4F2CZ02789KM040812009 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.
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
35 owner complaints filed — top areas: Steering (49%), Engine/Powertrain (14%), Electrical (6%). Common issues: steering issues. 2 crashes reported.
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 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)
Builds F-150 and Transit. Large-volume plant with solid quality metrics.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Steering system recall
- ⚠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.
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
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.
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.
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.
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.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
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 RECALLSNHTSA 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.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
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
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...
~40% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
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...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
First complaint was filed 5.7 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.
Complaint Intelligence
35 complaints analyzed across 10 system categories
40% of complaints filed in Jan & Feb — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME35 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
Lost of power steering hard to steer the steering wheel
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.
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
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?
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING, IT HAS GONE OUT AT 167,000 MILES
PULLING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST NO LONGER WORKED AND HAS NOT SINCE.
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.
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.
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.
AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SCANNED CODE B00A0, OCS MALFUNCTION. SAID I HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION AT ROUGHLY $3500.FOUND THAT THIS UNAFFORDABLY MANDATORY PROBLEM OCCURS IN MANY MAZDAS, AMONG OTHER VEHICLES. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, THE BAGS HAVE NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED. THE CAR IS LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD. MEANWHILE THE SYSTEM MAY NOT DEPLOYED WHEN CALLED UPON AND I AM UNABLE TO GET A SAFETY CHECK OR REGISTER THE CAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. PAUL MILLER MAZDA IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
I WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN TOWN WAITING AND THEN MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE, A BEEPING NOISE AND THEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT! I COULDN'T DRIVE!! THIS IS NOT SAFE!!! IT TOOK ME 20 MINUTES TO GET HOME WITH NO STEERING! I DID NOT FEEL SAFE!
PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER WITH TPMS INDICATOR LIGHT ON TIRES WAS INFLATED AT 45, SET PRESSURE TO 32 LIGHT STILL ON. REPAIR SHOP REPLACED R/R CENSOR STILL HAVE THE INDICATOR SHOWING FAULT.
POWER STEERING WHEEL HARD TO MOVE WHEN IS STATIONARY, TURNING MAZDA RECAL #7614E NHTSA RECAL#14V282000 MAZDA DEALERSHIP ASK ME TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET FOR THE REPAIR APPROX$ 1,200.00 SUBJECT TO PARTS AVAILABLITY
POWER STEERING WHEEL HARD TO MOVE.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
▸ 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
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.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
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
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2009 MAZDA Tribute — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
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.
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
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
| VIN | 4F2CZ02789KM04081 |
| Model Year | 2009 |
| Make | MAZDA |
| Model | Tribute |
| Series | I/LOW |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.5 |
| Horsepower | 171 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| Assembly City | KANSAS CITY |
| Assembly Country | UNITED 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 Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 35 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
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.