2009 Mazda Tribute Problems
Compared with other Mazda Tribute years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
31/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Mazda Tribute year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 4 of its 35 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported part: Steering (19 complaints, median 109,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 35filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 85,200miles, 29 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Mazda Tribute (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2009 Mazda Tribute. The part named most often is steering, with 19 complaints (54% of the total), followed by fuel system (4) and brakes (3). 29 of the complaints include a mileage, and 34% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 85,200 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 136 technical service bulletins for this model year. Steering complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 18 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Compared with the other 2 Mazda Tribute model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 31 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering19 54%
- Fuel system4 11%
- Brakes3 8.6%
- Electrical system3 8.6%
- Engine3 8.6%
- Air bags2 5.7%
- Body and structure2 5.7%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.7%
- Lane departure1 2.9%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “I just lost my steering no electric power to steer I was driving down my block and then no steering was able to get my car back to my house. Its sunday so I will call Mazda in the morning I understand there was a call back for this problem so I will check this out with mazdz.”
NHTSA complaint #11289149, filed 2019-12, 2 milesFuel system: “Car will lose power during driving. Engine begins to sputter, which results in a jerking motion of the vehicle. Pressing the gas does nothing. Engine revs according to RPM dial, but car will not accelerate. Rpm dial will continue to show engine revving while idling (after I pull over and put car in park). This has happened twice - 8/22/19 and again 8/27/19. Diagnostic run on car on 8/22/2019 lists no error codes, for me to fix issue. Video taken, but still images wont help.”
NHTSA complaint #11251853, filed 2019-08, 71,000 milesBrakes: “I purchased a new 2009 Mazda Tribute. I have always taken it to the dealer for maintenance. It has apx. 15000 miles. The last oil change at about 9,100 miles I complained about squeaking brakes. They verified that they were checked and found in good condition. On june 8, 2010 I was turning into a residential area and the car would not stop or slow down. I crashed into a median. Earlier that day I experienced a similar problem while braking but I thought it was due to the rain. When the accident occurred it had just stopped drizzling and the ground was visibly dry. I pressed on the brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10335469, filed 2010-06, 15,000 milesElectrical system: “AutoZone said that the part is called steering angle sensor and is locking up my car I am not able to press the gas as it only accelerates the engine and nothing else and the steering wheel lock I usually have my car turn on in the middle of traffic the part number they gave me is SU14859”
NHTSA complaint #11486133, filed 2022-09Mileage when problems were reported
34% of the 29 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 31,800 and 118,710 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Mazda Tribute. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribute · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 3 · 20.4% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Mazda Tribute version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribute 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Tribute 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Tribute FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Tribute FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Tribute FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V282000May 29, 2014Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Mazda Tribute 2008–2010, Tribute Hybrid 2011
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…
Recall details for the 2009 Mazda Tribute → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 136 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037013Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026Electrical system, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This 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 electric rear window…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026Engine, Brakes, Other or unknown, Transmission and…. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended…
- 11006987Aug 8, 2024Other or unknown, Electrical system. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State…
- 11005671Jul 29, 2024Other or unknown. Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the…
- 11003398Jun 7, 2024Other or unknown. Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the…
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Wheels, Tires, Brakes, Transmission and drivetrain, Engine…. Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the…
- 10232299Feb 28, 2023Electrical system. Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10226814Nov 18, 2022Suspension. Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal…
- 10217209Jul 18, 2022Electrical system. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
Other model years of the Mazda Tribute
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 7 | 103,000 | 0 | 3 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 39 | 57,634 | 2 | — | 23 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 35 | 85,200 | 1 | — | 23 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 202 | 82,000 | 4 | — | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2006 | 130 | 75,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 377 | 101,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 157 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 199 | 74,676 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 384 | 68,557 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 563 | 68,538 | 13 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 5 | 48,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Mazda Tribute model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Mazda Tribute have?
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2009 Mazda Tribute as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Mazda Tribute is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 19 complaints (54% of the total), followed by fuel system with 4.
Has the 2009 Mazda Tribute been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Mazda Tribute get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Mazda Tribute (Tribute FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Mazda Tribute reported?
Among the 29 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 85,200 miles and the middle half falls between 31,800 and 118,710 miles; 34% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.