2009 Mazda Tribute: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 36 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (51% of complaints); the 2011 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2023
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2022
“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?”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2022
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2021
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2020
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2019
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2019
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2019
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Tribute by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Mazda Tribute reliable?
NHTSA has 36 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Mazda Tribute. The most complained-about area is steering (51% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Mazda Tribute problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 99,000 miles or less.
Does the 2009 Mazda Tribute have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:electric power assist system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.