2008 Mazda Tribute recalls and problems
The 2008 Mazda Tribute has 4 safety recalls and 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Mazda Tribute vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Mazda Tribute recalls
Recall 15V-677: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 14V-552: Hybrid Propulsion System
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 14V-282: Steering
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 12V-357: Vehicle Speed Control, Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2008 Mazda Tribute problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 94 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 53 | |
| Power Train | 25 | |
| Electrical System | 16 | |
| Service Brakes | 10 | |
| Engine | 7 | |
| Unknown or Other | 7 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | |
| Air Bags | 4 | |
| Wheels | 4 | |
| Visibility | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 5
- Suspension › Rear — 2
- Air Bags › Side/Window — 2
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Suspension › Front — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 82,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Mazda Tribute complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mazda Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Mazda Tribute: 15V-677 (power train), 14V-552 (hybrid propulsion system), 14V-282 (steering), 12V-357 (vehicle speed control, engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mazda Tribute?
Owners report steering problems most often (94 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (53). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 82,000 miles.
Are Mazda recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.