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2008 Mazda Tribute: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2008 Mazda Tribute, most recently filed October 2015. Owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 4campaigns 1 power train · 1 hybrid propulsion system · 1 steering Source: NHTSA Complaints 202filed Owner reports, 2002–2011 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 32mpg combined $2,041/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.3 L 4-cyl· CVT 7 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
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Recalls (4)

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2008 Mazda Tribute. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2008 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V677000 Filed Oct 19, 2015

Rebuilt Transmission Shift Lever May Disengage

Power train · automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl)
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
50% repairedof 4 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V677000
Listed for 2008 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V552000 Filed Sep 10, 2014

Motor Electronics Coolant Pump Failure

Hybrid propulsion system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
64.2% repairedof 423 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V552000
Listed for 2008 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V282000 Filed May 29, 2014

Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist

Steering · electric power assist system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
54.4% repairedof 33,000 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V282000
Listed for 2008 Mazda Tribute. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V357000 Filed Jul 27, 2012

Speed Control Cable Connector Interference

Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Repair progress not yet reported217,500 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V357000

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Which Tribute years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Mazda TributeAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (202)

202 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The steering is mentioned most often.

6involved a crash
1involved a fire
12injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Mazda Tribute, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 202.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2008 compares with other Tribute years

Best and worst Tribute years →
384 199 157 377 130 4 202 35 39 7
2002200320042005200620072008200920102011
This year (2008)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 32 mpg combined

32
mpg combined
34
city
30
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,100
CO₂ tailpipe
278 g/mi
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle -

What it costs you to run

$2,041per year
$170per month
469gallons a year

Miles ÷ 32 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2008 Mazda Tribute configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.3 L 4-cyl · CVTFront-Wheel Drive34 / 30 / 32$2,100278
2.3 L 4-cyl · CVT4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive29 / 27 / 28$2,400317
2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24$2,800370
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22$3,050404
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21$3,200423
3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20$3,350444
3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19$3,550468

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2008 Tribute for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Tribute years

Where to next

Which Tribute years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2009 Mazda Tribute report35 complaints · 1 campaigns →2007 Mazda Tribute report4 complaints · 0 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2008 Mazda Tribute FAQ

How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns: 15V677000 (power train), 14V552000 (hybrid propulsion system), 14V282000 (steering), 12V357000 (engine). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2008 Mazda Tribute problems?

Owners filed 202 complaints with NHTSA. Steering (94), Vehicle speed control (53), Power train (25) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2008 Mazda Tribute get?

EPA rates the 2.3 L 4-cyl · CVT version at 34 city, 30 highway and 32 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2008 Tribute compare with other years?

Among the 2002–2011 Mazda Tribute model years at least five years old, the 2007 drew the fewest complaints (4) and the 2002 the most (384). The 2008 drew 202. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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