Before you buy
This 2009 Mazda Tribute has 35 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2009 Mazda Tribute Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2009 Mazda Tribute trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2009 Mazda Tribute Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated20.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
20.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
MAZDA TRIBUTE 2009 has 35 NHTSA complaints, with steering defects accounting for 19. There are 2 recalls and 2 crash-related complaints. Buyers should inspect the steering system and verify recall completion. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mazda
- Model
- Tribute
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 35
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2009 Mazda Tribute problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2009 Mazda Tribute?
The 2009 Mazda Tribute may be worth considering only if a thorough steering system inspection is performed and all recalls are addressed. The low complaint count and limited data make it difficult to assess overall reliability.
Steering defects represent over half of all complaints, which could lead to safety concerns or costly repairs. Understanding these patterns helps buyers negotiate or avoid problematic vehicles.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers who are willing to invest in a pre-purchase inspection and have access to a trusted mechanic.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a worry-free used SUV with minimal potential for steering repairs should avoid this model year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Mazda Tribute
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering rack, power steering pump, and tie rods for leaks or play.
- Check transmission fluid condition and test for smooth shifting.
- Verify all electrical systems (lights, windows, infotainment) function properly.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering system for defects before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic perform a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Mazda Tribute, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Mazda Tribute shows a low-confidence pattern of steering-related issues, accounting for 19 of 35 total complaints. Buyers should prioritize a pre-purchase inspection of the steering system and verify recall completion. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2009 Tribute has a low number of complaints, but the data is insufficient to draw strong conclusions about relative reliability.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, buyers must verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Steering defects account for 19 of 35 total complaints.
- Transmission, electrical, engine, and brake systems each have 3 complaints.
- There are 2 crash-related complaints and 2 recalls.
- Steering Defects (19 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (3 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (3 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2009 Mazda Tribute complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Mazda Tribute. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Mazda Tribute. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Lost of power steering hard to steer the steering wheel
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while parking, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The service warning light illuminated. The contact then heard a beeping sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufactu…
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 i…
I pulled out of my driveway and my pporr steering did not work..parked vehicle. When I called the dealership I was told about recall on software for power steering control module (PSCM) but was told Mazda would not cover this that it was done in 2014 . I bought the vehicle used i…
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle back to his residence. The next day, the contact had the vehicle towed to t…
Mazda purchase date June 17, 2021 Mazda S-Plan Pin: S013221306 [XXX] quoted price by [XXX] for a recall part on backorder that can not be received with proof by text was $2530.00 [XXX]: Mazda Agent who provided S-plan Forced Financing and Shot-gun my credit I am [XXX] 21 years…
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway and noticed that the steering wheel was becoming more difficu…
POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK. STARTED UP MY CAR AND I AM UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEELS AT LOW SPEED. ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING UNIT. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. UNSAFE TO DRIVE, ATTEMPTED TO CALL MAZDA SERVICE LINE, SAYS RECALL SERVICE FOR EXACT ISSUE STATED WAS COMPLETED IN 2014 FOR R…
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED FROM SCOTT EVANS NISSAN (725 BANKHEAD HWY, CARROLLTON, GA 30117, 770-832-8222), THE POWER ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE POWER ASSIST BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. UPON PURCHASI…
CAR WILL LOSE POWER DURING DRIVING. ENGINE BEGINS TO SPUTTER, WHICH RESULTS IN A JERKING MOTION OF THE VEHICLE. PRESSING THE GAS DOES NOTHING. ENGINE REVS ACCORDING TO RPM DIAL, BUT CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. RPM DIAL WILL CONTINUE TO SHOW ENGINE REVVING WHILE IDLING (AFTER I PULL …
POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING, IT HAS GONE OUT AT 167,000 MILES
PULLING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST NO LONGER WORKED AND HAS NOT SINCE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED CAPITAL M…
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 WE…
AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SCANNED CODE B00A0, OCS MALFUNCTION. SAID I HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION AT ROUGHLY $3500.FOUND THAT THIS UNAFFORDABLY MANDATORY PROBLEM OCCURS IN MANY MAZDAS, AMONG OTHER VEHICLES. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCID…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. PAUL MILLER MAZDA IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WA…
I WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN TOWN WAITING AND THEN MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE, A BEEPING NOISE AND THEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT! I COULDN'T DRIVE!! THIS IS NOT SAFE!!! IT TOOK ME 20 MINUTES TO GET HOME WITH NO STEERING! I DID NOT FEEL SAFE!
PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER WITH TPMS INDICATOR LIGHT ON TIRES WAS INFLATED AT 45, SET PRESSURE TO 32 LIGHT STILL ON. REPAIR SHOP REPLACED R/R CENSOR STILL HAVE THE INDICATOR SHOWING FAULT.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Mazda Tribute.
Safety recalls
2009 Mazda Tribute recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Mazda Tribute. With 2 recalls, buyers must verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Mazda Tribute buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Mazda Tribute reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 35 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Mazda Tribute may be worth considering only if a thorough steering system inspection is performed and all recalls are addressed. The low complaint count and limited data make it difficult to assess overall reliability. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mazda Tribute?▾
#1: Steering Defects (19 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (3 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Mazda Tribute?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Mazda Tribute?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Mazda Tribute, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 35 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Mazda Tribute. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING. With 2 recalls, buyers must verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Mazda Tribute?▾
The 2009 Mazda Tribute may be worth considering only if a thorough steering system inspection is performed and all recalls are addressed. The low complaint count and limited data make it difficult to assess overall reliability. Steering defects represent over half of all complaints, which could lead to safety concerns or costly repairs. Understanding these patterns helps buyers negotiate or avoid problematic vehicles. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Mazda Tribute reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Mazda Tribute based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.