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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

Suspension complaints

137 reports
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75,000 miles · May 25, 2013
Suspension

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL METAL AS WELL AS THE STRUT ATTACHMENT ARE RUSTED. PARTS OF THE WHEEL WELL DISLODGE WHILE DRIVING. MECHANICS TELL ME THAT THE RIGHT REAR STRUT WILL BECOME UNATTACHED. THEY SAY THAT THIS IS EVIDENT ON FORD ESCAPES AS WELL. THE RIGHT REAR IS THE ONLY AFFECTED AREA. POTENTIALLY A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. MAZD…

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THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL METAL AS WELL AS THE STRUT ATTACHMENT ARE RUSTED. PARTS OF THE WHEEL WELL DISLODGE WHILE DRIVING. MECHANICS TELL ME THAT THE RIGHT REAR STRUT WILL BECOME UNATTACHED. THEY SAY THAT THIS IS EVIDENT ON FORD ESCAPES AS WELL. THE RIGHT REAR IS THE ONLY AFFECTED AREA. POTENTIALLY A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. MAZDA CLAIMS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY - TOO BAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10513502

26,856 miles · Dec 19, 2007
Suspension

DURING THE LAST STATE INSPECTION, IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT ALL 4 TIRES ON MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WERE WORN ON THE INSIDE EDGE ONLY. THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND THAT THE SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE WAS TO JUST REPLACE THE TIRES. THE CAR HAS 26,843 MILES ON IT, HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN OFF…

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DURING THE LAST STATE INSPECTION, IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT ALL 4 TIRES ON MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WERE WORN ON THE INSIDE EDGE ONLY. THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND THAT THE SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE WAS TO JUST REPLACE THE TIRES. THE CAR HAS 26,843 MILES ON IT, HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN OFF-ROAD OR USED TO TOW ANYTHING. I COULD UNDERSTAND WEAR ACROSS THE TREAD, BUT THIS IS LIMITED TO JUST THE INSIDE EDGE. I CALLED THE MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER IN CALIFORNIA AND AFTER SPEAKING TO A MANAGER A REPRESENTATIVE DID STATE TO ME THAT HE HAD HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AS WELL. I DID TALK TO CONTINENTAL, THE TIRE MANUFACTURE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT FIRST OF ALL THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON OEM TIRES, AND THIS KIND OF WEAR CAN ONLY MEAN THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I HAVE DOCUMENTED SERVICE RECORDS AND THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN FOLLOWED TO THE LETTER INCLUDING TIRE ROTATION. THE FINAL DECISION TO HELP ME WAS THE DISTRICT MANAGER FROM MAZDA AND HE TOLD ME QUOTE ?THE CAR HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT, YOUR LUCKY TO GET THAT KIND OF MILEAGE FROM THOSE TIRES, YOU SHOULD JUST GET NEW ONES? I AM ALSO AFRAID THAT JUST PUTTING NEW TIRES ON THE CAR WILL ONLY BE A BAND-AID AND I WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN IN 30,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10212372

31,000 miles · Aug 9, 2006
SuspensionTires

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP FOR ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION, THE TWO FRONT TIRES LOOKED EXCESSIVELY WORN. THE INSIDE TREAD OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOWED THE STEEL BAND AND THE PASSENGER SIDE PRESENTED EXCESSIVE WEAR. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES MIGHT HAVE BEEN DUE…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP FOR ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION, THE TWO FRONT TIRES LOOKED EXCESSIVELY WORN. THE INSIDE TREAD OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOWED THE STEEL BAND AND THE PASSENGER SIDE PRESENTED EXCESSIVE WEAR. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES MIGHT HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO COVER THE COST OF NEW TIRES IF A DEFECTIVE PART WAS FOUND DURING THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS.

NHTSA ODI #10165045

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2005
Suspension

2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS A DEFECT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHEN THE CONSUMER WOULD LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE LEFT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAU…

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2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS A DEFECT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHEN THE CONSUMER WOULD LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE LEFT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE VEHICLE'S ALIGNMENT WAS ADJUSTED, ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED AND THE FRONT END SUSPENSION CRADLE WAS MOVED BUT NONE OF THESE REPAIRS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE BRAKES MADE NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE ROTORS WERE RESURFACED THEN REPLACED BUT THE NOISE PERSISTED. AT ONE TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TOT HE FLOOR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10122626

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructureSuspension

WHEN THE BRAKES OF THE CONSUMER'S 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. *NM THERE WAS A RATTLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THE DRIVERS MIRROR VIBRATED, THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE AUTO DIMMING MIRROR REGISTERED INCORRECTLY, THE WIPER DID NOT HAVE COMPLETE CONTACT WITH THE WINDOW AND THERE WAS A RU…

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WHEN THE BRAKES OF THE CONSUMER'S 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. *NM THERE WAS A RATTLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THE DRIVERS MIRROR VIBRATED, THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE AUTO DIMMING MIRROR REGISTERED INCORRECTLY, THE WIPER DID NOT HAVE COMPLETE CONTACT WITH THE WINDOW AND THERE WAS A RUST SPOT ON THE INSIDE LIP OF THE MOON ROOF. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10115552

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2004
Suspension

VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SWERVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE, BECAME UNSTABLE. *BF WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER THE VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE AND FELT AS IF WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT HA NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10097481

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2004
Suspension

MAZDA TRIBUTE VIOLENTLY ROLLED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *MR THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY UNSTABLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE NEARLY ROLLED OVER. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10083989

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.