Is the 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE reliable?

The 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE?

Top problems: STEERING (5 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE?

No recalls have been issued for the 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE?

The 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE is approximately $1,524/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Mazda TRIBUTE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.1x the segment average of 57. The most common issue is steering problems (63% of all complaints), specifically: i was driving my vehicle on a city street, and the steering suddenly began to lock up. the vehicle was in motion when this occurred. i was not able to turn or control the steering wheel; it became extremely hard. i was not on my brakes, i was driving straight with my feet on the gas. this happened t.

1 crash report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

3/5

Safety Stars

0.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

STEERING

5 complaints

63%

• I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET, AND THE STEERING SUDDENLY BEGAN TO LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN OR CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL; IT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD. I WAS NOT ON MY BRAKES, I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT WITH MY FEET ON THE GAS. THIS HAPPENED T
• TWICE, WHILE DRIVING UNDER 25 MPH, AND BOTH TIMES WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT, THE POWER STEERING HAS STOPPED WORKING. WHEN CHECKED BY A MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED: CODE B2278-2F
• I bought the car used several years ago and in the past year have experienced the steering wheel all of a sudden appear to be locking up. I looked up the recall and found that this is a known issue with the Mazda Tribute vehicles. I checked with dealer and they agreed. I contact Mazda customer serv

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET, AND THE STEERING SUDDENLY BEGAN TO LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN OR CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL; IT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD. I WAS NOT ON MY BRAKES, I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT WITH MY FEET ON THE GAS. THIS HAPPENED T”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Mazda TRIBUTE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

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

Show:

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 2011 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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,524

Full coverage / month

$127

Liability only / year

$651

vs US avg

-9%

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 rating1.02x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1524

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 2011 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

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 8 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET, AND THE STEERING SUDDENLY BEGAN TO LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN OR CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL; IT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD. I WAS NOT ON MY BRAKES, I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT WITH MY FEET ON THE GAS. THIS HAPPENED T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: GAS FILLER NECK GROSS EVAP LEAK / CANISTER PURGE VALVE LEAK/ CODES P0455 P0457 I WAS TOLD THAT FORD MAKES MAZDA PARTS AND FORD ESCAPE SUV TRUCKS ARE KNOWN FOR THESE PROBLEMS WITH EVAP SYSTEM?? *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TWICE, WHILE DRIVING UNDER 25 MPH, AND BOTH TIMES WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT, THE POWER STEERING HAS STOPPED WORKING. WHEN CHECKED BY A MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED: CODE B2278-2F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: The passenger subframe is rusted and broke the axel when driving. Glad im ok….So dangerous and the driver side is fine so bad design by ford (the tribute is like the escape)
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)