2011 Mazda Tribute: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The passenger subframe is rusted and broke the axel when driving. Glad im ok....So dangerous and the driver side is fine so bad design by ford (the tribute is like the escape)”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2023
“Twice, while driving under 25 mph, and both times while turning to the right, the power steering has stopped working. When checked by a mechanic, it was determined to be the steering shaft torque sensor malfunctioned: code b2278-2f”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2020
“I was driving my vehicle on a city street, and the steering suddenly began to lock up. The vehicle was in motion when this occurred. I was not able to turn or control the steering wheel; it became extremely hard. I was not on my brakes, I was driving straight with my feet on the gas. This happened twice in the last 4 days. I brought the vehicle to the mazda dealership and they said the steering wheel column needed to be replaced, the torque sensor, and calibration. I read the 2011 mazda and ford escapes that was built in the kansas city factory were recalled for this same exact issue in 2014 which I did not own the vehicle at that time.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2020
Show 7 more owner 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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2020
“A recall 16v-788 was published on oct. 26,2016 and has yet to be remedied. The status shows "recall incomplete, remedy not yet available". It has been over 14 months. This needs to be completed. We haven't been notified of the recall (that we can remember) nor can it be completed over 14 months later.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2016
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2013
“I have always had an acceleration issue with this vehicle. Many many times, feels like the car is just not going to move when I try to accelerate. About 4 weeks, ago, car literally just wouldn't move when I was in traffic, the wrench light came on, indicating a transmission issue. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer, who found nothing. 2 days ago, exact same thing happened again, in traffic. We had the car again towed, and this time they found the throttle needed to be replaced. I think it was always bad, but 2011 was not a vehicle year included in the throttle recall for the mazda tribute. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2012
“Car begin to shimmy between gear shifts felt like transmission was going to fall out on the road. Slipped between gear shifts intermittently afterwords”Owner report · Power Train · May 2011
“The automatic passenger airbag sensor does not operate properly. My wife weighs about 120 pounds and the light goes on and off at random on the highway are just sitting still. The dealer has zero solutions and we are following the instructions in the manual which states the weight threshold to be 80 lbs. If we're in an accident and her airbag doesn't deploy there will be a problem. Vehicle is an 2011 mazda tribute. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mazda tribute. The contact stated that when depressing the brakes, he would haphazardly depress the accelerator pedal simultaneously. The contact had concerns with the distance between the two pedals and stated that they were entirely too close together. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current mileage was 4,500. The failure mileage was 5.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured March 3, 2009, to May 26, 2011. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety recall were mailed on December 23, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts are in stock. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0416J.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2011 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 2011 Mazda Tribute reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Mazda Tribute. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2011 Mazda Tribute have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. 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.