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2008 Mazda Tribute

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda Tribute do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 143.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

170 reports with mileage · 32 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 94 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

53 reports
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60,000 miles · Jul 7, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PART WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10732440

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control

AFTER TURNING A CORNER, THE CAR STARTED UNCONTROLLABLY ACCELERATING AND DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS FULLY ENGAGED. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO GROW LOUDER AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO GAIN SPEED. THE DRIVER'S FOOT WAS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AS THE CAR ACCELERATED, IN FACT, THE DRIVER PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN AS FAR AS IT …

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AFTER TURNING A CORNER, THE CAR STARTED UNCONTROLLABLY ACCELERATING AND DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS FULLY ENGAGED. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO GROW LOUDER AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO GAIN SPEED. THE DRIVER'S FOOT WAS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AS THE CAR ACCELERATED, IN FACT, THE DRIVER PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN AS FAR AS IT COULD GO. ENGAGING THE BRAKE DID NOT AFFECT THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WITH NO PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE GAS PEDAL AND CONSISTENT PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO DOWNSHIFT THE CAR WHILE PRESSING ON THE HORN IN AN ATTEMPT TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CONTROL. THE DRIVER CONTINUED TO DOWNSHIFT THE CAR WHILE HOLDING DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEFORE THE CAR EVENTUALLY SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED. THE DRIVER PUT THE CAR IN PARK WHEN IT STOPPED, TURNED IT OFF, AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THE DRIVER CALLED MAZDA TO FILE A REPORT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10683603

60,000 miles · Jan 4, 2015
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

HAPPENS MORE DURING COLD WEATHER. WHEN YOU PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR IT STICKS AND WHEN IT FINALLY LETS GO YOU LURCH FORWARD. LUCKILY I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS OVER THIS YET, BUT FEEL THAT IS ALWAYS A POSSIBILITY AND FEEL LIKE IT IS UNSAFE. I WAS TOLD IT HAS TO DO WITH THE BUTTERFLY VALVE. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR AT LEAST…

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HAPPENS MORE DURING COLD WEATHER. WHEN YOU PUSH ON THE ACCELERATOR IT STICKS AND WHEN IT FINALLY LETS GO YOU LURCH FORWARD. LUCKILY I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS OVER THIS YET, BUT FEEL THAT IS ALWAYS A POSSIBILITY AND FEEL LIKE IT IS UNSAFE. I WAS TOLD IT HAS TO DO WITH THE BUTTERFLY VALVE. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR AT LEAST 4-5 YEARS. I HAVE ASKED NUMEROUS TIMES IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL BECAUSE FROM WHAT I CAN SEE THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS BY OTHER CONSUMERS. IF THIS EVER CAUSES ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT, I WILL BE SUING MAZDA! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10669932

83,000 miles · Dec 2, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND THE WRENCH WARNING ICON ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED TO VIBRATE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND THE WRENCH WARNING ICON ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED TO VIBRATE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

NHTSA ODI #10661806

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL. HOWEVER, HE NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER.*CW

NHTSA ODI #10653284

50,000 miles · Oct 24, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COOL (SUB 50F) THE GAS PEDAL WILL STICK. WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS FULLY DEPRESSED AND YOU GO TO PUSH IT DOWN IT STICKS. WHEN THIS STICKING FINALLY LETS GO THE VEHICLE JUMPS FORWARD. THE V6 VERSION OF THIS SUV HAS A RECALL ON THE PEDAL BUT I OWN THE V4. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10649583

178,901 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,901.

NHTSA ODI #10631080

178,901 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,901.

NHTSA ODI #10631078

62,000 miles · Jul 22, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE CABLE AND THE CLIP TO THE PEDAL. THE VEH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE CABLE AND THE CLIP TO THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ODI #10615284

35,000 miles · Apr 23, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATION PEDAL AT ANY SPEED, THERE WAS A REVVING NOISE AS THE ACCELERATION PEDAL VIBRATED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING AND WOULD BECOME MORE PROMINENT WHEN DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THERE WAS ALSO AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATION PEDAL AT ANY SPEED, THERE WAS A REVVING NOISE AS THE ACCELERATION PEDAL VIBRATED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING AND WOULD BECOME MORE PROMINENT WHEN DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THERE WAS ALSO AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE MULTIPLE TIMES WITH A 4-CYLINDER STICK SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED, DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35000.

NHTSA ODI #10584450

Official recalls

4

15V677000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Oct 19, 2015

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

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.

14V552000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

Sep 10, 2014

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 & remedy

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.

14V282000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

May 29, 2014

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 & remedy

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.

12V357000 · Engine And Engine Cooling; Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Jul 27, 2012

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Vehicle Speed Control:cables

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.