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Mazda

2010 Mazda TRIBUTE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2010 Mazda TRIBUTE has 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 57. The most common issue is transmission problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: a problem has developed with my 2010 mazda tribute purchased nov. 2010 symptom of which is a squeal emanating from the back end upon acceleration from a full stop. the drive shaft, transfer case & transmission have been replaced but the problem persists. mazda is unable to diagnose the problem, unab. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

57

Total Complaints

3

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

13 complaints
23%
  • • A PROBLEM HAS DEVELOPED WITH MY 2010 MAZDA TRIBUTE PURCHASED NOV. 2010 SYMPTOM OF WHICH IS A SQUEAL EMANATING FROM THE BACK END UPON ACCELERATION FROM A FULL STOP. THE DRIVE SHAFT, TRANSFER CASE & TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. MAZDA IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, UNAB
  • • I PURCHASED A 2010 MAZDA I GRAND TOURING 10/21/09. ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WAS DEFECTIVE BY 10/24/09. THE DEALER COULD NOT GET THE PART . I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS TOO NEW. A NEW MAZDA WAS BROUGHT IN AND THE PART WAS TAKEN FROM IT AFTER 29 DAYS AT THE DEALER. I HAVE A SQUEAL NOISE COMING FRO
  • • VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD EVEN THOUGH I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE ON THE HIGHWAY. TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING IN DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED MOVING FROM PARK OR REVERSE TO DRIVE. I'M WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS THE LURCHING OCCURS FREQUENTLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP. I
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“A PROBLEM HAS DEVELOPED WITH MY 2010 MAZDA TRIBUTE PURCHASED NOV. 2010 SYMPTOM OF WHICH IS A SQUEAL EMANATING FROM THE BACK END UPON ACCELERATION FROM A FULL STOP. THE DRIVE SHAFT, TRANSFER CASE & TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. MAZDA IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, UNAB”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Mazda TRIBUTE

Based on 45 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 58K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
7
30-60K
20
60-100K
10
100-150K
5
150-200K
3
200K+
0

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 45K mi · 13 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
7
60-100K
3
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 59K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
0
30-60K
4
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
1
200K+
0

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 60K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
0
30-60K
2
60-100K
2
100-150K
0
150-200K
1
200K+
0

STEERING

High-mileage issuemedian 81K mi · 8 reports
0-30K
1
30-60K
2
60-100K
1
100-150K
4
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP28/10/2016

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Tribute vehicles manufactured March 3, 2009, to May 26, 2011. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety recall were mailed on December 23, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts are in stock. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0416J.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Mazda TRIBUTE

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,087
Per month
$174
Per mile
17.4¢
MPG
23
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,401/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,847/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Mazda TRIBUTE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,494
Full coverage / month
$125
Liability only / year
$639
vs US avg
-11%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.85x
= Full coverage estimate$1494

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda TRIBUTE Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
120K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2010 TRIBUTE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
STEERING(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 57 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ☐
    TRANSMISSION: A PROBLEM HAS DEVELOPED WITH MY 2010 MAZDA TRIBUTE PURCHASED NOV. 2010 SYMPTOM OF WHICH IS A SQUEAL EMANATING FROM THE BACK END UPON ACCELERATION FROM A FULL STOP. THE DRIVE SHAFT, TRANSFER CASE & TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. MAZDA IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, UNAB

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    STEERING: WAS DRIVING ON LARGE BLVD THRU TOWN AT APPROX. 45+ MPG, THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN QUIT ACCELERATING, THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, ALL POWER TO CAR WAS ESSENTIALLY LOSS AND IT BEGAN CONVULSING ABRUPTLY AS A I MANEUVERED IT OFF THE ROAD TO A SAFE STOPPING SPOT. I CALLED AAA AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER. DE

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    ENGINE: DRIVING NORMALLY, WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WITH THE GAS PEDAL. PULLED TO THE SHOULDER, PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK. BY THIS TIME THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING HARD. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, THEN RESTARTED. VEHICLE WAS FINE, DRIVING PERFECTLY. THIS STARTED HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    SPEED CONTROL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEAL

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
  • ☐
    General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mazda TRIBUTE — Year Comparison

How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2011
8Above Average
2010
57Avoid This Year
Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
57
Recalls
3
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
57

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2010 Mazda TRIBUTE

Compare With

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