Total Complaints
46 filings
MAZDA TRIBUTE · model year
46 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2009MAZDATRIBUTE carries 46 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2009 TRIBUTE is steering with 19 filings, followed by power train (3) and engine (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2009 TRIBUTE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
46 filings
Crashes Reported
2 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 19 |
| POWER TRAIN | 3 |
| ENGINE | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC | 1 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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 cou
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
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
Lost of power steering hard to steer the steering wheel
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
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
I pulled out of my driveway and my pporr steering did not work..parked vehicle. When I called the dealership I was told about recall on software for power steering control module (PSCM) but was told Mazda would not cover this that it was done in 2014 . I bought the vehicle used in 2019 ...never knew til now that it had a recall on it. What am I to do?
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle back to his residence. The next day, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where he was informed that he could not service the vehicle for a month; however, after cancellation, the mechanic was able to repair the vehicle. Prior to the repair, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering). The contact made several attempts to reach the manufacturer however, the attempts were unsuccessful. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Mileage: 99,000
Mazda purchase date June 17, 2021 Mazda S-Plan Pin: S013221306 [XXX] quoted price by [XXX] for a recall part on backorder that can not be received with proof by text was $2530.00 [XXX]: Mazda Agent who provided S-plan Forced Financing and Shot-gun my credit I am [XXX] 21 years old my father bought me the Mazda cash for college from Bellas in Port Lavaca Texas Bellas lied about repairing the recall and closed it out. Its been 2 weeks and I still have no vehicle. My job fired me, my bills are due, I'm an independent 21 year old and without a car I have not been able to make money and walking in the cold bas made me sick now with a sever cold. I just need my car and they cannot fix the recall the lady [XXX] wanted to charge me 2530.00 for what exactly and this was not my fault. Everything worked on my car perfect until the steering sensor went out. Please help. I am also contacting the FTC and USA.gov to report illegal fees and consumer protection. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO
Mazda purchase date June 17, 2021 Mazda S-Plan Pin: S013221306 [XXX] quoted price by [XXX] for a recall part on backorder that can not be received with proof by text was $2530.00 [XXX]: Mazda Agent who provided S-plan Forced Financing and Shot-gun my credit I am [XXX] 21 years old my father bought me the Mazda cash for college from Bellas in Port Lavaca Texas Bellas lied about repairing the recall and closed it out. Its been 2 weeks and I still have no vehicle. My job fired me, my bills are due, I'm an independent 21 year old and without a car I have not been able to make money and walking in the cold bas made me sick now with a sever cold. I just need my car and they cannot fix the recall the lady [XXX] wanted to charge me 2530.00 for what exactly and this was not my fault. Everything worked on my car perfect until the steering sensor went out. Please help. I am also contacting the FTC and USA.gov to report illegal fees and consumer protection. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway and noticed that the steering wheel was becoming more difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,141.
Mileage: 114,141
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.
Mileage: 10,100
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.
Mileage: 10,100
I JUST LOST MY STEERING NO ELECTRIC POWER TO STEER I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY BLOCK AND THEN NO STEERING WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR BACK TO MY HOUSE. ITS SUNDAY SO I WILL CALL MAZDA IN THE MORNING I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A CALL BACK FOR THIS PROBLEM SO I WILL CHECK THIS OUT WITH MAZDZ.
Mileage: 2
I JUST LOST MY STEERING NO ELECTRIC POWER TO STEER I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY BLOCK AND THEN NO STEERING WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR BACK TO MY HOUSE. ITS SUNDAY SO I WILL CALL MAZDA IN THE MORNING I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A CALL BACK FOR THIS PROBLEM SO I WILL CHECK THIS OUT WITH MAZDZ.
Mileage: 2
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED FROM SCOTT EVANS NISSAN (725 BANKHEAD HWY, CARROLLTON, GA 30117, 770-832-8222), THE POWER ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE POWER ASSIST BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER ASSIST FAILED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE CONTACT FIRST EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE, HE CONTACTED BEYER MAZDA (4015 VALLEY PIKE SUITE B, WINCHESTER, VA 22602, 540-931-9520) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V282000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT CALLED FLOW MAZDA OF CHARLOTTESVILLE (1289 STONY POINT RD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22911, 434-296-4147) TO VERIFY THE INFORMATION AND RECEIVED THE SAME INFORMATION THAT HE WAS GIVEN FROM THE PREVIOUS DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE
Mileage: 82,767
CAR WILL LOSE POWER DURING DRIVING. ENGINE BEGINS TO SPUTTER, WHICH RESULTS IN A JERKING MOTION OF THE VEHICLE. PRESSING THE GAS DOES NOTHING. ENGINE REVS ACCORDING TO RPM DIAL, BUT CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. RPM DIAL WILL CONTINUE TO SHOW ENGINE REVVING WHILE IDLING (AFTER I PULL OVER AND PUT CAR IN PARK). THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE - 8/22/19 AND AGAIN 8/27/19. DIAGNOSTIC RUN ON CAR ON 8/22/2019 LISTS NO ERROR CODES, FOR ME TO FIX ISSUE. VIDEO TAKEN, BUT STILL IMAGES WONT HELP.
Mileage: 71,000
CAR WILL LOSE POWER DURING DRIVING. ENGINE BEGINS TO SPUTTER, WHICH RESULTS IN A JERKING MOTION OF THE VEHICLE. PRESSING THE GAS DOES NOTHING. ENGINE REVS ACCORDING TO RPM DIAL, BUT CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. RPM DIAL WILL CONTINUE TO SHOW ENGINE REVVING WHILE IDLING (AFTER I PULL OVER AND PUT CAR IN PARK). THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE - 8/22/19 AND AGAIN 8/27/19. DIAGNOSTIC RUN ON CAR ON 8/22/2019 LISTS NO ERROR CODES, FOR ME TO FIX ISSUE. VIDEO TAKEN, BUT STILL IMAGES WONT HELP.
Mileage: 71,000
POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING, IT HAS GONE OUT AT 167,000 MILES
Mileage: 167,000
PULLING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST NO LONGER WORKED AND HAS NOT SINCE.
Mileage: 143,500
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED CAPITAL MAZDA (525 CROSSROADS BLVD, CARY, NC 27518, 919-372-4640) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS COMPLETED IN 2016. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED OF THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,710.
Mileage: 118,710
TAKATA RECALL: THE BRAKES FAIL WHEN DEPRESSED TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP. THE ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILED WHEN NEEDING TO STOP INSTANTLY. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MADE AN INSTANT STOP THE SUV DID NOT STOP RIGHT AWAY AS IT WOULD JERK FORWARD AND THEN SWERVE BEFORE MAKING A STOP ALMOST CAUSING LOST OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAY ON BECAUSE OF THE GAS CAP ERROR BUT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT REQUIRE A GAS CAP IT IS A CAP-LESS TANK. CAUSES GAS TO SEEP THROUGH.
Mileage: 196,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.