VehicleVerdict

2009 Mazda Tribute problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2009 Mazda Tribute is among the quieter years of the Tribute on NHTSA's books: 46 complaints (78% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 41% of all reports (19 of 46), far ahead of fuel system at 4.

46

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Tribute years?

Tribute NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted734 complaints2000: 6 complaints2001: 734 complaints2002: 502 complaints2003: 266 complaints2004: 232 complaints2005: 542 complaints2006: 181 complaints2007: 6 complaints2008: 251 complaints2009: 46 complaints2010: 57 complaints2011: 8 complaints
Tribute NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tribute years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mazda Tribute problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1941%
Fuel System49%
Brakes37%
Transmission37%
Electrical System37%
Engine37%
Airbags24%
Speed Control24%
Body & Structure24%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Tires & Wheels12%
Other12%
Driver Assistance12%

Does the 2009 Mazda Tribute have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15E045000SuspensionJune 3, 2015 · 576 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

14V282000SteeringMay 29, 2014 · 33,000 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while parking, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The service warning light illuminated. The contact then heard a beeping sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 7, 2023

“5 TOTAL INCIDENTS -CAR BEGINS TO SHUTTER, LOSE POWER. ALL WARNINGS LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AND THROTTLE IS UNRESPONSIVE. ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING. MUST SHUT DOWN AND RESTART CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SERVICED VEHICLE, STORED CODE P2111 "THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL SYSTEM...STUCK OPEN". VEHICLE IS LESS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 1, 2014

“ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. THE SUV CONSIDERS THE THROTTLE BODY TO BE CLOSED. ITS CLEAN AS A WHISTLE AND CAN BE MOVED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. FORD ESCAPES HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND USE THE SAME PART. ITS COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE CAR TO GO INTO LIMP MODE AND LOSE ALL POWER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 6, 2016

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 22, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE ABDOMEN AND HAD TROUBLE BREATHING DUE TO A CRACKED SPLEEN.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 28, 2015 · crash

2009 Mazda Tribute — common questions

Is the 2009 Mazda Tribute reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 46 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Tribute year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 Tribute problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (19 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2009 Mazda Tribute have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Mazda Tribute. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Tribute years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tribute years to avoid are 2001, 2005, 2002. The cleanest record among Tribute years belongs to 2007.

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.