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Model year record

2009 Mazda Tribute recalls & problems

The 2009 Mazda Tribute has 2 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (19 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints35filed by owners
Crashes · fires2 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SuspensionJun 3, 2015

Front › Wheel bearing

Recall 15E045000576 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
SteeringMay 29, 2014

Electric power assist system

Recall 14V28200033,000 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7614E.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2009 Mazda Tribute 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk20.4%

2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk20.4%

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Tribute Hybrid 2WD Hybrid

32mpg combined
City / highway34 / 31 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

Tribute Hybrid 4WD Hybrid

28mpg combined
City / highway29 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Tribute FWD

24mpg combined
City / highway22 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Tribute FWD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Tribute FWD

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Tribute 4WD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Tribute 4WD

20mpg combined
City / highway17 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Steering19000109,000 mi
Power train3000—
Engine3000102,000 mi
Electrical system3000—
Air bagsFrontal2000—
Vehicle speed control2000—
StructureBody2000—
Service brakes2101—
Fuel/propulsion system2000—
Unknown or other1000—
Fuel system, other1000—
Service brakes, electric1100—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.