IllustrationCRUISE, BLAKE PEDAL HARD TO PRESS WHEN CRUISE IS ON. AIR BAG LITE ON 99 PERCENT OF THE TIME
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tribute years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
280–25K
2825–50K
2850–75K
6375–100K
115100–150K
52150K+
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
Air Bags complaints
11 reportsTAKATA RECALL MY SEAT BELTS DO NOT TIGHTEN AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FIXED BUT IS NOW ON AGAIN I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT MY AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WILL PROBABLY NOT WORK PROPERLY AND MY LOCKS ARE ALSO NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I PAID $300 THE FIRST TIME TO FIX THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. IT WAS ONLY FIXED FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS AN…
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TAKATA RECALL MY SEAT BELTS DO NOT TIGHTEN AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FIXED BUT IS NOW ON AGAIN I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT MY AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WILL PROBABLY NOT WORK PROPERLY AND MY LOCKS ARE ALSO NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I PAID $300 THE FIRST TIME TO FIX THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. IT WAS ONLY FIXED FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS AND NOW THE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN AND I HAVE TO KEEP CHILDREN OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK SEAT BECAUSE THAT SEAT BELT DOES NOT TENSION PROPERLY
MAZDA TBONED. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FRONT AND SIDE DID NOT GO OFF. PASSENGER RECEIVED MAJOR INJURY TO BODY. THE LACK OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYING HAD HER HEAD HITTING DASH BOARD PLUS FLYING GLASS. VEHICLE WAS CROSSING STREET. LOW MOTION WHEN OTHER VEHICLE RAN INTO PASSENGER SIDE. DRIVERS AIRBAG WORKED NOT THE 2 ON PASSENGER SIDE.
MY REAR SEATBELTS DO NOT WORK. VEHICLE TURNS OFF WHILE ON HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE AIRBAG BUTTLE SAYS NO AIRBAGS IN CAR. THE CAR JUMPS WHEN REACHING 50 MPH
SEAT BELT IS STICKING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO UNBUCKLE. ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT,LEARNED THAT TAJATA HAD A RECALL ON 2005 MAZDAS AND NEED TO KNOW IF MY 2005 TRIBUTE SERIES S IS EFFECTED. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL MAY HAVE ACCELERATION PROPULSION GETTING STUCK. NEED ANY DOCUMENTATION YOUR AGENCY HAS SENT SNAIL MAIL TO…
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SEAT BELT IS STICKING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO UNBUCKLE. ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT,LEARNED THAT TAJATA HAD A RECALL ON 2005 MAZDAS AND NEED TO KNOW IF MY 2005 TRIBUTE SERIES S IS EFFECTED. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL MAY HAVE ACCELERATION PROPULSION GETTING STUCK. NEED ANY DOCUMENTATION YOUR AGENCY HAS SENT SNAIL MAIL TO [XXX] ,[XXX] PHONE [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, PUSHING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ACROSS TWO LANES AND INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIBS, KNEE, BREAST AND FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, PUSHING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ACROSS TWO LANES AND INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIBS, KNEE, BREAST AND FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM, BRUISES AND CONTUSIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM, BRUISES AND CONTUSIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 08/28/12*LJ UPDATED 09/05/2012 *JS UPDATED 12/18/12 *CN UPDATED 12/31/2012 *JS UPDATED 1/30/13 *CN UPDATED 02/11/2013*JS
TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE AIRBAG ICON/LIGHT THAT IS ALWAYS ON. WHEN I TURN ON THE IGNITION, THE ICON BLINKS. EVEN IF I AM DRIVING THE ICON STAYS LIT. DEALER HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. *JB
MAY 9,2006 INVOLVED IN FRONT END COLLISION WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME WITH APPROX. 3 FEET NOTICE, HIT VEHICLE IN DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WITH THE COMPLETE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE AT 35 MPH. VEHICLE DAMAGED TO THE POINT OF BREAKING AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT AND JERKED FORWARD ON IMPACT AND AI…
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MAY 9,2006 INVOLVED IN FRONT END COLLISION WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME WITH APPROX. 3 FEET NOTICE, HIT VEHICLE IN DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WITH THE COMPLETE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE AT 35 MPH. VEHICLE DAMAGED TO THE POINT OF BREAKING AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT AND JERKED FORWARD ON IMPACT AND AIR BAG STATES THAT IT DEPLOYED BUT IT NEVER DEPLOYED. I AM NOW CURRENTLY SEEING PHYSICIANS AND SPECIALIST FOR NEUROSURGERY. MY VEHICLE IS STILL IN THE REPAIR SHOP AT THIS TIME, THEN IT WILL HAVE TO BE SENT BACK TO THE MAZDA DEALER TO FIND OUT WHY THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND BE FIXED. AT THIS TIME IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED OR EVEN DETERMINED WHY IT DID NOT DEPLOY. IF IT DID NOT DEPLOY AT 35 MPH CRASH I AM CONCERNED TO EVEN DRIVE IT AGAIN. THIS WAS MY FIRST EVER ACCIDENT IN 25 YEARS OF DRIVING AND I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER, BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT A DEFECT SINCE I AM BEING TOLD BY ALL THE EXPERTS THAT IT SHOULD HAVE. *JB
Official recalls
312V357000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.