 hybrid electronics overheating.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7814I.
14V282000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
May 29, 2014
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 not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7614E.
12V357000 · Engine And Engine Cooling; Vehicle Speed Control:cables
Jul 27, 2012
Mazda 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
Mazda 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.
Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Mazda 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.
Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.