DecodedCars2011 Mazda Tribute
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- Gs 4dr SUV V6 FWD, Gs/Gx/GT 4dr SUV V6 AWD, Gx 4dr SUV L4 AWD, Gx 4dr SUV L4 FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 34 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,274–3,556 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2011 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints8 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 137 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Mazda Tribute is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,395 lb (Gs 4dr SUV V6 FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 30 highway), 53% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Tribute — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Tribute →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gs 4dr SUV V6 FWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,395 lb | 59/41 |
| Gs/Gx/GT 4dr SUV V6 AWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,556 lb | 59/41 |
| Gx 4dr SUV L4 AWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,483 lb | 59/41 |
| Gx 4dr SUV L4 FWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,274 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribute Hybrid 2WD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 30 / 32 | +53% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Tribute Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 30 / 27 / 29 | +53% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Tribute FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +20% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Tribute FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | +10% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Tribute 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Tribute FWD FFV FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tribute 4WD FFV FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Mazda Tribute.
Similar 2011 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Mazda Tribute (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2011 Honda CR-V | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2011 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
| 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Oct 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V788000 · 912 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
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.
Not every 2011 Mazda Tribute is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Mazda Tribute buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 4 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 103,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Mazda Tribute. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tribute years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2009 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 26 |
| 2008 Tribute | 32 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 87 |
| 2006 Tribute | 27 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2005 Tribute | 24 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 185 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →