NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2011 Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (2) and vehicle speed control (2). The EPA rates it 29–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 3 stars overall.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured March 3, 2009, to May 26, 2011. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
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 dimension and a 45mm width.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“A RECALL 16V-788 WAS PUBLISHED ON OCT. 26,2016 AND HAS YET TO BE REMEDIED. THE STATUS SHOWS "RECALL INCOMPLETE, REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE". IT HAS BEEN OVER 14 MONTHS. THIS NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED. WE HAVEN'T BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL (THAT WE CAN REMEMBER) NOR CAN IT BE COMPLETED OVER 14 MONTHS LATER.”
“DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, ENGINE JUST FAILED TO ACCELERATE SUDDENLY AND HAD TO COAST OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. ENGINE DID NOT TURN COMPLETELY OFF AS IT CONTINUED TO HESITATE AND RPMS FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 500-1000 BUT GAS PEDAL WOULD NOT ACCELERATE CAR. IMMEDIATELY PUT HAZARD LIGHTS ON SO CARS BEHIND ME WOULD KNOW THAR I WAS NOT AT CONSTANT SPEED ANYMORE. *TR”
“HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH POWER POLE AT 55 MPH. DRIVER AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. (NO PASSENGERS ON BOARD). *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| 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 | 30 | 32 | $1,950 | 278 |
| Tribute Hybrid 4WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 30 | 27 | 29 | $2,150 | 306 |
| 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 |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (2), vehicle speed control (2), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Mazda Tribute Hybrid at 29–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Mazda Tribute Hybrid 3 out of 5 stars overall.