VehicleVerdict

2010 Mazda Tribute problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Mazda Tribute sits mid-pack among Tribute years: 57 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 204, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (13), steering (11), and engine (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

57

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Tribute years?

Tribute NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 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, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tribute years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Mazda Tribute problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1323%
Steering1119%
Engine712%
Fuel System611%
Speed Control611%
Electrical System47%
Brakes35%
Airbags24%
Body & Structure24%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Other12%

Does the 2010 Mazda Tribute have recalls?

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

16V788000Fuel SystemOctober 28, 2016 · 912 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured March 3, 2009, to May 26, 2011. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety recall were mailed on December 23, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts are in stock. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0416J.

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.

“VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD EVEN THOUGH I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE ON THE HIGHWAY. TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING IN DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED MOVING FROM PARK OR REVERSE TO DRIVE. I'M WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS THE LURCHING OCCURS FREQUENTLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 24, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT DROVE SLOWLY AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAPITAL MAZDA OF CARY (525 CROSSROADS BLVD, CARY, NC 27511, [PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 24, 2018

“FUEL FILL NECK DIAGNOSTIC CODE PO457 OCCURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHICH SEEMED TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SPUTTER, AND TO HAVE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. UPON INSPECTION THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE PART. UPON A GOOGLE SEARCH OTHER HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 11, 2010

“FUEL FILL NECK DIAGNOSTIC CODE PO457 OCCURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHICH SEEMED TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SPUTTER, AND TO HAVE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. UPON INSPECTION THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE PART. UPON A GOOGLE SEARCH OTHER HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 11, 2010

“FUEL FILL NECK DIAGNOSTIC CODE PO457 OCCURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHICH SEEMED TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SPUTTER, AND TO HAVE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. UPON INSPECTION THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE PART. UPON A GOOGLE SEARCH OTHER HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 11, 2010

2010 Mazda Tribute — common questions

Is the 2010 Mazda Tribute reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 57 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Tribute year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2010 Tribute problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (13 complaints), steering (11 complaints), engine (7 complaints).

Does the 2010 Mazda Tribute have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 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.