RoadVitals

2010 Mazda Tribute

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
39
Latest Oct 20, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Oct 28, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 39 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Mazda Tribute, most frequently naming the steering, powertrain (other) and driver assistance categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 138 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering1119.6%
  • Powertrain (other)1017.9%
  • Driver assistance712.5%
  • Engine712.5%
  • Fuel system610.7%
  • Brakes35.4%
  • Electrical35.4%
  • Transmission35.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
16V788000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Oct 28, 2016
912 units potentially affected
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured March 3, 2009, to May 26, 2011. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety recall were mailed on December 23, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts are in stock. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0416J.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 0416JView on NHTSA.gov
15E045000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

Jun 3, 2015
576 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Timken CompanyView on NHTSA.gov
14V282000

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

May 29, 2014
33,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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 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.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 7614EView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 39
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Oct 20, 2025

Everytime I fill the car up with gas it does this thing where I lose power when I stop or when I turn the wheel. So I have to stop and start the car. Its very dangerous because it has cut off while I was making a turn. We have tried to fix it several times. We replaced the fuel pump and that helped for a month or two but then it goes right back to cutting off after it is filled up with gas.

NHTSA ID
11694516
Incident
Oct 3, 2025
Steering
Filed Apr 27, 2025

Two years ago my vehicle started loosing electrical power steering.. there is a recall for this issue… my vehicle was not experiencing this issue at the time of the recall. I have not been able to drive my vehicle because it randomly looses power steering deeming it extremely dangerous to drive.. I informed mazda who stated there system shows it was repaired during the recall will not cover the cost, but this is not true. I’m the only owner and I can’t drive it due to this issue

NHTSA ID
11657107
Incident
Oct 10, 2022
Brakes
Filed Dec 28, 2021

While driving at low speed (less than 50 mph) truck experienced brake loss. Was able to slow down and have no accident. Towed truck to mechanic and the next day brakes worked fine. Took truck to both AAA and to Mazda dealership for repair and no one can duplicate the issue. No instrument lights came on and no code was given for additional information. It has been stated that ABS Master cylinder and brake booster have been tested as well as the relays and fuses. This isnt the first time this has happened but the pedal has never stayed as mushy or required to go to the ground as long as it had this time.

NHTSA ID
11445225
Incident
Dec 20, 2021
Mileage
108,000 mi
Steering
Filed Nov 26, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became very stiff and was difficult to turn in either direction. The contact drove the vehicle with manual steering to his destination. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ID
11441719
Incident
Oct 6, 2021
Mileage
123,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 1, 2021

There's no power steering as I was Driving it just got hard to steer and almost got into an accident car is not drivable at all

NHTSA ID
11423050
Incident
Apr 5, 2021
Steering
Filed Apr 10, 2020

THE STEERING BEGAN TWITCHING WHILE DRIVING AND THEN WHILE BACKING THE STEERING WENT OUT AND STOPPED RESPONDING MID-BACKING IN MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID
11320764
Incident
Mar 28, 2020
Steering
Filed Jan 11, 2020

STEERING IS OFF LINE

NHTSA ID
11298513
Incident
Jan 11, 2020
Mileage
10 mi
Steering
Filed Nov 14, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED AND AN UNKNOWN INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THERE WERE FAULTY COMPONENTS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPOT AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. CAPITAL MAZDA OF CARY (525 CROSSROADS BLVD, CARY, NC 27511, (919) 859-2000) SUGGESTED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL IN 2014, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS, CONTACT STATED HE RETIRED TECHNICIAN FROM CATERPILLAR INC CAN HANDLE MOST REPAIRS HIMSELF, HAD AESS TO A DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER AND PULLED THE CODES FOR THE FAILURE, LOOKED UP THE CODES UP FOR A STEERING TORQUE SENSOR ORDERED ONE FROM CAPITAL MAZDA ON NOVEMBER 14TH FOR DELIVERY ON FRIDAY THE 15TH PICKED IT UP BUT DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO INSTALL TIL THE 16TH WHICH IS A SATURDAY. INSTALLED AND STILL HAVE THE SAME FAILURE. BUT THE SENSOR PART FROM MAZDA HAD BEEN USED AND PUT BACK IN BOX WHICH WERE ESTIMATED AT $2,800. THE SENSOR ALONE WAS $368.98 LOCATED A TRIBUTE IN A LOAD U-PULL-IT JUNKYARD GOT THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY FOR $35.44 GOT THE PART REMOVED AND REPLACED THE UNIT VEHICLE PERFORMED AS IT SHOULD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. *BF *TP

NHTSA ID
11279972
Incident
Nov 13, 2019
Mileage
106,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

09-022-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY/WIPER

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or terminal tabs pulled from the rear window glass. Follow the diagnostic and repair procedures included in this service information to inspect and service rear defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns or broken terminal tabs.

SA-029-26

ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).

09-038-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the “Speedometer Replacement Label”. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda’s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO’s services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.

SA-011-24b

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.

SA-011-24a

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.

SA-011-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; STEERING; TIRES; WHEELS

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mazda Tribute by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011700—
2010Viewing393047.8
2009352044.6
20082025049.0
2007410—
20061303048.3
20053774048.3
20041577563.9
20031998663.8
20023849864.9
2001563151060.3
2000500—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.