Mazda Tribute, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: Cutlass, Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2008 Mazda Tribute recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2008 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
5
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
202
Latest campaign
Oct 19, 2015

Recall summary by component5

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Power train1Oct 19, 2015
15V677000
Suspension1Jun 3, 2015
15E045000
Hybrid propulsion system1Sep 10, 2014
14V552000
Steering1May 29, 2014
14V282000
Engine and engine cooling1Jul 27, 2012
12V357000

Safety recalls5

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Oct 19, 2015Latest campaign
Oct 19, 201515V677000

Power train: automatic transmission gear position indication (prndl)

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…

DetailsHide details for campaign 15V677000
What's wrong
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.
Remedy
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 15V677000 · Oct 19, 2015
Jun 3, 201515E045000

Suspension: front wheel bearing

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 15E045000
What's wrong
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Risk
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign
NHTSA 15E045000 · Jun 3, 2015
Sep 10, 201414V552000

Hybrid propulsion system

If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 14V552000
What's wrong
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.
Remedy
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 14V552000 · Sep 10, 2014
May 29, 201414V282000

Steering: electric power assist system

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.

DetailsHide details for campaign 14V282000
What's wrong
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.
Remedy
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 14V282000 · May 29, 2014
Jul 27, 201212V357000

Engine and engine cooling

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.

DetailsHide details for campaign 12V357000
What's wrong
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.
Remedy
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 12V357000 · Jul 27, 2012
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Mazda recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2008 Mazda Tribute? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component202

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
202Complaints filed
6Involving a crash
1Involving a fire
12Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Steering9447102
Vehicle speed control5326100
Power train2512000
Electrical system157000
Service brakes105000
Unknown or other73000
Engine73000
Fuel system63010
Suspension52000
Gasoline52010
Wheels42100
Air bags31306
Visibility31000
Electronic stability control (ESC)21000
Fuel/propulsion system21000

11 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number, merged from NHTSA model names Tribute, Tribute Hybrid.

Latest reports

  • 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.”

    Filed 03/19/2026 · ODI 11725529
  • 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.”

    Filed 02/17/2026 · ODI 11718610
  • 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.”

    Filed 05/11/2025 · ODI 11660221

Other Mazda Tribute model years

All years: 2011 · 2010 · 2009 · 2008 · 2006 · 2005 · 2004 · 2003 · 2002 · 2001

Other Mazda models

All Mazda models and years →

2008 Mazda Tribute recall questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have?

NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns for the 2008 Mazda Tribute. The most recent, 15V677000 (reported October 19, 2015), concerns power train. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2008 Mazda Tribute?

Steering is the most-reported component, named in 94 complaints out of 202 filed with NHTSA (47%). Across all complaints, owners reported 6 crashs and 1 fire. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2008 Mazda Tribute?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Mazda recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Mazda dealer.

Check a specific Mazda by VIN

0/17
Free · No signup · US-market vehicles, 1981+

Need the factory options too? See the Mazda build sheet & window sticker guide.