Model year guide

2008 Mazda Tribute

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Mazda Tribute is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 42 on record.

2008 Mazda Tribute — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Mazda Tribute at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints202
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$5,144

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Mazda Tribute recalls 5

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl) NHTSA Campaign #15V677000 · 19/10/2015

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 …

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…

Suspension:front:wheel Bearing NHTSA Campaign #15E045000 · 03/06/2015

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 dimensio…

Fix: 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.

Steering:electric Power Assist System NHTSA Campaign #14V282000 · 29/05/2014

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.

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 th…

Hybrid Propulsion System NHTSA Campaign #14V552000 · 10/09/2014

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.

Fix: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #12V357000 · 27/07/2012

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Mazda Tribute common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2008 Mazda Tribute MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,679

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Mazda Tribute worth?

Low
$2,700
Typical price
$5,144
High
$7,800

From 42 comparable 2008 Mazda Tribute listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Mazda Tribute costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,395
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,650
Total$16,045
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($5,144) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,508), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Mazda Tribute trims & engines on record

Trims
s Grand Touring · i Grand Touring
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl 153 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 200 hp

2008 Mazda Tribute vehicles on record

Other Mazda Tribute model years

2008 Mazda Tribute — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Mazda Tribute have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2008 Mazda Tribute. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mazda Tribute?

Based on 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, service brakes, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Mazda Tribute get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Mazda Tribute at about 24 mpg combined (23 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2008 Mazda Tribute worth?

Comparable 2008 Mazda Tribute listings run roughly $2,700–$7,800, typically around $5,144 (from 42 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.