2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system1
2. Electronic stability control (esc)1

Latest complaints

• Feb 20, 2019IN89,560 mi
  Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
  Parked vehicle in garage after driving, next morning the battery was fully charged but would not try to start with a stop safely now warning displayed...this has happened three times now - spent $600 and a tow bill first time. ford said they replaced a leaking thermostat and reprogrammed it (which…

  Parked vehicle in garage after driving, next morning the battery was fully charged but would not try to start with a stop safely now warning displayed...this has happened three times now - spent $600 and a tow bill first time. ford said they replaced a leaking thermostat and reprogrammed it (which I do not believe). next morning, same problem but later (3 days later) it started, drove it several times, next morning it would not try to start again. totally broke down now with a fully charged battery. I think it IS a faulty wiring in the battery harness not communicating with the hybrid battery to start as I have read about this problem on the internet with recalls for other ford hybrid vehicles that tell the same story. please issue me a recall for this vehicle; without it, the vehicle IS a total loss to me as others get recalls for this very frustrating problem that IS no fault of my own.

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Pedestrian alert sounds

  DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023Recall 22V063000
  NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…

  NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11006987In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
• 10232299Speedometer replacement procedure
• 10200527This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the drivers floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage.
• 10188016This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10188015The Mazda DCA-8000PM is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000PM is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
• 10186703In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
• 10186693Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10179228New CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda dealerships) in California effective September 1, 2010.
• 10177847When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
• 10100708Use the following repair procedure to minimize the need to replace the catalyst converter/exhaust pipe when removing oxygen sensors and/or air fuel ratio sensors.
• 10098047Some vehicles may have dtc b2278 (steering shaft torque sensor malfunction) stored in the power steering control module (pscm). A torque sensor service kit IS available to correct the condition. Steering column replacement IS no longer necessary.
• 10098045Some vehicles may have dtc b2278 (steering shaft torque sensor malfunction) stored in the power steering control module (pscm). A torque sensor service kit IS available to correct the condition. Steering column replacement IS no longer necessary.
• 10097367Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing atf. Using the wrong atf may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the transmission.note:atf m-v (type M5) IS not the same fluid as merconv or merconlv atf.atf m-v (type M5) has a greater viscosity than merconv and merconlv atf in low temperatures. Atf m-v (type M5) has a greater anti-judder specification than merconv and merconlv atf.
• 10097348Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing atf. Using the wrong atf may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the transmission.note:atf m-v (type M5) IS not the same fluid as merconv or merconlv atf.atf m-v (type M5) has a greater viscosity than merconv and merconlv atf in low temperatures. Atf m-v (type M5) has a greater anti-judder specification than merconv and merconlv atf.transmission fluid flushing should only be performed when instructed by the workshop manual or any other mazda publication.
• 10059736Summary to be provided on a future date.
• 10042599Mazda: some vehicles may experience problem when blower motor IS operating, white flakes would come from the air conditioner (a/c) vents.
• 10037511Mazda: there could be a leaking or stuck canister purge valve which will have driveability concerns and possible trouble codes. Updated 7/7/11.
• 10037254Mazda: the 2008 tribute may have two internal trouble codes with the battery pack cooling fan. The problem has no symptoms to the customer.
• 10037094Mazda: the 2009 tribute hybrid has a malfunction light on due to a possible exhaust leak. There are two possible trouble codes stored.
• 10033012Mazda: steering column pop/clunk noise on turns. Some vehicles may exhibit a pop or clunk noise from the steering column area while turning. This noise typically occurs quarter turn before the steering wheel reaches its end of travel stop and typically goes away with weight off the wheels. Models tribute and tribute hybrid 2008-10.
• 10029211Mazda: some vehicles may exhibit a clicking or rubbing noise from the left front wheel speed sensor and/or exhibit ABS warning light activation.

Every Mazda Tribute Hybrid model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.