2009 Mazda Tribute problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 35 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2009 Mazda Tribute has 35 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 19 complaints, typically surfacing around 111,473 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 Tribute | 135 | 1 |
| 2008 Tribute | 202 | 3 |
| 2009 Tribute (this page) | 35 | 0 |
| 2010 Tribute | 39 | 2 |
| 2011 Tribute | 14 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Mazda Tribute? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- steering — 19 owner reports · tends to show around 111,473 mi · ~$700 to fix
- brakes — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 73,333 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 73,333 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is steering (~$700) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2009 Mazda Tribute
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
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.
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…
The rear hutch is defected. When pressing the button the hutch will not open. The entire pump has to be replaced to open the rear hutch of the vehicle. This is a safely hazard in case of emergency and one need to get out. I had the pump replaced and less than 8 months the pump…
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…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Mazda Tribute reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Mazda Tribute is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Mazda Tribute?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Mazda Tribute does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Mazda Tribute?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 19 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 111,473 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Mazda Tribute a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 35 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 111,473 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Mazda Tribute?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 19 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 111,473 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 111,473 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mazda Tribute has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Mazda Tribute?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 35 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.