NHTSA vehicle safety data

2009 Mazda Tribute Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2009 Mazda Tribute has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 35 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mazda dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2009 Mazda Tribute, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2009 Mazda Tribute owner complaints

Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Mazda Tribute, describing incidents dated May 18, 2009 to January 17, 2024.

Most-cited components

  • Steering 19 complaints
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 4 complaints
  • Electrical System 3 complaints
  • Engine 3 complaints
  • Power Train 3 complaints
  • Service Brakes 3 complaints

Of the 35 complaints on file, 2 report a crash; across all 35 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11566885 · Filed

    Lost of power steering hard to steer the steering wheel

  • ODI #11500777 · Filed

    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 manufacturer was notified of…

  • ODI #11486133 · Filed

    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 is SU14859

Read all 35 complaints

Front Wheel Bearing has Wrong Dimensions

NHTSA #15E045000 · Suspension — Front — Wheel Bearing · NHTSA notice

Reported June 3, 2015 · Timken Company

Potentially affected: 576 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.24% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 20, 2015

Defect description

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. 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.

Safety consequence

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist

NHTSA #14V282000 · Steering — Electric Power Assist System · NHTSA notice

Reported May 29, 2014 · Mazda North American Operations

Potentially affected: 33,000 vehicles

Repair completion: 54.35% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mazda campaign 7614E · Owners notified July 16, 2014 · Vehicles built October 5, 2006 – September 11, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured October 5, 2006, through September 11, 2010. 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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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 recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7614E.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Mazda Tribute model years

Check your 2009 Mazda Tribute VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mazda Tribute at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Mazda VIN