2008 Mazda Tribute

The 2008 Mazda Tribute is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride and reliable performance. It comes with two engine options: a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine with 153 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V6 engine with 210 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

People like the Mazda Tribute for its spacious interior, responsive handling, and fuel efficiency. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, and suspension.

Engine 2.3L 4-cylinder

• Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Over time, carbon deposits can build up on the intake valves, restricting airflow and reducing engine performance. Symptoms include decreased power, hesitation during acceleration, and rough idling.
  • Solution: The carbon buildup can be removed by manually cleaning the intake valves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip or break. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, rough idling, and loss of power.
  • Solution: The timing chain and tensioner need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission 5-speed Automatic

• Transmission Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. Symptoms include slipping gears, harsh shifting, and difficulty engaging gears.
  • Solution: The faulty solenoid needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can shudder, causing the vehicle to vibrate when accelerating. Symptoms include a vibration felt through the steering wheel or seat, and a buzzing or rattling noise from the transmission.
  • Solution: The torque converter needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sag
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear suspension can sag, causing the vehicle to sit lower in the rear. This can affect handling and stability. Symptoms include a noticeable difference in ride height, uneven tire wear, and difficulty aligning the wheels.
  • Solution: The rear springs or shocks need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. Symptoms include dim headlights, slow engine cranking, and electrical system malfunctions.
  • Solution: The alternator needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain, causing the vehicle to not start. Symptoms include a dead battery after sitting for a period of time, and a parasitic draw on the battery.
  • Solution: The source of the parasitic draw needs to be identified and fixed. This may involve testing electrical components or installing a battery disconnect switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 depending on the source of the parasitic draw
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fog Light Moisture
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture can build up inside the fog lights, causing them to become foggy or dim.
  • Solution: The fog lights need to be replaced with new ones that have better sealing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per fog light
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to not turn on or off. Symptoms include intermittent headlight operation, flickering headlights, or no headlights at all.
  • Solution: The headlight switch needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window motor or switch can fail, causing the window to not open or close properly. Symptoms include a window that moves slowly or not at all, a buzzing or grinding noise from the window motor, or a window that falls off track.
  • Solution: The faulty window motor or switch needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heater can fail, causing the seat to not heat up properly. Symptoms include a lack of heat from the seat, a flickering or intermittent heater, or a burning smell coming from the seat.
  • Solution: The seat heater element or control module needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per seat
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Mazda Tribute is a generally reliable vehicle, but it has experienced some issues with its engine, transmission, and suspension. The most severe issue is the timing chain tensioner failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage. The other issues are typically less expensive to fix, but they can still be inconvenient for owners. Overall, the Tribute is a good choice for those who need a reliable and affordable compact SUV.