Mazda Tribute Steering Problems
Owners have filed 196 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Mazda Tribute across 10 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (94). The words owners use most often: “steering failed” (10% of reports).
- 196steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 20%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.
- Steering failed: mentioned in 19 of 196 complaints (10%)
- Torque sensor: mentioned in 15 of 196 complaints (8%)
- Became difficult: mentioned in 15 of 196 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 132 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 196 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury.
Mazda Tribute steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Tribute | 5 | 71% | 114,000 |
| 2010 Tribute | 11 | 28% | 81,078 |
| 2009 Tribute | 19 | 54% | 109,000 |
| 2008 Tribute | 94 | 47% | 102,045 |
| 2006 Tribute | 3 | 2% | 35,000 |
| 2005 Tribute | 2 | 1% | 21,563 |
| 2004 Tribute | 3 | 2% | 95,000 |
| 2003 Tribute | 9 | 5% | 112,345 |
| 2002 Tribute | 15 | 4% | 70,400 |
| 2001 Tribute | 35 | 6% | 61,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Model years: 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly to the steering column. The nut could be upside down in the steering wheel assembly, which could overstress the steering column shaft when the nut is tightened. In addition, some of the nuts may have been cracked during manufacture resulting in the nut fracturing when it is tightened during vehicle assembly.
Risk: Either of these conditions can lead to the steering wheel becoming loose or separating from the steering column, resulting in loss of steering control.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and inoperable, with the maintenance warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The dealer was not contacted…
Two years ago my vehicle started loosing electrical power steering.. there is a recall for this issue⦠my vehicle was not experiencing this issue at the time of the recall. I have not been able to drive my vehicle because it randomly looses power steering deeming it extremely dangerous to drive…
Unknown, Electric steering no longer works, ABS light, traction control light engine light air bag light and tool light are on the, brakes will be faulty at times mainly when ABS and traction control light turn on. There is Google fact that 2008 Mazda had recall for EPS, also faulty air bag and…
Corroded Subframe led to almost complete separation of drivers side control arm, 72k original miles, took my problem to Bergery Mazda where no one cared. If the part was already replaced in 2014 how is it possibly broken already.
Lost of power steering hard to steer the steering wheel
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda Tributes have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 196 owner complaints about steering 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 steering?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Mazda Tribute?
The most frequent phrase is “steering failed”, in 19 of 196 complaints, followed by “torque sensor” (15).
Other Mazda Tribute problems
See all Mazda Tribute problems.