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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

377 reports
102,500 miles · Dec 14, 2016
EnginePower Train

VEHICLE WITH ODOMETER ~102500 MILES LOST ALL POWER CLIMBING A BRIDGE AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAUSING FOLLOWING TRAFFIC TO STOP ABRUPTLY. ENGINE RE-STARTED BUT RUNS ROUGH DUE TO MISFIRE, ACCELERATES POORLY. DIAGNOSED BY MAZDA DEALER AS PCM FAILURE. ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT COST = $2600 USD WHICH MAKES THIS FAILURE A TOTAL LOSS OF THIS VEHI…

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VEHICLE WITH ODOMETER ~102500 MILES LOST ALL POWER CLIMBING A BRIDGE AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAUSING FOLLOWING TRAFFIC TO STOP ABRUPTLY. ENGINE RE-STARTED BUT RUNS ROUGH DUE TO MISFIRE, ACCELERATES POORLY. DIAGNOSED BY MAZDA DEALER AS PCM FAILURE. ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT COST = $2600 USD WHICH MAKES THIS FAILURE A TOTAL LOSS OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN AND EXPERIENCED ISSUE AMONG 2001 - 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTES FOR THIS FORD MANUFACTURED ENGINE. SIDE NOTE, CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR SAME ISSUES WITH 5.1L ENGINES.

NHTSA ODI #10935207

108,500 miles · Dec 2, 2016
Suspension

THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE MOUNT IS LOOSE ATTACHED TO NOTHING. NOTICED IT WHILE RIDING DOWN A SMOOTH STREET WHEN I HEARD A LOUD THUMP. IN THAT MOMENT I THOUGHT I LEFT MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR OPEN. I WAS LUCKY I WAS RIDDING ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #10929507

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE FAILURE FIRST OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 2012. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE MOTHERBOARD BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE COMPUTER AND THREE CYLINDERS WERE NOT WORKING. THE CONTA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE FAILURE FIRST OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 2012. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE MOTHERBOARD BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE COMPUTER AND THREE CYLINDERS WERE NOT WORKING. THE CONTACT INQUIRED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND NO INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10924344

92,000 miles · Oct 30, 2016
Engine

INTERSTATE DRIVING, ENGINE LOST POWER. 92,000 MILES. ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS AVAILABLE. MANY REPAIRS FOR LOW MILEAGE. CODES REVEALED 4 COIL PACKS OUT. REPLACED ALL 6. CAR STILL DOES NOT HAVE COMPRESSION. DEAD. SHAME ON YOU MAZDA!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10920080

104,585 miles · Oct 21, 2016
Air BagsCrash

AFTER HITTING A DEER AT ABOUT 45-55 MPH, MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DESPITE SMELLING THE GUNPOWDER USED TO DEPLOY THEM. THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH IS ON AS IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED

NHTSA ODI #10917902

140,000 miles · Oct 20, 2016
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE. MECHANIC CHECKED IT OUT AND FOUND THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT STATING IT WAS A DANGER TO DRIVE THE CAR HE CHECKED WITH A BODY SHOP AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT WANT TO REPAIR BECAUSE OF LIABILITY ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10917660

145,000 miles · Oct 20, 2016
StructureSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, LOOKED UNDERNEATH, AND FOUND THAT THE SHOCK OF THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS DETACHTED. THE SHOCK WOULD LEAN AGAINST THE TIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, LOOKED UNDERNEATH, AND FOUND THAT THE SHOCK OF THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS DETACHTED. THE SHOCK WOULD LEAN AGAINST THE TIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TURNED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK WAS DETACHED AND THE AREA WERE THE SHOCK WAS LOCATED WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE INSIDE FINDER PANEL AND THE SHOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY A RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

NHTSA ODI #10917514

140,000 miles · Oct 17, 2016
StructureSuspensionWheels

I OWN A 2005 TRIBUTE THAT HAS BEEN KEPT IN METICULOUS CONDITION. ALWAYS GARAGED AND TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE RUNS LIKE NEW WITH NO SIGNS OF WEAR AND TEAR, AND HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR. THAT ALL CHANGED WHEN A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH DOWN A RESIDENTIAL STREET, AND HIT A SMALL PATCH OF B…

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I OWN A 2005 TRIBUTE THAT HAS BEEN KEPT IN METICULOUS CONDITION. ALWAYS GARAGED AND TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE RUNS LIKE NEW WITH NO SIGNS OF WEAR AND TEAR, AND HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR. THAT ALL CHANGED WHEN A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH DOWN A RESIDENTIAL STREET, AND HIT A SMALL PATCH OF BUMPS IN THE ROAD (NOT POTHOLES, JUST NORMAL UNEVEN PAVEMENT SPOTS) AND ALL OF A SUDDEN HEARD A JACKHAMMER NOISE FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED, LEAVING THE WHEEL/SUSPENSION DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE BODY/FRAME. NOTHING WAS HOLDING THE SUSPENSION TOWER TO THE CAR. HAD I BEEN GOING FASTER OR DIDN'T STOP RIGHT AWAY THIS COULD HAVE KILLED ME. I HAVE THREE SMALL KIDS AND I AM SO UPSET THAT SUCH A DANGEROUS CONDITION IS WELL-KNOWN. THE WAY I FOUND OUT WAS THAT I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE FORD/MAZDA DEALERSHIP WHEN THE NOISE HAPPENED. THEY TOOK IN THE CAR AND CALLED ME THE NEXT MORNING TO SAY THEY WANTED NOTHING TO DO WITH IT BECAUSE THEIR CORPORATE FORD/MAZDA POLICY INSTRUCTED THEM NOT TO ACCEPT OR WORK ON VEHICLES WITH THIS DEFECT. I'M SHOCKED THAT FORD/MAZDA WOULD CONCEAL SUCH A DANGEROUS KNOWN CONDITION IN THEIR VEHICLES, PUTTING THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AT RISK WITHOUT ANY WARNING. IF I HAD RECEIVED SOME KIND OF NOTIFICATION THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTED I WOULD HAVE GONE TO GET IT FIXED RIGHT AWAY AT MY OWN EXPENSE IF NEEDED, BUT INSTEAD I DROVE THOUSANDS OF MILES ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR IGNORANT TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR COULD HAVE BROKEN APART AND CAUSED US TO CRASH WITHOUT ANY WARNING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10916559

138,000 miles · Oct 17, 2016
Suspension

STARTED HEARING BANGING NOISES WHILE DRIVING. FINALLY REALIZED IT WAS COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL, WHICH WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THIS CAUSED THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO DETACH AND BANG ON THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR IS IN OTHERWISE GOOD CONDITION, WITH NO OTHER RUST PROBLEMS. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME IS…

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STARTED HEARING BANGING NOISES WHILE DRIVING. FINALLY REALIZED IT WAS COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL, WHICH WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THIS CAUSED THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO DETACH AND BANG ON THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR IS IN OTHERWISE GOOD CONDITION, WITH NO OTHER RUST PROBLEMS. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON THE 2001-2004 MODELS, BUT NOT 2005. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10916506

84,000 miles · Oct 3, 2016
Structure

2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL RUSTED THROUGH SHOCK PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. CLEAR FACTORY DEFECT. MAZDA WILL NOT FIX THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10911364

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.