VIN REPORT

4F2CZ02789KM040812009 MAZDA Tribute

6of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
2
2 campaigns found
Safety Grade
C-
72/100 composite
Complaints
35
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
17 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
BUYPurchase Verdict

2009 MAZDA Tribute was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 35 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2009 MAZDA Tribute

2009 MAZDA Tribute was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 35 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 1 injury reported across 35 owner complaints
  • Common owner-reported issues: steering issues
  • Steering is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
  • Manufacturer delayed recall by 5.7 years after first complaints — pattern of slow response to known defects
Owner Complaint Intelligence

35 owner complaints filed — top areas: Steering (49%), Engine/Powertrain (14%), Electrical (6%). Common issues: steering issues. 2 crashes reported.

6
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
2 model-wide recalls on record
+6
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
MAZDA
Model
Tribute
Year
2009
Trim / Series
I/LOW
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
4x2
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2.5L 171 hp
Doors
4
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Assembly
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

Ford Kansas City Assembly (Claycomo)

B+Quality70/100
Good📍 KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Builds F-150 and Transit. Large-volume plant with solid quality metrics.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

C-
Score: 72/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety22/30
Complaint History30/30
25/100Moderate
  • Steering system recall
0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Moderate
  • Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Steering
1 recall17 complaints
Suspension/Wheels
1 recall1 complaint
Recalls2

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

32/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
The steering system is the most-reported problem for the 2009 MAZDA Tribute — 17 NHTSA complaints (49% of all filings). Prioritize it in a pre-purchase inspection.
No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalSteering
17 owner complaints · 49% of all filings
Inspect the steering system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 2009 MAZDA Tribute
Owners of the 2009 MAZDA Tribute report steering issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
COMMONLY REPORTEDHighEngine/Powertrain
5 owner complaints · 14% of all filings
Inspect the engine/powertrain system before purchase — the 2nd most-reported problem for the 2009 MAZDA Tribute
Owners of the 2009 MAZDA Tribute report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
VERIFYCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify timing chain tensioner service history with the seller
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
VERIFYCriticalWater Pump
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify water pump service history with the seller
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
VERIFYHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Typical interval: 60,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify transmission fluid / service service history with the seller
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
VERIFYHighCoolant Flush
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify coolant flush service history with the seller
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
VERIFYModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify spark plugs (iridium/platinum) service history with the seller
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
VERIFYModerateFuel Injectors
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify fuel injectors service history with the seller
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

2 RECALLS
2found

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

64%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

MAZDA Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
93%Excellent

MAZDA has an excellent recall completion rate (93%) — owners typically receive a remedy within 15 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~15 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
15mo
#15E045000
Mar 2015

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

SummaryThe 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceUse of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~60%

~40% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#14V282000
Invalid Date

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

SummaryMazda 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~68%

~32% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

LONG-STANDING OPEN
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
11.4yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

03/06/2015
2 total campaigns
Suspension/WheelsSteering
1
Part Replacements
1
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
1 recall is over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.

Manufacturer Recall Response Time

Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance

5.7yr
Lag from first complaint to recall
First complaint: 2009-06-17 · Recall issued: 2015-03-06

First complaint was filed 5.7 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.

Complaints35

Complaint Intelligence

35 complaints analyzed across 10 system categories

Steering
17
Engine/Powertrain
5
Electrical
2
Body/Structure
2
Safety Systems
2
Brakes
2 crash1 inj2
Other
2
Suspension/Wheels
1
2014
3
2016
3
2017
2
2018
6
2019
6
2020
1
2021
1
2022
4
2023
1
2024
1
31% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Declining -100%
0
Last 24 months
3
Prior 24 months
PEAKS WINTER (DEC–FEB)

40% of complaints filed in Jan & Feb — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Fire/smoke2
Electrical failure1
Steering loss1
Brake failure1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (5)Parking/low-speed (2)Startup (1)Rain/wet (1)Cold weather (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

35 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

35found
2
Crashes
1
Injury
ODI #11566885STEERING

Lost of power steering hard to steer the steering wheel

ODI #11500777STEERING

The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while parking, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The service warning light illuminated. The contact then heard a beeping sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

ODI #11486133POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AutoZone said that the part is called steering angle sensor and is locking up my car I am not able to press the gas as it only accelerates the engine and nothing else and the steering wheel lock I usually have my car turn on in the middle of traffic the part number they gave me is SU14859

ODI #11455916STEERING

I pulled out of my driveway and my pporr steering did not work..parked vehicle. When I called the dealership I was told about recall on software for power steering control module (PSCM) but was told Mazda would not cover this that it was done in 2014 . I bought the vehicle used in 2019 ...never knew til now that it had a recall on it. What am I to do?

ODI #11449558STEERING

The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle back to his residence. The next day, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where he was informed that he could not service the vehicle for a month; however, after cancellation, the mechanic was able to repair the vehicle. Prior to the repair, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering). The contact made several attempts to reach the manufacturer however, the attempts were unsuccessful. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

ODI #11447600STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE

Mazda purchase date June 17, 2021 Mazda S-Plan Pin: S013221306 [XXX] quoted price by [XXX] for a recall part on backorder that can not be received with proof by text was $2530.00 [XXX]: Mazda Agent who provided S-plan Forced Financing and Shot-gun my credit I am [XXX] 21 years old my father bought me the Mazda cash for college from Bellas in Port Lavaca Texas Bellas lied about repairing the recall and closed it out. Its been 2 weeks and I still have no vehicle. My job fired me, my bills are due, I'm an independent 21 year old and without a car I have not been able to make money and walking in the cold bas made me sick now with a sever cold. I just need my car and they cannot fix the recall the lady [XXX] wanted to charge me 2530.00 for what exactly and this was not my fault. Everything worked on my car perfect until the steering sensor went out. Please help. I am also contacting the FTC and USA.gov to report illegal fees and consumer protection. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

ODI #11430710STEERING

The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway and noticed that the steering wheel was becoming more difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,141.

ODI #11319462STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK. STARTED UP MY CAR AND I AM UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEELS AT LOW SPEED. ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING UNIT. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. UNSAFE TO DRIVE, ATTEMPTED TO CALL MAZDA SERVICE LINE, SAYS RECALL SERVICE FOR EXACT ISSUE STATED WAS COMPLETED IN 2014 FOR RECALL # 7614E 'CLOSED'. I DID NOT OWN THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. ATTEMPTED TO CALL DEALER WHO PERFORMED SERVICE FOR ANSWERS. DEALER #42175, NO ANSWERS OR INFORMATION GIVEN.

ODI #11289149STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I JUST LOST MY STEERING NO ELECTRIC POWER TO STEER I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY BLOCK AND THEN NO STEERING WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR BACK TO MY HOUSE. ITS SUNDAY SO I WILL CALL MAZDA IN THE MORNING I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A CALL BACK FOR THIS PROBLEM SO I WILL CHECK THIS OUT WITH MAZDZ.

ODI #11256394STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED FROM SCOTT EVANS NISSAN (725 BANKHEAD HWY, CARROLLTON, GA 30117, 770-832-8222), THE POWER ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE POWER ASSIST BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER ASSIST FAILED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE CONTACT FIRST EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE, HE CONTACTED BEYER MAZDA (4015 VALLEY PIKE SUITE B, WINCHESTER, VA 22602, 540-931-9520) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V282000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT CALLED FLOW MAZDA OF CHARLOTTESVILLE (1289 STONY POINT RD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22911, 434-296-4147) TO VERIFY THE INFORMATION AND RECEIVED THE SAME INFORMATION THAT HE WAS GIVEN FROM THE PREVIOUS DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,767.

ODI #11251853ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CAR WILL LOSE POWER DURING DRIVING. ENGINE BEGINS TO SPUTTER, WHICH RESULTS IN A JERKING MOTION OF THE VEHICLE. PRESSING THE GAS DOES NOTHING. ENGINE REVS ACCORDING TO RPM DIAL, BUT CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. RPM DIAL WILL CONTINUE TO SHOW ENGINE REVVING WHILE IDLING (AFTER I PULL OVER AND PUT CAR IN PARK). THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE - 8/22/19 AND AGAIN 8/27/19. DIAGNOSTIC RUN ON CAR ON 8/22/2019 LISTS NO ERROR CODES, FOR ME TO FIX ISSUE. VIDEO TAKEN, BUT STILL IMAGES WONT HELP.

ODI #11241068STEERING

POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING, IT HAS GONE OUT AT 167,000 MILES

ODI #11175960STEERING

PULLING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST NO LONGER WORKED AND HAS NOT SINCE.

ODI #11171675STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE AND THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED CAPITAL MAZDA (525 CROSSROADS BLVD, CARY, NC 27518, 919-372-4640) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS COMPLETED IN 2016. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED OF THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,710.

ODI #11160560SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TAKATA RECALL: THE BRAKES FAIL WHEN DEPRESSED TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP. THE ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILED WHEN NEEDING TO STOP INSTANTLY. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MADE AN INSTANT STOP THE SUV DID NOT STOP RIGHT AWAY AS IT WOULD JERK FORWARD AND THEN SWERVE BEFORE MAKING A STOP ALMOST CAUSING LOST OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAY ON BECAUSE OF THE GAS CAP ERROR BUT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT REQUIRE A GAS CAP IT IS A CAP-LESS TANK. CAUSES GAS TO SEEP THROUGH.

ODI #11160562STRUCTURE

THE REAR HUTCH IS DEFECTED. WHEN PRESSING THE BUTTON THE HUTCH WILL NOT OPEN. THE ENTIRE PUMP HAS TO BE REPLACED TO OPEN THE REAR HUTCH OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFELY HAZARD IN CASE OF EMERGENCY AND ONE NEED TO GET OUT. I HAD THE PUMP REPLACED AND LESS THAN 8 MONTHS THE PUMP WENT OUT AGAIN.

ODI #11084940AIR BAGS

AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SCANNED CODE B00A0, OCS MALFUNCTION. SAID I HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION AT ROUGHLY $3500.FOUND THAT THIS UNAFFORDABLY MANDATORY PROBLEM OCCURS IN MANY MAZDAS, AMONG OTHER VEHICLES. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, THE BAGS HAVE NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED. THE CAR IS LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD. MEANWHILE THE SYSTEM MAY NOT DEPLOYED WHEN CALLED UPON AND I AM UNABLE TO GET A SAFETY CHECK OR REGISTER THE CAR

ODI #11078894STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. PAUL MILLER MAZDA IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

ODI #11073164STEERING

I WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN TOWN WAITING AND THEN MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE, A BEEPING NOISE AND THEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT! I COULDN'T DRIVE!! THIS IS NOT SAFE!!! IT TOOK ME 20 MINUTES TO GET HOME WITH NO STEERING! I DID NOT FEEL SAFE!

ODI #11058250WHEELS

PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER WITH TPMS INDICATOR LIGHT ON TIRES WAS INFLATED AT 45, SET PRESSURE TO 32 LIGHT STILL ON. REPAIR SHOP REPLACED R/R CENSOR STILL HAVE THE INDICATOR SHOWING FAULT.

ODI #10947925STEERING

POWER STEERING WHEEL HARD TO MOVE WHEN IS STATIONARY, TURNING MAZDA RECAL #7614E NHTSA RECAL#14V282000 MAZDA DEALERSHIP ASK ME TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET FOR THE REPAIR APPROX$ 1,200.00 SUBJECT TO PARTS AVAILABLITY

ODI #10945458STEERING

POWER STEERING WHEEL HARD TO MOVE.

ODI #10873842POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. THE SUV CONSIDERS THE THROTTLE BODY TO BE CLOSED. ITS CLEAN AS A WHISTLE AND CAN BE MOVED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. FORD ESCAPES HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND USE THE SAME PART. ITS COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE CAR TO GO INTO LIMP MODE AND LOSE ALL POWER WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. COULD BE DANGEROUS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.

ODI #10837849SERVICE BRAKESCRASH1 INJURY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE ABDOMEN AND HAD TROUBLE BREATHING DUE TO A CRACKED SPLEEN. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE AS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

ODI #10836628STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INSPECTED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V282000 (STEERING), BUT THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT NEED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

ODI #10608377STEERING

I CAN BE SITTING AT THE LIGHT MY POWER STEERING WOULD GET TIGHT I WOULD HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF TO LOOSE IT UP AGAIN IT KEPT ON DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL IT JUST STOP WORKING WHILE I'M DRIVING IT COST ME AROUND 1700 TO GET IT FIX AT BROWN&WOOD MAZDA DEALER. *TR

ODI #10595034STEERING

THE POWERING STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY. THERE WERE SEVERAL INSTANCES OF THIS HAPPENING; AND WE PARKED THE VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES, CLUNKS AND GOES OUT. THIS IS NOT A SAFE CONDITION. *TR

ODI #10567410FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

5 TOTAL INCIDENTS -CAR BEGINS TO SHUTTER, LOSE POWER. ALL WARNINGS LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AND THROTTLE IS UNRESPONSIVE. ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING. MUST SHUT DOWN AND RESTART CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SERVICED VEHICLE, STORED CODE P2111 "THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL SYSTEM...STUCK OPEN". VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD, AND HAS UNDER 32K ON IT. *TR

ODI #10466317VISIBILITY,VISIBILITY/WIPER

WHILE PARKED AT A GAS STATION THE FRONT DOOR PASSENGER POWER WINDOW SLAMMED OPENED/DOWN DURING NORMAL DOOR CLOSURE. WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY WAS REMOVED AND FOUND DEFECTIVE. INTERNAL CABLE WINDINGS WERE KINKED AND CAUSED PLASTIC WITHIN POWER WINDOW MOTOR TO BREAK ALLOWING CABLE/WINDOW TO MOVE FREELY AND FALL TO OPEN/DOWN POSITION. SAFETY OF VEHICLE IS JEOPARDIZED...IF THIS HAPPENED AT SPEED IT COULD CERTAINLY CREATE A STARTLING EVENT THAT COULD CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN UNEXPECTED DISTRACTION BY SUDDEN RUSH OF WIND NOISE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS. *TR

ODI #10466319STRUCTURE

REAR TAILGATE DOOR SWITCH OCCASIONALLY DOES NOT OPERATE WHEN DEPRESSED. WHILE TRYING TO OPEN THE TAILGATE/REAR HATCH ENTRANCE THE SWITCH THAT IS DEPRESSED WILL NOT OPEN THE TAILGATE CAUSING ENTRY TO THE REAR TO BE ACCESSED THROUGH THE VEHICLES AFT PASSENGER'S DOORS. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE NEW AND EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THE PROBLEM IS NOT REPEATABLE CREATING A NOW OUT OF WARRANTY ISSUE. FAILURE OF THE INABILITY TO ACCESS THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THE INABILITY TO REACH SOMEONE TRAPPED IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE CREATES A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED. *TR

ODI #10460263VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE SPEED INCREASED FROM 70 TO 80 MPH SIX TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AS IF IT WERE GOING DOWN HILL AND WOULD THEN SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. THE CONTACT MADE FOUR ATTEMPTS TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THERE WAS NO DEFECT. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED HIGH SPEEDS AND NEVER HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,848. UPDATED 06/29/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE GOING UP HILL, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED. HE DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL. UPDATED 07/09/12

ODI #10335469SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICCRASH

I PURCHASED A NEW 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE. IT HAS APX. 15000 MILES. THE LAST OIL CHANGE AT ABOUT 9,100 MILES I COMPLAINED ABOUT SQUEAKING BRAKES. THEY VERIFIED THAT THEY WERE CHECKED AND FOUND IN GOOD CONDITION. ON JUNE 8, 2010 I WAS TURNING INTO A RESIDENTIAL AREA AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN. I CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. EARLIER THAT DAY I EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR PROBLEM WHILE BRAKING BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO THE RAIN. WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IT HAD JUST STOPPED DRIZZLING AND THE GROUND WAS VISIBLY DRY. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES. THEY DID NOT SQUEAL, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. SOMETHING WENT REALLY WRONG. *TR

ODI #10310116FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I PURCHASED A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE FROM JIM ELLIS MAZDA IN ATLANTA, GA. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED THE GAS PEDAL HAD A STRANGE FEEL TO IT, BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT. I ASSUMED THAT IT MUST BE A FEATURE WITH NEW CARS, AS IT HAD BEEN YEARS SINCE I'D PURCHASED A NEW CAR AND EXPECTED TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES. NEVERTHELESS, AS MONTHS HAVE PROGRESSED AND SEVERAL OF MY FRIENDS HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR HAVE SAID THAT THE GAS PEDAL ISSUE IS NOT IN ANYWAY NORMAL. TO BE MORE SPECIFIC REGARDING THE ISSUE, EACH TIME I ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE GAS PEDAL STICKS, OR GETS STUCK AND I HAVE TO PUSH IT HARDER SO IT WILL CONTINUE TO GO. I'VE OFTEN FOUND MYSELF ALMOST SPEEDING OUT OF CONTROL AND HAVE HAD TO RESOLVE TO DEFENSIVE DRIVING TO AVOID COLLISIONS. I CALLED MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE TODAY AND WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT AVAILABLE TODAY. I WILL CONTACT THEM TO SEEK A RESOLUTION FROM THIS ISSUE AS IT APPEARS THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING ISSUE WITH THE TRIBUTE SINCE 2005. FURTHERMORE, ANOTHER ISSUE THAT IS EXTREMELY NOTICABLE IS SMOKE OR STEAM, I AM UNSURE, COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR DURING COLD WEATHER. I CAN BE AT A COMPLETE STOPE WITH THE ENGINE IDELING, AND CLOUDS OF SMOKE COME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS IF IT WERE ON FIRE. HOWEVER, UPON MY INSPECTION, I DO NOT SEE FLAMES. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AS OTHER CONERNED DRIVERS HAVE FLAGGED ME DOWN THINKING MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. ALTHOUGH AT THIS TIME I HAVE NOT SEEN THE DEALER, AND WILL GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THE ISSUES, I FEEL IT NECESSARY TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT FORM. *TR

ODI #10302433UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I HAVE A MAZDA TRIBUTE 2009 WITH 75000 MILES. MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS AND I HAVE TO STEP ON IT REALLY HARD TO GET THE CAR TO MOVE, THEN IT LURCHES FORWARDED AND JERKS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. THIS SITUATION IS WORSE WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE. I CAN NOT REMEMBER HOW LONG AGO THIS PROBLEM STARTED. I'VE TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THAT CAR AND THE PROBLEM WAS "FIXED" FOR S SHORT TIME BUT HIS SINCE RETURNED AND IT GETTING WORSE. I'M TAKING IT BACK AGAIN IN THE MORNING. I HAVE DISCOVERED WITH INTERNET RESEARCH THAT MANY TRIBUTE OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THAT IS WAS A RECALL ISSUE BACK IN 2004. MY TRIBUTE IS A 2009 MODEL. WHY AM I HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH A NEWER MODEL TRIBUTE? IS THERE A MORE RECENT RECALL? *TR

ODI #10274164AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE ENGINE, THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SEAT SENOR DISABLED WHEN AN ADULT WEIGHING 105 POUNDS OCCUPIED THE SEAT. THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SPONTANEOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE SENOR WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 450.

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

HighPOWER STEERING issue detected

Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for MAZDA Tribute — recall years marked in red
03605010020152009201120132015201720192021202320252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 35 total NHTSA complaints filed over 13 years, with the worst year being 2018 (6 complaints).

The amber reliability line averaged 98/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 2016.

The red dashed line marks recall issuance — the first recall came 6 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (2010, 2016) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$33,114
~$552/mo over 5 yrs
$0.2/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$9,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $33,114 (~$552/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

2 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$1,000
1 recall over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$400
Total recommended deduction−$1,400

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2009 MAZDA Tribute — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Inspect for power steering issue detected — ask for repair records
Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking
HIGH
Verify recall SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING has been repaired
Recall on record for: The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January
HIGH
Verify recall STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM has been repaired
Recall on record for: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured October
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: STEERING
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 4F2CZ02789KM04081. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
17-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN4F2CZ02789KM04081
Model Year2009
MakeMAZDA
ModelTribute
SeriesI/LOW
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
Drive Type4x2
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2.5
Horsepower171

Manufacturer

ManufacturerFORD MOTOR COMPANY
Assembly CityKANSAS CITY
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)4F2
Check Digit (Char 9)8
Model Year Code (Char 10)9
Plant Code (Char 11)K
Sequence (Chars 12–17)M04081

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count2
NHTSA Complaint Count35

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

4
1
F
2
2
3
C
4
Z
5
0
6
2
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
K
11
M
12
0
13
4
14
0
15
8
16
1
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
4
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
F
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
2
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
CZ027
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
8
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
9
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
K
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
M04081
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (4)
Model Year Character
"9" → 2009
Unambiguous model year
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/3/2026, 11:21:17 AM.