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2005 Mazda Tribute

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Tribute years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Mazda Tribute are substantially higher than the model-year median of 143.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

314 reports with mileage · 63 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 137 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 126 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports4 fire reports12 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

6 reports
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90,100 miles · Jul 23, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE INITIALLY STARTED TO BE SPORADICALLY SLUGGISH/HESITATION WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS. IT SEEMED LIKE THERE WAS A DELAY FROM WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO WHEN THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY ACCELERATED. ON 6/4/15, A COUPLE DAYS AFTER FIRST EXPERIENCING THE SLUGGISHNESS/HESITANT ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE STALLED/LO…

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THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE INITIALLY STARTED TO BE SPORADICALLY SLUGGISH/HESITATION WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS. IT SEEMED LIKE THERE WAS A DELAY FROM WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO WHEN THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY ACCELERATED. ON 6/4/15, A COUPLE DAYS AFTER FIRST EXPERIENCING THE SLUGGISHNESS/HESITANT ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE STALLED/LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING 55 MILES PER HOUR ON A BUSY ROAD. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO COAST OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE ON MY WAY. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO BE SLUGGISH AT ACCELERATION AND WOULD RANDOMLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AND/OR IDLING. AT THIS POINT WITH THE VEHICLE'S MECHANICAL ISSUES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON- EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS SOMETHING MAJOR WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. OVER THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS I HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME IN THE SHOP (6/6/15) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL NOT ON- -SO THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY SHOP SUGGESTED REPLACING THE FUEL FILTER AND DO A FUEL SYSTEM CLEAN-- WHICH I DID. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO BE SLUGGISH/HESITANT WHEN ACCELERATING & RANDOMLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND/OR IDLING. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP & THEY INDICATED THE CODE WAS TELLING THEM THAT CYLINDER 2 WAS MISFIRING. NO OTHER CODES WERE READ. ALL THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED, COILS WERE CHECKED (IN GOOD CONDITION). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME BACK ON; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN SLUGGISH AND STALL WHILE DRIVING (MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN I WAS GOING 55-65 MPH). ON 6/24/15 THE CAR STALLED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME IT WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE SHOP & THEY INDICATED THE COMPUTER WAS DEAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED MAZDA AND THEY DENIED THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE MAZDA TRIBUTE COMPUTERS AND SAID IT WAS JUST MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10736139

101,655 miles · Oct 13, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemStructure

THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY IN THE SHOP TO REPAIR SHOCK TOWER ON THE RIGHT REAR WHICH WAS COMPLETED RUSTED OUT, THAT EXPENSE COST $1200, WITHIN THE WEEK, WHILE DRIVING 40MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEN THE ABS LIGHT, THEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW TO A STOP. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, THERE WAS NO CONTROL OF THE CA…

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THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY IN THE SHOP TO REPAIR SHOCK TOWER ON THE RIGHT REAR WHICH WAS COMPLETED RUSTED OUT, THAT EXPENSE COST $1200, WITHIN THE WEEK, WHILE DRIVING 40MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEN THE ABS LIGHT, THEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW TO A STOP. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, THERE WAS NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. I PLACED THE CAR INTO PARK, I WAS ALONG THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO THE SHOP AND NEEDED REPAIR OF FUEL INJECTION, ENGINE COMPUTER, SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION COILS. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS CAME TO $1500 DOLLARS. IT WAS UPSETTING TO DEAL WITH TWO MAJOR INCIDENTS IN 1 WEEK, ESPECIALLY EXPENSIVE ONES. THE WAY THE CAR CAME TO A SLOW STOP ON A HIGHWAY COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644307

130,000 miles · Feb 25, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

THE FIRST TIME I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE GAS PEDAL, I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND THE PEDAL GOT STUCK ALL THE WAY DOWN. MY CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. SINCE THEN, I'VE HAD 5 INSTANCES WHERE I'M DRIVING MY CAR AND LET UP ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT GETS STUCK. I HAVE TO STOMP ON THE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES FOR IT TO START WORKING AGAIN. I'M …

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THE FIRST TIME I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE GAS PEDAL, I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND THE PEDAL GOT STUCK ALL THE WAY DOWN. MY CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. SINCE THEN, I'VE HAD 5 INSTANCES WHERE I'M DRIVING MY CAR AND LET UP ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT GETS STUCK. I HAVE TO STOMP ON THE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES FOR IT TO START WORKING AGAIN. I'M ALWAYS IN TRAFFIC AND HAVE TO TURN ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND PULL OFF TO THE SIDE IF THERE IS A SHOULDER AVAILABLE. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE WHEN TRAFFIC IS MOVING OVER 50 MPH. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I'M UPSET TO FIND THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AND WE HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS FIXED. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10499959

40,000 miles · Dec 20, 2012
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I HAVE REPEATEDLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS PEDAL STICKING. NOT IN THE "ON" POSITION BUT RATHER WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING OR DECELERATION IT WILL STICK AND I CAN NOT PUSH IT DOWN. IT HAPPENS MORE WHEN IT IS COLD OUT. I AM READING PAGES AND PAGES ON THE INTERNET OF THIS HAPPENING WITH MAZDA TRIBUTES AROUND MY CAR…

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I HAVE REPEATEDLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS PEDAL STICKING. NOT IN THE "ON" POSITION BUT RATHER WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING OR DECELERATION IT WILL STICK AND I CAN NOT PUSH IT DOWN. IT HAPPENS MORE WHEN IT IS COLD OUT. I AM READING PAGES AND PAGES ON THE INTERNET OF THIS HAPPENING WITH MAZDA TRIBUTES AROUND MY CARS AGE. IT SEEMS POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO, SINCE FOLKS LIKE MYSELF HAVE GOTTEN IT 'REPAIRED' AND IT HAS RECURRED THIS DOES NOT SEEM LIKE A WORN PART BUT RATHER A DEFECT. PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10489387

102,548 miles · Dec 4, 2012
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I HAVE FOUND THAT MY GAS PEDAL WON'T DEPRESS IN COLD WEATHER. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS A FEW WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009. THE SAID IT'S COLD AND THE CAR JUST NEEDS TO WARM UP. THIS PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN YEAR AFTER YEAR, BUT NEVER FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. HOWEVER THIS MORNING, AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK TH…

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I HAVE FOUND THAT MY GAS PEDAL WON'T DEPRESS IN COLD WEATHER. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS A FEW WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009. THE SAID IT'S COLD AND THE CAR JUST NEEDS TO WARM UP. THIS PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN YEAR AFTER YEAR, BUT NEVER FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. HOWEVER THIS MORNING, AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK THE PEDAL WOULD NO LONGER DEPRESS AS I WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD. EVENTUALLY I COASTED TO A RED LIGHT AND I FRANTICALLY STEPPED ON THE PEDAL TO NO AVAIL. I WAS ABLE TO TURN ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND SOMEHOW COAST INTO A PARKING LOT. I CONTINUED TO LET THE CAR SIT AND WARM UP FOR ANOTHER 10-12 MINUTES, WHEN I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO REV THE ENGINE. BELIEVING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED I BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SORT AND AGAIN TRIED TO DRIVE FORWARD, HOWEVER THE PEDAL STILL WOULD NOT DEPRESS. AFTER SITTING ANOTHER 10 MINUTES, I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PRESS THE PEDAL HARD ENOUGH FOR IT TO DEPRESS. I ENDED UP NEEDING ONE OF MY CO-WORKERS TO FOLLOW ME TO WORK IN CASE IT HAPPENED AGAIN; WHICH IS DID AFTER 3-4 MORE TIMES ON MY 10 MINUTE DRIVE TO WORK. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10487365

60,000 miles · Sep 27, 2012
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainCrash

THROTTLE FREEZE UP. COULD NOT ACCELERATE OUT OF PATH OF ON COMING VEHICLE WHICH CRASHED INTO MY LEFT FRONT FENDER. THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN ON GOING FOR YEARS NOW AND WHEN I APPROACHED THE DEALER ABOUT IT I WAS TOLD TO WAIT FOR RECALL LETTER WHICH NEVER CAME. CONTACTED MAZDA AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THE REC…

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THROTTLE FREEZE UP. COULD NOT ACCELERATE OUT OF PATH OF ON COMING VEHICLE WHICH CRASHED INTO MY LEFT FRONT FENDER. THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN ON GOING FOR YEARS NOW AND WHEN I APPROACHED THE DEALER ABOUT IT I WAS TOLD TO WAIT FOR RECALL LETTER WHICH NEVER CAME. CONTACTED MAZDA AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES. IT HAS BEEN PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. AND I NEED HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10477303

Official recalls

3

12V357000 · Engine And Engine Cooling; Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Jul 27, 2012

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.

Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.

Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.

06V116000 · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

Apr 12, 2006

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOON ROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT ABOVE THE PERMITTED LIMIT AT THE LEFT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL LOCATED ABOVE THE HEADLINER IN THE AFFECTED AREA FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

04V605000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock

Dec 23, 2004

CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.