2009 Mazda Tribute: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Mazda Tribute: 1 recall, 35 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #14V282000 · 2014 · 33,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #15E045000 · 2015 · 576 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (19): the most common themes are steering problems (19), warning light on (4), noise or vibration (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 Mazda Tribute has 35 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 12 Tribute model years for complaints (well below the 175 average). Complaints peaked in 2018 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 85,200 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (202 complaints, 4 recalls), 2010 (39 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Mazda Tribute.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2009 Mazda Tribute, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 Mazda Tribute problems?
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (19), transmission & drivetrain (3), engine (3).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Mazda Tribute get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Mazda Tribute repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.