The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and inoperable, with the maintenance warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 274,300.
The worst 2008 Mazda Tribute problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering94
- Acceleration53
- Transmission25
- Electrical15
- Brakes10
- Engine9
- Fuel system8
- Suspension5
- Driver assistance4
- Wheels4
- Airbags3
- Visibility3
- Lights2
- Locks2
- Seats2
- Body1
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Mazda Tribute
Power steering loss 32Jerking 10Loss of power 10ABS 6Ball joint 5Engine failure 5Steering lock-up 5
Recalls 4
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 15V677000 · Recall details
Hybrid propulsion system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 14V552000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 14V282000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 12V357000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Mazda Tribute 127
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red....
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems
- Speedometer replacement procedure
- Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery...
2008 Mazda Tribute fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl Hybrid | FWD | 34 | 30 | 32 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl Hybrid | 4WD | 29 | 27 | 28 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | FWD | 20-22 | 26-28 | 22-24 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19 | 24 | 21 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 24 | 20 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 |
What 2008 Mazda Tribute owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owned a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH and attempting to make a turn, another vehicle unexpectedly T-boned the vehicle, impacting the passenger front side. The contact and a passenger sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was taken to a local emergency room. The contact suffered a back injury and was placed on medical leave from employment due to the accident. The passenger sustained bruises and lacerations. The contact stated that the driver and side curtain deployed; however, the front passenger airbag failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
My brakes went out with no warning, or light on dashboard. I had the master cylinder changed and all brakes bled. The brakes went out 2months later,so changed the master cylinder again. 1 month after the brakes went out again. So I called Mazda service department and the gentleman told me to try and change the brake booster. So I changed the brake booster and master cylinder. 6 days later my brakes went out again, mazda told me they having issues with older model mazda tribute brakes going out. I have to get a rebuilt master cylinder for my car. My brakes have gone out on me 4 times and I almost wrecked each time. This is ridiculous I am scared to drive my car now and I have to keep paying a mechanic to do the repair and it's not working.
Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and more the vehicle recalls need to be fixed desperately it's going to cause safety problems while driving if not took care of.
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving at low speeds and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the roadway. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed; however, the failure recurred while making a turn. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and making a turn and had become a persistent failure after turning off and restarting the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be charged a fee for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
The steering is very tight, and sometimes the wheel gets stripped out of your hands, vehicle has been brought to the dealer for a diagnosis
The contact's son owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while her son was driving and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son was able to veer to the side of the road by using physical force to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering), and any additional repair was at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was shaking uncontrollably. There was a lot of tension in the steering wheel. While driving approximately 45 mph and making a turn, the steering wheel jerked but went in the other direction. While driving at high speeds, the tires were riding roughly. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was due to the brake pads. The contact called the local dealer who informed her about an unknown steering wheel component replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering) but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Power steering failed all of a sudden without warning. Lost almost all control of steering. PSCM
I have to put the key in the ignition a certain way and press on it to get the car to start and was told it is a pin that gets stuck in the steering column and it won't let the vehicle start and they said it is a Steering column lock module and there should be a recall on it. This is a big problem my fiance' has cancer and needs to be at her appointments when she has them not when the vehicle decides to let me get her there. It won't start all the time.
Compare the 2008 Mazda Tribute
Other model years
Questions about the 2008 Mazda Tribute
Is the 2008 Mazda Tribute reliable?
Owners have filed 202 complaints about the 2008 Mazda Tribute, 1.3 times a typical Tribute model year.
What is the 2008 Mazda Tribute year score?
The 2008 Mazda Tribute scores 64 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda Tribute: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mazda Tribute?
Steering, with 94 complaints, typically around 104,000 miles. Next is acceleration (53).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have?
4 recalls, covering power train, hybrid propulsion system and steering.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Mazda Tribute steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 14V282000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mazda Tribute have bad steering?
The Mazda Tribute model years with the most steering complaints are 2008 (94 complaints), 2001 (35 complaints) and 2009 (19 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Mazda Tribute get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Mazda Tribute range from 19 to 32 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 34 city and 30 highway.
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