Is the Mazda Tribute Reliable?
2001–2011 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Mazda Tribute? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Mazda Tribute Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 0 | 5 | — | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2010 | 3 | 24 | — | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2009 | 2 | 25 | — | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2008 | 4 | 111 | 10 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2007 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2006 | 1 | 63 | 1 | 2 | 57 | Fair |
| 2005 | 1 | 258 | 9 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2004 | 2 | 118 | 14 | 3 | 57 | Fair |
| 2003 | 3 | 131 | 13 | — | 57 | Fair |
| 2002 | 3 | 248 | 10 | — | 57 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Tribute Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Tribute scores 3 points above the average suv — a strong result.
Known Mazda Tribute Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 985 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mazda Tribute reliable?+
The Mazda Tribute scores 72/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 20 recall campaigns and 985 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Tribute is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2011 Tribute achieved the highest reliability score of 57/100 with 0 recalls and 5 complaints.
How many miles does a Tribute last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Mazda Tribute owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Tribute will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Mazda Tribute Research
Check a Specific Mazda Tribute VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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