Worst 2008 Mazda Tribute Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Unintended Acceleration
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Mazda Tribute.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 92 | 1 | — | 114,526 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 47 | 1 | — | 74,319 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | — | — | 102,868 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 15 | — | — | 137,924 mi | |
| Brakes | 10 | — | — | 122,375 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | — | 127,143 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 5 | — | 1 | 50,397 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 5 | — | — | 42,399 mi | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal | 5 | — | — | 96,880 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension:Rear | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbags | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Mazda Tribute. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2008 Mazda Tribute
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~250,927 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Mazda Tribute Years
2008 Mazda Tribute — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 Mazda Tribute reliable?
What are common problems with the 2008 Mazda Tribute?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Mazda Tribute?
How safe is the 2008 Mazda Tribute?
Does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2008 Mazda Tribute?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Mazda Tribute reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2008 Mazda Tribute
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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