I TOOK MY 2008 TRIBUTE (PURCHASED IN JULY 2007) FOR SERVICE WHEN AT THE 50, 300 MILES. I REPORTED TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT MY VEHICLE DOES A MILD OR HARD JERK WHEN COMING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT I HAD A SMALL HOLE IN THE CONDENSER CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE TRANSMISSION OIL. I DO A LOT OF HIGHWAY DRIVING THUS THE HIGH MILEAGE SO THEY SURMISED THAT MAYBE A ROCK HIT IT…
2008 mazda Tribute powertrain problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AND MOVING, BUT THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXI…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 mazda Tribute?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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