Model year guide

2009 Mazda Tribute

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Mazda Tribute is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 9 on record.

2009 Mazda Tribute at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints35
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$5,078

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

2009 Mazda Tribute recalls 2

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…

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.

2009 Mazda Tribute common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 35 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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Lane Departure
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2009 Mazda Tribute MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,614

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

What's a 2009 Mazda Tribute worth?

Low
$2,300
Typical price
$5,078
High
$7,400

From 9 comparable 2009 Mazda Tribute listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 Mazda Tribute costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,070
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,400
Total$15,470
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 ($5,078) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,658), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2009 Mazda Tribute trims & engines on record

Trims
i Touring
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl 171 hp

2009 Mazda Tribute vehicles on record

Other Mazda Tribute model years

2009 Mazda Tribute — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Mazda Tribute have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2009 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 2009 Mazda Tribute?

Based on 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, electrical system, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Mazda Tribute get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2009 Mazda Tribute at about 24 mpg combined (23 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2009 Mazda Tribute worth?

Comparable 2009 Mazda Tribute listings run roughly $2,300–$7,400, typically around $5,078 (from 9 vehicles).

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