Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2011 Mazda TributeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints for the 2011 Mazda Tribute. Most complaints involve steering (5) and fuel/propulsion system (3). The EPA rates it 20–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 3 stars overall.
Combined MPG
20–25mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
3of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
14
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Mazda Tribute as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
14 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2011 – Apr 2023
- Steering5
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Air bags2
- Power train2
- Structure1
- Electrical system1
- Engine1
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 Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
5 reports
“The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became firm and failed to respond to driver input. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights started to flicker, and the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred; however, the steering wheel became loose and unresponsive to driver input. The contact stated that on another occasion the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel locked and could not be turned in either direction. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.”
Fuel/propulsion system
3 reports
“GAS FILLER NECK GROSS EVAP LEAK / CANISTER PURGE VALVE LEAK/ CODES P0455 P0457 I WAS TOLD THAT FORD MAKES MAZDA PARTS AND FORD ESCAPE SUV TRUCKS ARE KNOWN FOR THESE PROBLEMS WITH EVAP SYSTEM?? *TR”
Vehicle speed control
2 reports
“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”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
5 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.0L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-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 Oct 28, 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 FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Tribute FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Tribute 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Tribute FWD FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Tribute 4WD FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
- 25mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
3/ 5
3 of 5Mazda Tribute 4DR SUV 4x4
- Frontal crash
- 3 of 5
- Side crash
- 3 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 20.4%
Overall
3 / 5
Mazda Tribute 4DR SUV 4x2
- Frontal crash
- 3 of 5
- Side crash
- 3 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 23.7%
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.
2011 Tribute questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda Tribute have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Mazda Tribute problems?
Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (5), fuel/propulsion system (3), vehicle speed control (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Mazda Tribute get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Mazda Tribute at 20–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
How safe is the 2011 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Mazda Tribute 3 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026