Mazda Tribute hybrid problems
The Mazda Tribute (Japanese: マツダ・トリビュート, Matsuda Toribyūto) (Code J14) is a compact SUV made by Japanese automaker Mazda from 2000 to 2011. It was jointly developed with Ford Motor Company and based on the front-wheel drive Mazda 626 platform, which was in turn the basis for the similar Ford Escape on the CD2 platform. The Tribute was priced below the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner in Ford's CD2 SUV lineup.
The Tribute and Escape debuted in 2000, offering front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of a transversely mounted 2.0 L Ford Zetec 4-cylinder engine or 3.0 L Ford Duratec V6. The Ford Escape was also sold as the Ford Maverick in Europe with a Ford 2.0 L I4 Zeta engine with manual transmission, or 3.0 L Duratec coupled to automatic transmission.
One main difference between the Tribute and the Ford Escape/Maverick is that the Tribute's suspension is tuned for a firmer ride than the Escape/Maverick, in order to correspond with Mazda's sporty image. As Mazda had offered "spiced up" models in other segments such as the Mazda3 and CX-7, the utilitarian Tribute was replaced by the more aggressively styled and in-house-designed Mazda CX-5 in North America.
Social links
Mazda Tribute hybrid model years
Common Mazda Tribute hybrid problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid cars, several common problems have been identified:
- Loss of Power: Owners have reported instances of a loss of power in the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. This issue can be caused by various problems, necessitating an electronic scan of the car to diagnose the specific cause. Additionally, a loss of power can be unrelated to other issues like squealing noises, which might be due to moisture on the rubber drive belts in the engine bay.
- Fuel System Problems: Complaints have surfaced regarding fuel system issues, particularly related to the pick-up in the tank under cornering when the fuel is pushed to one side. This problem could be attributed to issues with the pump or the filter inside the tank.
- Timing Chain Concerns: The Mazda Tribute Hybrid, equipped with either a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter V6, has timing chains that typically do not require changing. However, if the chain becomes worn or noisy, replacement may be necessary, with estimated costs varying based on the engine type.
- Transmission Problems: Some owners have experienced transmission issues with the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. It is advised to consult with an automatic transmission specialist before considering a replacement, as servicing might be a viable solution before opting for a new transmission.
- Fuel Economy: Several owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the fuel economy of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, highlighting it as a gas guzzler. To address this concern, LPG kits are available as an option, costing around $4500, with potential savings through government rebates over time.
These common problems reported by owners of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid cars encompass a range of issues from mechanical failures to fuel system concerns, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any emerging issues to ensure the optimal performance and safety of the vehicle.
What is the common problem of Mazda Tribute?
The most common fault we have found is the failure of ignition coils (COP- coil on plug). This coil failure may be due to either the age of unit or premature failure as a result of air leaks causing coils to overload and oil leaks causing contamination of spark plug tubes.
What is the problem with the 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid?
The Problem: The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail, resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating. This could cause the powertrain to shut down, resulting in a stall-like condition and increasing the risk of a crash.
Is the Mazda Tribute a reliable car?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Mazda Tribute, compared to an average of 11% for compact SUVs and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
How long do Mazda tributes last?
Fantastic Car
I'd say, 150000 - 180000 miles on the odometer, it ran very well, and still does. My grandfather drove it off the lot new in 2003 and used it for 17 - 19 years commuting back and forth to work, and it has about 205500 miles on it now, and it's running fantastically.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda Tribute hybrid years
We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda Tribute hybrid cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Mazda Tribute hybrid model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda Tribute hybrid model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda Tribute hybrid years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mazda Tribute hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mazda Tribute hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mazda Tribute hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda Tribute hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda Tribute hybrid vehicles.
List of Mazda Tribute hybrid complaints
Mazda Tribute hybrid 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-12
- Date Complaint: 2019-02-20
- VIN: 4F2CZ49379K
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: PARKED VEHICLE IN GARAGE AFTER DRIVING, NEXT MORNING THE BATTERY WAS FULLY CHARGED BUT WOULD NOT TRY TO START WITH A STOP SAFELY NOW WARNING DISPLAYED...THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW - SPENT $600 AND A TOW BILL FIRST TIME. FORD SAID THEY REPLACED A LEAKING THERMOSTAT AND REPROGRAMMED IT (WHICH I DO NOT BELIEVE). NEXT MORNING, SAME PROBLEM BUT LATER (3 DAYS LATER) IT STARTED, DROVE IT SEVERAL TIMES, NEXT MORNING IT WOULD NOT TRY TO START AGAIN. TOTALLY BROKE DOWN NOW WITH A FULLY CHARGED BATTERY. I THINK IT IS A FAULTY WIRING IN THE BATTERY HARNESS NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE HYBRID BATTERY TO START AS I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET WITH RECALLS FOR OTHER FORD HYBRID VEHICLES THAT TELL THE SAME STORY. PLEASE ISSUE ME A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE; WITHOUT IT, THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS TO ME AS OTHERS GET RECALLS FOR THIS VERY FRUSTRATING PROBLEM THAT IS NO FAULT OF MY OWN.
Recalls Mazda Tribute hybrid
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Mazda Tribute hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mazda Tribute hybrid 2011
- Report Received Date: 2016-10-28
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- 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.
- Model: Mazda Tribute hybrid 2011
- Report Received Date: 2015-06-03
- Manufacturer: Timken Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
- Model: Mazda Tribute hybrid 2011
- Report Received Date: 2014-05-29
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Latest negative Mazda Tribute hybrid car reviews
Latest positive Mazda Tribute hybrid car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 2009
We bought the car in February and took a trip from Sacramento to San Diego and back a month later. The car comfortably fits 3-4 people and a large dog in the back. I really enjoy driving it. During our trip to San Diego, we averaged 30 MPG, and in town, we get between 28-31 MPG. You may find yourself driving a little slower to drive farther in electric mode, but we are really glad we bought it!
-
Vehicle year: 2009
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your first Mazda and Hybrid! It's great to hear that you've been getting around 32 MPG's since day 1, which is really impressive. I can understand why you chose the Mazda over the Ford Escape, as the interior is more comfortable and looks better. It's also great to hear that the SUV drives well and has plenty of legroom in the back seat. Overall, it sounds like you made a great purchase and I'm happy for you!
-
Vehicle year: 2009
This has been a great choice of vehicle. I test drove the Ford Escape version and, in comparison, the Mazda vehicle feels better appointed inside. I really like the piano-black center console, it looks a lot better than the one in the Escape version of the vehicle. I highly recommend purchasing the navigation package, as the whole fun of driving a hybrid is checking your fuel economy! Additionally, I suggest getting the HomeLink Mirror, which is really inexpensive and a must-have accessory.
-
Vehicle year: 2009
Congratulations to your wife on getting her new driver's license! I love how you decided to go green and opt for a hybrid SUV made by Mazda. The spark blue color you picked sounds lovely and it's great to hear that you were able to find the perfect one in socal. With an average of 29 mpg, it's definitely an eco-friendly choice. I'm glad to hear that the handling is quite good and that the audio system exceeded your expectations. It's always a plus when even picky parents approve of the back seats being comfortable.
Are you having problems with your Mazda Tribute hybrid?
Ian Kuhn 2024-10-24
Vehicle year: 2009
I've only had it for 2 months and so far, there haven't been any major problems. The average mpg is up to 27.8, which is around what I expected. Overall, I would definitely recommend it to someone who wants an environmentally friendly SUV.