VehicleVerdict

2008 Mazda Tribute speed control problems

The 2008 Mazda Tribute has 53 speed control complaints filed with NHTSA — 21% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

53

Speed Control complaints

21%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Speed Control complaints by year

Tribute speed control complaints by model year85 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 41 complaints2002: 38 complaints2003: 40 complaints2004: 34 complaints2005: 85 complaints2006: 50 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 53 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 6 complaints
Tribute speed control complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

12V357000Speed ControlJuly 27, 2012 · 217,500 units

Defect

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.

What owners report

AS I AM DRIVING THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL START KICKING LIKE SOMETHING IS TRYING TO IN GAGE ITSELF THIS HAS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT SO I HAVE HAD IT REBUILT THINKING MAYBE THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD I HAVE THE CAR BACK NOW AND THE CAR IS DOING THE SAME…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 2, 2020 · crash

Common questions

How many speed control complaints does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have?

NHTSA has 53 complaints about the 2008 Mazda Tribute speed control — 21% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2008 Mazda Tribute speed control?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the speed control: 12V357000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.