Makes›Mazda›Tribute›2008

2008 Mazda Tribute

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
Gs 4dr SUV FWD, GT 4dr SUV AWD, Gx 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 34 city / 30 hwy
Length
174.8 in
Curb weight
3,232–3,503 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 69% better than the average 2008 SUV - (18.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Mazda Tribute is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,355 lb (Gs 4dr SUV FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 30 highway), 69% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2008

  • Best combined MPG up from 27 to 32

Compared with 2006; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2006 Tribute →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Gs 4dr SUV FWD174.8 in71.3 in68.1 in103.1 in61.4 / 60.6 in3,355 lb59/41
GT 4dr SUV AWD174.8 in71.3 in68.1 in103.1 in61.4 / 60.6 in3,503 lb59/41
Gx 4dr SUV FWD174.8 in71.3 in68.1 in103.1 in61.4 / 60.6 in3,232 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tribute Hybrid 2WD Hybrid2.3L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive34 / 30 / 32+69%$2,100278
Tribute Hybrid 4WD Hybrid2.3L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive29 / 27 / 28+61%$2,400317
Tribute FWD2.3L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24+27%$2,800370
Tribute FWD2.3L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+16%$3,050404
Tribute 4WD2.3L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+21%$3,200423
Tribute FWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+6%$3,350444
Tribute 4WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+9%$3,550468
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mazda Tribute under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Mazda Tribute (this car)32 MPGNot rated4
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated5
2008 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated13
2008 Honda CR-V23 MPGNot rated11
2008 Hyundai Tucson22 MPGNot rated1
2008 Subaru Forester22 MPGNot rated1
2008 Kia Sportage22 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (4)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Oct 19, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V677000 · 4 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Tribute vehicles manufactured February 9, 2007 to April 22, 2008. The affected vehicles have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Risk
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission and if necessary tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8815J.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Sep 10, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V552000 · 423 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 10, 2006, to May 23, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail, resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
Risk
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7814I.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · May 29, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V282000 · 33,000 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Fix
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.
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables · Jul 27, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V357000 · 217,500 vehicles

Problem
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
Risk
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Mazda Tribute is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

87Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
132,382 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering52
Power Train11
Vehicle Speed Control10
Service Brakes9
Electrical System8
Unknown Or Other7
Engine3
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/11: 119/12: 120/01: 220/02: 420/06: 120/10: 320/11: 221/01: 121/02: 221/03: 121/04: 121/06: 121/12: 122/02: 122/05: 122/10: 122/12: 123/02: 123/04: 123/09: 225/04: 125/05: 126/02: 126/03: 119/1120/0220/1121/0321/1222/1023/0425/05max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Mazda Tribute buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 52 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Power Train — 11 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Vehicle Speed Control — 10 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 132,382 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Mazda Tribute. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Tribute years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2011 Tribute32174.8 inNot rated28
2010 Tribute32174.8 inNot rated219
2009 Tribute32174.8 inNot rated126
2006 Tribute27173.2 inNot rated141
2005 Tribute24173.2 inNot rated1185

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →