2011 Mazda Tribute Problems
The 2011 Mazda Tribute has a low number of NHTSA complaints, but steering defects dominate the reports. Based on 14 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2011 Mazda Tribute has 14 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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2011 Mazda Tribute Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2011 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. 5 trims analysed.
2011 Mazda Tribute Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Mazda Tribute 4DR SUV 4x4Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
20.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
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 2011 has 14 NHTSA complaints, with steering defects accounting for 5. There are no recalls. Buyers should inspect steering and fuel systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mazda
- Model
- Tribute
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 14
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 3/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 3/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 3/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2011 Mazda Tribute problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Fuel/Propulsion System
Unintended Acceleration
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Fuel/Propulsion System, Unintended Acceleration. 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 2011 Mazda Tribute?
The 2011 Mazda Tribute may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the steering complaints warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection. The lack of recalls is a positive sign, but the low complaint count means patterns are uncertain.
Steering defects can affect vehicle control and safety, making it a critical area to check before purchase. Even a low number of complaints can indicate a potential issue.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a simple, no-frills SUV and are willing to have a mechanic inspect the steering system.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a vehicle with a strong reliability track record and minimal potential for steering issues should consider other options.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2011 Mazda Tribute
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components for looseness or unusual noises.
- Check fuel system for leaks or pressure issues.
- Test for unintended acceleration during test drive.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system for any defects.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel system and transmission.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 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 2011 Mazda Tribute has 14 total complaints, with steering defects accounting for 5 of them. There are no recalls for this model year. Buyers should be aware of potential steering issues, though the overall complaint volume is low.
Year context: Compared to other model years of the Mazda Tribute, the 2011 has a low complaint count, but data is limited to one year.
Recall context: With zero recalls, the 2011 Tribute has no known safety defects requiring manufacturer action, but buyers should still check for any outstanding recalls.
- Steering defects account for 5 of the 14 total complaints.
- Fuel/propulsion system issues were reported in 3 complaints.
- There are 0 recalls for the 2011 model year.
- Steering Defects (5 complaints)
- Fuel/Propulsion System (3 complaints)
- Unintended Acceleration (2 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2011 Mazda Tribute complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Mazda Tribute. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 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 2011 Mazda Tribute. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became firm and failed to respond to driver input. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights started to flicker, and the vehicle stalled. The contact had …
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and turning the steering wheel to the left, there was a slight vibration coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle then lost power steering functionality. The contact stated no warning …
The passenger subframe is rusted and broke the axel when driving. Glad im ok….So dangerous and the driver side is fine so bad design by ford (the tribute is like the escape)
I bought the car used several years ago and in the past year have experienced the steering wheel all of a sudden appear to be locking up. I looked up the recall and found that this is a known issue with the Mazda Tribute vehicles. I checked with dealer and they agreed. I contact…
TWICE, WHILE DRIVING UNDER 25 MPH, AND BOTH TIMES WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT, THE POWER STEERING HAS STOPPED WORKING. WHEN CHECKED BY A MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED: CODE B2278-2F
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET, AND THE STEERING SUDDENLY BEGAN TO LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN OR CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL; IT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD. I WAS NOT ON MY BRAKES, I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT WITH MY FEET ON THE …
GAS FILLER NECK GROSS EVAP LEAK / CANISTER PURGE VALVE LEAK/ CODES P0455 P0457 I WAS TOLD THAT FORD MAKES MAZDA PARTS AND FORD ESCAPE SUV TRUCKS ARE KNOWN FOR THESE PROBLEMS WITH EVAP SYSTEM?? *TR
A RECALL 16V-788 WAS PUBLISHED ON OCT. 26,2016 AND HAS YET TO BE REMEDIED. THE STATUS SHOWS "RECALL INCOMPLETE, REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE". IT HAS BEEN OVER 14 MONTHS. THIS NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED. WE HAVEN'T BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL (THAT WE CAN REMEMBER) NOR CAN IT BE COMPLE…
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, ENGINE JUST FAILED TO ACCELERATE SUDDENLY AND HAD TO COAST OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. ENGINE DID NOT TURN COMPLETELY OFF AS IT CONTINUED TO HESITATE AND RPMS FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 500-1000 BUT GAS PEDAL WOULD NOT ACCELERATE CAR. IMMEDIATELY PUT HAZARD LIGHTS ON …
HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH POWER POLE AT 55 MPH. DRIVER AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. (NO PASSENGERS ON BOARD). *TR
I HAVE ALWAYS HAD AN ACCELERATION ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. MANY MANY TIMES, FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS JUST NOT GOING TO MOVE WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE. ABOUT 4 WEEKS, AGO, CAR LITERALLY JUST WOULDN'T MOVE WHEN I WAS IN TRAFFIC, THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, INDICATING A TRANSMISSION ISS…
CAR BEGIN TO SHIMMY BETWEEN GEAR SHIFTS FELT LIKE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING TO FALL OUT ON THE ROAD. SLIPPED BETWEEN GEAR SHIFTS INTERMITTENTLY AFTERWORDS
THE AUTOMATIC PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. MY WIFE WEIGHS ABOUT 120 POUNDS AND THE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AT RANDOM ON THE HIGHWAY ARE JUST SITTING STILL. THE DEALER HAS ZERO SOLUTIONS AND WE ARE FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE MANUAL WHICH STATES THE WEIGH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, HE WOULD HAPHAZARDLY DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS WITH THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO PEDALS AND STATED THAT THEY WERE ENTIRELY TOO CLOSE TOGETHE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Mazda Tribute.
Safety recalls
2011 Mazda Tribute recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Mazda Tribute. With zero recalls, the 2011 Tribute has no known safety defects requiring manufacturer action, but buyers should still check for any outstanding recalls. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2011 Mazda Tribute buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Mazda Tribute reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 14 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Mazda Tribute may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the steering complaints warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection. The lack of recalls is a positive sign, but the low complaint count means patterns are uncertain. 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 2011 Mazda Tribute?▾
#1: Steering Defects (5 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (3 complaints). #3: Unintended Acceleration (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Mazda Tribute?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Mazda Tribute?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Mazda Tribute, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 14 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2011 Mazda Tribute in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2011 Mazda Tribute?▾
The 2011 Mazda Tribute may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the steering complaints warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection. The lack of recalls is a positive sign, but the low complaint count means patterns are uncertain. Steering defects can affect vehicle control and safety, making it a critical area to check before purchase. Even a low number of complaints can indicate a potential issue. 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 2011 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.