2008 Mazda Tribute Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2008 Mazda Tribute has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA, including 6 crashes, 1 fire, 12 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Steering (94 reports).

4Recalls
202Owner complaints
6Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Tribute?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2008 Mazda Tribute recalls

Shift Lever May Detach, Allowing Vehicle to Roll Away

Recall 15V677Oct 19, 20154 vehicles affected

The shift control lever can disengage from the transmission without warning because a shift lever bolt may not be properly tightened.

Hybrid Propulsion System

Recall 14V552Sep 10, 2014423 vehicles affected

Steering:Electric Power Assist System

Recall 14V282May 29, 201433,000 vehicles affected

Engine And Engine Cooling; Vehicle Speed Control:Cables

Recall 12V357Jul 27, 2012217,500 vehicles affected

Most common 2008 Mazda Tribute problems

Problem areas named in the 202 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Steering94
Vehicle Speed Control53
Power Train25
Electrical System16
Service Brakes10
Engine7
Unknown Or Other7
Suspension5
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Air Bags4

What owners report

2026-03-19, Steering
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.
2026-02-17, Air Bags
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.
2025-05-11, Service Brakes
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
2025-04-05, Electrical System
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.
2023-09-18, Steering
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 diagnos

2008 Mazda Tribute questions

Does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2008 Mazda Tribute: Shift Lever May Detach, Allowing Vehicle to Roll Away; Hybrid Propulsion System; Steering:Electric Power Assist System; Engine And Engine Cooling; Vehicle Speed Control:Cables. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda Tribute?

Based on 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (94), Vehicle Speed Control (53), Power Train (25).

How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Mazda Tribute has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Mazda Tribute years

Other 2008 Mazda models