In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Mazda Tribute cruise control problems
moderate 44 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
44
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 44 cruise control complaints filed for the 2008 Mazda Tribute, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 44 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Cruise control accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacem
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacem
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2008 Mazda Tribute describe a throttle system that frequently fails to respond normally. The most common complaint is a stuck accelerator pedal that won't depress, particularly in cold weather or after cold starts. Drivers report needing abnormal force to push the pedal down, and when it finally breaks loose, the vehicle lurches forward dangerously. Several owners nearly collided with other vehicles or wound up stuck at railroad crossings or highway on-ramps unable to accelerate.
A second failure mode involves unintended acceleration—the pedal gets stuck in the depressed position while the vehicle is moving, and the brake pedal cannot stop the acceleration. One driver had to use emergency brakes and downshifting to regain control.
The underlying cause, per an independent mechanic quoted in the complaints, is grime buildup in the throttle cable where it runs through the intake. Cleaning costs around $75 per service. Dealers often diagnose carbon on the throttle body or a faulty throttle body assembly requiring replacement.
Mazda issued NHTSA Campaign 12V357000 for throttle cable issues, but owners report their vehicles weren't included despite identical symptoms, and parts shortages left repairs incomplete. Many owners say dealerships cannot reproduce the sticking when tested, refuse warranty work, or offer no remedy. The intermittent nature and temperature sensitivity make the issue difficult for dealers to diagnose on demand.
Same Mazda Tribute cruise control reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Stuck accelerator pedal—hard to depress
Accelerator pedal gets stuck in the upright (undepressed) position and becomes extremely difficult or impossible to push down, requiring abnormal force or repeated attempts to move it. When it finally breaks loose, the vehicle lurches forward abruptly.
When: Primarily cold weather (sub-50°F mornings) and cold starts; also intermittently during warm driving. Occurs between 15,000 and 107,500 miles, with many reports in the 30,000–70,000 range.
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal stuck in upright position, won't depress; Requires abnormal pressure to move pedal; Pedal breaks loose suddenly, causing unexpected surge forward; Recurring at stop signs, traffic lights, and highway speeds; Most common on cold mornings or in cool weather; Vehicle cannot accelerate until pedal frees up
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced the spring on the gas pedal; another paid a mechanic $75 per occurrence for throttle cable cleaning. One dealer recommended throttle body replacement ($130 part). One independent mechanic replaced cable and pedal clip but failure recurred. Many owners state dealer cannot reproduce the issue or offers no solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 12V357000 (Vehicle Speed Control: Cables) issued; however, owners report parts unavailable or vehicle VINs not included despite identical symptoms. Many owners state Mazda refused warranty work or offered no assistance. One owner told by dealer this is a 'known failure' requiring throttle body replacement but vehicle was not repaired.
Unintended acceleration—pedal stuck depressed
Accelerator pedal becomes stuck in the depressed (open throttle) position while vehicle is in motion, causing uncontrolled acceleration with no gas pedal pressure applied. Brake pedal input does not arrest the acceleration.
When: Occurs at various speeds (30–75 MPH) without clear cold-weather dependency in these incidents. Mileage range 42,000–96,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver input on gas pedal; Brake pedal fully engaged but does not slow vehicle; Engine revs loudly; vehicle gains speed uncontrollably; Driver foot not on accelerator yet vehicle continues to accelerate; Wrench warning light may illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: One owner used emergency brake and downshifting to eventually stop vehicle and called tow truck. Another found rubber floor mat wedged under pedal but mat was heavy-duty and did not normally slide. One owner had to apply brake with full body weight to slow the car.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported to Mazda; no assistance offered. One dealer found no defects in the accelerator pedal but offered to replace accelerator cable at owner expense. No recalls mentioned for these incidents.
Throttle cable stiffness and jamming—intake grime buildup
Throttle cable that runs through the intake manifold accumulates grime and restricts movement, making the accelerator pedal stiff and sticky. Cable may jam in idle position, preventing the vehicle from moving forward even at idle speed.
When: Recurring throughout vehicle ownership; one mechanic reports cleaning throttle cable routinely ($75 per service). Failure can occur at any mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal stiff and difficult to push; Revving noise and vibration when depressing accelerator; Increased engine RPMs without proportional acceleration; More prominent in inclement weather; Cable jammed in idle position—vehicle won't move forward
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic reports cleaning throttle cable and replacing spring as routine fix ($75 each time). One dealer diagnosed carbon buildup on throttle body and recommended throttle body replacement; repair not completed. One owner reports dealership recommends throttle body replacement ($130 part) each time issue appears.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One vehicle inspected and to be diagnosed/repaired per manufacturer notification. Most owners report no manufacturer response or recall notification.
Throttle body malfunction—poor cold-start response
Throttle body fails to respond properly after cold start, causing a lag in acceleration response or the need to fully depress the pedal before vehicle surges forward abruptly.
When: Primarily on cold mornings and after extended idle. Affects vehicles from 15,000 to 50,000 miles in reported cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't respond when accelerator depressed from a complete stop; Requires full depression of pedal before vehicle surges forward; Abrupt, jerky acceleration once pedal response returns; Lag between pedal input and engine response
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer diagnosed carbon buildup on throttle body and recommended throttle body replacement but did not complete repair. Another dealer stated 'this is a known failure' and throttle body assembly needs replacement; repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One vehicle not repaired; manufacturer not made aware. One dealer identified as authorized and diagnosed the issue but repair status unclear.
Incomplete recall repair—parts unavailability
Owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign 12V357000 but dealer could only supply and install partial repairs due to parts not being in stock. Remaining components required for full repair became available much later.
When: Repair delays noted in 2012; owner stated repair time had exceeded reasonable timeframe.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle speed control components not fully repaired; Incomplete repair due to parts availability
Repairs/costs cited: Only certain parts available; remaining parts unavailable until late October 2012. Owner had not experienced additional failures with the vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign ID 12V357000 (Vehicle Speed Control: Cables). Manufacturer contacted by owner; repair delayed due to parts shortage.
ABS/Traction control kicking with transmission symptoms
ABS and traction control lights illuminate during normal driving, vehicle shudders or 'kicks' as if components are engaging inappropriately. Owner suspects throttle/transmission interaction; transmission subsequently failed and was rebuilt.
When: Occurs almost every drive on dry pavement (city and country roads).
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates; Vehicle shudders or 'kicks' like something is engaging; Transmission failure followed rebuild
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuilt at cost over $3,000; same symptoms returned after repair.
Synthesized from 44 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
I purchased my Mazda tribute new in 2007. This problem started in 2010 in the winter. From time to time, the gas pedal would stick in the upright position, usually when accelerating from a full stop, but sometimes driving in traffic. The past few weeks, my son has been driving the car and has noticed the sticking pedal situation also. I had asked the dealership previously to check this out,…
My gas pedal keeps sticking on occasion when in idle or slow driving. I need to press the gas pedal harder to get it from being stuck and then my vehicle lunges forward. Called for a service appointment. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda tribute. The contact stated that at various speeds while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate without any warning indicator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
I have a 2008 Mazda tribute that has a sticking accelerator, especially when the weather is cold. Even after the car is warm the accelerator will sometimes stick and will not allow the vehicle to accelerate. Today after driving the vehicle about five miles it would not accelerate when I tried to get on the interstate. This has been going on that I have noticed for about a year. It first happened…
Accelerator became stiff on cold mornings. Accelerator cable clip broke, tribute would not accelerate at all. (fell to floor) clip replaced, still sticking. Taking back to dealership to see what else is going on. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda tribute. The contact stated while the vehicle was stopped and the brakes were applied, the vehicle started to accelerate independently and the wrench warning icon illuminated. Also, the steering column started to vibrate abnormally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign id number: 12v357000 (engine and engine…
2008 Mazda tribute - gas pedal sticking. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda tribune. The contact was driving 45 MPH when the accelerator pedal became stuck in the open throttle position. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who advised that there were no defects found within the accelerator pedal. The dealer also advised that the accelerator cable could be replaced at the contacts expense. There were no recalls for the failure. The…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2008 Mazda Tribute?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2008 Mazda Tribute?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 44 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 38 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 36,127 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 62,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,127; a quarter make it past 84,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Mazda/Tribute.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.