NHTSA Service Bulletin 10145241: 2008-2010 Mazda Tribute
Official manufacturer communication context for 2008-2010 Mazda Tribute, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
A very limited number of Tribute Hybrid vehicles were produced during the 2008-2010 MY. These special vehicles were sold ONLY in the state of California by Dealers who chose to be "Mazda Certified Hybrid" dealers. At the time of launch, their technicians received specialized training to safely perform service and maintenance on these vehicles. With the discontuation of the Tribute Hybrid, Mazda did not require these dealers to continue to be Mazda Certified Hybrid dealers, therefore all repairs or maintenance on Tribute Hybrid vehicles must be sublet to a Ford Certified Hybrid dealer. IMPORTANT: ALL REPAIRS OR MAINTENANCE ON TRIBUTE HYBRID VEHICLES MUST BE SUBLET TO A FORD CERTIFIED HYBRID DEALER. TRIBUTE HYBRID VEHICLE INFORMATION For easy identification all hybrid vehicles will be equipped with the following: "Hybrid" nameplate "Green Leaf Globe" badge on tailgate. "Green Leaf Globe" badge on both front fenders. Unique left rear quarter glass with traction battery air intake (2008-2009 MY only). MAZDA BADGE REMOVED FROM LIFTGATE (starting 2010 MY). TRIBUTE HYBRID WARRANTY REPAIR INFORMATION ALL WARRANTY REPAIRS ON TRIBUTE HYBRID VEHICLES MUST BE SUBLET TO A FORD CERTIFIED HYBRID DEALER.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10145241?
A very limited number of Tribute Hybrid vehicles were produced during the 2008-2010 MY. These special vehicles were sold ONLY in the state of California by Dealers who chose to be "Mazda Certified Hybrid" dealers. At the time of launch, their technicians received specialized training to safely perform service and maintenance on these vehicles. With the discontuation of the Tribute Hybrid, Mazda did not require.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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