Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2010 Mazda Tribute HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints for the 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Most complaints involve power train (13) and steering (11). The EPA rates it 29–32 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
29–32mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
39
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$1,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
39 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2010 – Oct 2025
- Power train13
- Steering11
- Engine7
- Fuel/propulsion system6
- Vehicle speed control6
- Electrical system3
- Service brakes2
- Structure2
- Air bags2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
13 reports
“FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE. I ACCELERATED AND THE CAR HESITATED, CHUGGED, THE WRENCH LIGHT ON DASH ILLUMINATED WITH VERY SLOW FORWARD MOMENTUM. TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON WITH NO PROBLEM UNTIL THE END OF THE PARKING ROW WHEN I STOPPED FOR TRAFFIC, IT CHUGGED AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE, WRENCH INDICATOR ON AGAIN. TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND COASTED TO A PARKING SPOT. RESTARTED A FEW MINUTES LATER WITH NO PROBLEMS FOR ALMOST A WEEK. NEXT TIME IT HAPPENED I ACCELERATED FROM A STOP SIGN AND ONLY HAD CRAWLING SPEED NO MATTER WHAT I DID WITH THE GAS PEDAL. THE WRENCH LIGHT WAS AGAIN ON WITH THE VEHICLE CHUGGING AND HESITATING. DUE TO PARKED VEHICLES I HAD TO DRIVE ALMOST THE LENGTH OF THE BLOCK IN THIS CONDITION BEFORE HAVING A PLACE TO PULL OVER AND MOVE OUT OF THE LONG LINE OF TRAFFIC I HAD CREATED. ONCE AGAIN AFTER A BRIEF WAITING PERIOD I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE WRENCH LIGHT WENT OUT AND IT HAS BEEN DRIVING OKAY. *TR”
Steering
11 reports
“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.. I informed mazda who stated there system shows it was repaired during the recall will not cover the cost, but this is not true. I’m the only owner and I can’t drive it due to this issue”
Engine
7 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH UP A MOUNTAIN, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SERRA MAZDA (1503 GADSDEN HWY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35235, (205) 304-4075) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS FAILING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE WARNING INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribute Hybrid 2WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 31 | 32 | $1,900 | 278 |
| Tribute Hybrid 4WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 30 | 27 | 29 | $2,050 | 306 |
- 32mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 5481
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2010 Tribute Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (13), steering (11), engine (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid at 29–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026