2008 Mazda Tribute Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 7%of 202 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Mazda Tribute, 7% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle engine stopped running at highway speed. Dangerous total shut-off of engine while driving. Could not re-start vehicle. Starter would turn engine but engine would not start. Vehicle towed to independent repair shop. Shop retrieved code p1260 anti-theft system signal detected - engine disabled . Most tow vehicle to Mazda dealer for service.”
NHTSA complaint #10330239, filed 2010-05, 55,000 miles“The electronic power steering unit in mt Tribute is shot! It started going out randomly and would come back on after turning the car off and turning it back on. Over the weekend it went out on us while driving 70mph down the highway! It was a very scary situation that could've went bad. This is a known defect through Mazda and should be recalled! It is the same unit that was in the Mazda 3 and 5; which was recalled. This needs to be done asap!”
NHTSA complaint #10567014, filed 2014-03, 83,000 miles“Lock issue - hatchback and back window only this is an issue that I have always had, and it is a pain in the neck. The hatchback door or window will not open using either the remote or the door unlock button in the car. After having groceries in the back, pizza, material being moved, etc. One has to do the following to access that area of the vehicle: 1.) climb over the seat - many times not possible to really get at items in the back. 2.) wait about 5 mins or so, and then the remote will unlock the door/window. …”
NHTSA complaint #10458905, filed 2012-05, 60,000 miles“While driving on the road, the power steering failed in the middle. There was no power to the steering et all. Pulled over, stopped the car and restarted it went away. Drove couple of more miles, again when the car went back to drive on battery power the power steering failed again.had to stop and restart again. The wrench symbol came on the dashboard. Took it to the mechanic , he said the code shows power steering module inside the steering is bad , checked with Mazda and they said there is no recall on power steering for Mazda Tribute , but only to Mazda 3 and 5.”
NHTSA complaint #10458851, filed 2012-05, 41,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11488049, filed 2022-10Related service bulletins
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative…
- 11006987Aug 8, 2024In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 10232299Feb 28, 2023Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10217209Jul 18, 2022In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- 10215274Jun 22, 2022This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
- 10209778Mar 17, 2022The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use…
- 10205994Dec 21, 2021Battery Maintenance: This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged…
- 10200933Aug 24, 2021This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
- 10188016Feb 8, 2021This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
- 10188015Feb 8, 2021The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 14% |
| 2010 | 3 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 15 | 7% |
| 2006 | 10 | 8% |
| 2005 | 19 | 5% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 41 | 11% |
| 2001 | 81 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mazda Tribute
94 complaintsVehicle speed control
53 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mazda Tribute
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology