NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints for the 2009 Mazda Tribute. Most complaints involve steering (19) and power train (3). The EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined.
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.
“The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while parking, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The service warning light illuminated. The contact then heard a beeping sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.”
“AutoZone said that the part is called steering angle sensor and is locking up my car I am not able to press the gas as it only accelerates the engine and nothing else and the steering wheel lock I usually have my car turn on in the middle of traffic the part number they gave me is SU14859”
“POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK. STARTED UP MY CAR AND I AM UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEELS AT LOW SPEED. ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING UNIT. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. UNSAFE TO DRIVE, ATTEMPTED TO CALL MAZDA SERVICE LINE, SAYS RECALL SERVICE FOR EXACT ISSUE STATED WAS COMPLETED IN 2014 FOR RECALL # 7614E 'CLOSED'. I DID NOT OWN THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. ATTEMPTED TO CALL DEALER WHO PERFORMED SERVICE FOR ANSWERS. DEALER #42175, NO ANSWERS OR INFORMATION GIVEN.”
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 FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Tribute FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Tribute 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Tribute FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Tribute 4WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| 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 |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (19), power train (3), electrical system (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Mazda Tribute at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).