8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,230
Average Mileage:
107,300 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace steering column (2 reports)
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problem #4

Jun 172020

Tribute 2.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,345 miles

Piece of crap car. Never buy. The electric steering went out and you have to crank the engine on and off multiple times in order for the electric steering to engage. If not, you are stuck steering manually.

- James B., Milton, US

problem #3

Nov 302017

Tribute LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,840 miles

2008 Mazda Tribute, known to have a problem with electric power steering assist. Mazda (and Ford's) solution was a software fix to the power steering control model. Had software fix in 2017. Power steering control module replaced but did not fix the problem. Whole steering column replaced. Mazda did cover some of the cost which I appreciate, but poking around the internet, sounds like Ford/Mazda know this is a fundamentally unreliable system and true fix for the recall would have been the steering column replacement.

- John B., Roswell, GA, US

problem #2

Jul 272016

Tribute

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

I had took my Mazda to be serviced not even 2years ago where in which the dealer also honored a manufacturing recall on the steering wheel issues that other drivers were having. The dealer informed me that per the recall, Mazda corporate only required that they do a DTC CODE UPDATE. At the time it clearly indicates that no codes were found. That closed my recall status September 2014. Now while driving on I-75, I got a jerk at the steering wheel then lost the ability to turn the steering wheel from left to right with ease and like to had 2 or 3 rear-end accidents while trying to get my Tribute to the side shoulder from the far left lane of I-75. I called Mazda corporate and told them about the issue and was told that my car warranty had to far expired but yet the recall update was performed(09/02/14) also after the expiration(2012) of my warranty. They offered to have my vehicle towed one-way from my home to the nearest dealer, but didn't want to cover the maintenance fees for parts and service. Now the recall update showed no codes existed but even after my power-steering went out no codes still did not show up indicating what was the problem. This problem existed in the Ford Escapes and Mariners but was satisfied under the recall for the torque sensors being replaced due to drivers losing the ability to turn their steering wheels while driving on cars 2008-2011. Shame on Mazda....

- Johnny M., Labelle, FL, US

problem #1

Mar 082017

Tribute 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,847 miles

I was having issues with the power steering. Had it scanned at a Mazda dealership, scanned that it needed a new steering angle sensor. Three years ago as part of the recall my Tribute had the steering angle sensor changed. It was now needing to be replaced again. Dealership called Mazda Canada to see if it would be covered in someway as part of that recall. Mazda Canada states that it had been three years since it was replaced and that it was not their problem. So, I had to pay to have the whole steering colum replaced for about $2000. DO NOT BUY FROM MAZDA CANADA... They knowingly put people's lives at risk and refuses to take responsibility. They only care about put money into their own pockets. PEOPLES safety is an a priority,

- Kate S., Winnipeg, MB, Canada