Mazda Tribute Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 222 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Mazda Tribute across 10 model years. The 2001 model year has the most (69). The words owners use most often: “transmission failed” (6% of reports).
- 222power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $3,650typical repair cost reported by owners
- 33%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transmission failed: mentioned in 13 of 222 complaints (6%)
- Torque converter: mentioned in 12 of 222 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Mazda Tribute at $3,650, and half of them between $1,350 and $5,150.
Based on 16 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2004–2013), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 169 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 222 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 2 an injury.
Mazda Tribute power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Tribute | 13 | 33% | 44,500 |
| 2009 Tribute | 3 | 9% | 66,900 |
| 2008 Tribute | 25 | 12% | 72,000 |
| 2007 Tribute | 1 | 25% | 52,280 |
| 2006 Tribute | 14 | 11% | 86,725 |
| 2005 Tribute | 24 | 6% | 58,000 |
| 2004 Tribute | 14 | 9% | 53,000 |
| 2003 Tribute | 24 | 12% | 77,000 |
| 2002 Tribute | 35 | 9% | 39,850 |
| 2001 Tribute | 69 | 12% | 44,730 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl); power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Model years: 2008
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0l v6 duratec engines , during deceleration, the engine can stall.
Risk: Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the power control module (pcm) with the appropriate calibration. The recall began on may 3, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was shifting erratically and made an abnormal rumbling sound. The contact stated that the vehicle…
Power steering failed all of a sudden without warning. Lost almost all control of steering. PSCM
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
The contact owned a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, a pop noise was heard, the vehicle had unintended acceleration; the engine revved and sped up to 80 - 90 mph, inadvertently, and the brakes failed to engage after the contact had depressed with both feet on the…
2008 mazda tribute, all scheduled maintenance done on time. At 118,110 miles transmission went out within a day no warning. The tribute, just started losing power on my way home, then in my driveway would go into any of the automatic gears.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda Tributes have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 222 owner complaints about power train for the Mazda Tribute. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Mazda Tribute power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Mazda Tribute?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,650 (half paid between $1,350 and $5,150), from 16 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Mazda Tribute?
The most frequent phrase is “transmission failed”, in 13 of 222 complaints, followed by “torque converter” (12).
Other Mazda Tribute problems
See all Mazda Tribute problems.