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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

Power Train complaints

24 reports
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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

122,210 miles · Mar 5, 2015
Power TrainSuspensionWheels

THE RIGHT BACK SIDE BY THE TIRED THE CHASSIS IS ALL RUST IT AND THE SHOCK IS LOOSE I CAN MOVE IT WITH MY HANDS AND THE LEFT SIDE IS ABOUT TO GET LIKE THE OTHER SIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10692361

97,500 miles · Sep 15, 2014
EnginePower Train

WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 1500 AND 2500 RPMS, THE CAR SUDDENLY DROPS IN RPMS AND EITHER STALLS ALTOGETHER OR STARTS MAKING A JERKING MOTION AND THUDDING NOISE. CANNOT GET OUT OF THE GEAR UNLESS YOU JAM ON THE ACCELERATOR. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND NEAR UNDRIVABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE, RUINING THE ENGINE COILS …

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WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 1500 AND 2500 RPMS, THE CAR SUDDENLY DROPS IN RPMS AND EITHER STALLS ALTOGETHER OR STARTS MAKING A JERKING MOTION AND THUDDING NOISE. CANNOT GET OUT OF THE GEAR UNLESS YOU JAM ON THE ACCELERATOR. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND NEAR UNDRIVABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD HAS HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE, RUINING THE ENGINE COILS THE FIRST TIME AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS THE SECOND TIME. IT SEEMS THE PCM IS FAULTY AND RUINING ALL OF THE ASSOCIATED PARTS. HAVE READ UP ON THE TOPIC AND MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE STALLING AND JOLTING OF THE ISSUE, ALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE PCM. THIS VERY MUCH SEEMS LIKE AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED, AS THE REPAIRS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY COSTLY AND AFFECT MANY VEHICLES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10633423

151,551 miles · Jul 17, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower Train

RUNNING ROUGH, STALLING AT LIGHTS, REPLACED IGNITION COILS, NEW IGNITION COILS FAILED, FURTHER DIAGNOSIS, PCM CAUSING FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10611233

75,000 miles · Jun 5, 2014
Power TrainStructureSuspension

I AM THE CURRENT OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE I. BOUGHT IT THROUGH NORTH SHORE BANK OFF LEASE... I TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE CAR AND HAVE IT MAINTAINED REGULARLY . RECENTLY THE REAR PASSENGER AREA HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE, I THOUGHT IT MAY BE A BROKEN SHOCK OR SOMETHING TO THAT AFFECT. I TOOK IT INTO GOODYEAR IN RACINE WI. …

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I AM THE CURRENT OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE I. BOUGHT IT THROUGH NORTH SHORE BANK OFF LEASE... I TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE CAR AND HAVE IT MAINTAINED REGULARLY . RECENTLY THE REAR PASSENGER AREA HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE, I THOUGHT IT MAY BE A BROKEN SHOCK OR SOMETHING TO THAT AFFECT. I TOOK IT INTO GOODYEAR IN RACINE WI. COME TO FIND THE WHOLE WHEEL WELL IS ROTTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.. THE MECHANIC SAID HE COULD NOT FIX IT AND TAKE IT TO RACINE AUTO BODY ALSO IN RACINE, WI. THEY ALSO SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT HAPPEN TO A CAR OR SUV EVER BEFORE. HE SAID IT HAS TO BE DUE TO A BAD FACTORY PROCESS OR SOME FLAW THAT HAD BEEN WHEN THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. THEY WANT $1600.00 TO FIX THE AREA AND I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THE FLAW FROM THE MAZDA MANUFACTURER. I FEEL IT ISN'T SAFE TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT MORE DAMAGE BEING ADDED. I REALLY WOULD APPRECIATE SOME SORT OF HELP OR REPLACEMENT OF THE FACTORY FLAW. THE CAR IS IN FAIRLY DECENT SHAPE AND AT THIS POINT I CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW CAR.. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY OTHER SIMILAR ISSUES ON ANY OF YOUR OTHER VEHICLES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10596455

151,000 miles · Sep 6, 2013
Power Train

2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE S AWD - VIN# [XXX] VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIPS DO NOT HONOR IT AND ONLY STATE IT IS TO MAKE US AWARE OF A KNOW PROBLEM. NHTSA: ACTION NUMBER: 10039105 SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 312789 REPORT DATE: MAY 16, 201…

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2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE S AWD - VIN# [XXX] VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIPS DO NOT HONOR IT AND ONLY STATE IT IS TO MAKE US AWARE OF A KNOW PROBLEM. NHTSA: ACTION NUMBER: 10039105 SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 312789 REPORT DATE: MAY 16, 2011 COMPONENT: POWER TRAIN SUMMARY: MAZDA: THE ENGINE IS STALLING WHEN STOPPING OR ENGAGING INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT MAY BE INTERMITTENT AND USUALLY OCCURS ON LONG DRIVES. IT MAY BE CAUSED BY INTERNAL WEAR OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *RM THIS APPEARS TO NOT BE ONLY OCCURRING TO ME, BUT TO OTHER PEOPLE TOO. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ON THIS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10542366

56,000 miles · Aug 14, 2013
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ENGINE SPEED STARTED TO RISE. AS IF TRANSMISSION HAD SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND WHEN MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER TO DRIVE NOTHING HAPPENED THAT IS IT DID NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE SHIFT LEVER MOVED FREELY FROM PARK TO DRIVE BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE . IT JUST STAYED A…

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WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ENGINE SPEED STARTED TO RISE. AS IF TRANSMISSION HAD SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND WHEN MOVING THE SHIFT LEVER TO DRIVE NOTHING HAPPENED THAT IS IT DID NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THE SHIFT LEVER MOVED FREELY FROM PARK TO DRIVE BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE . IT JUST STAYED AS IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. CAR AT DEALER AND THEY TELL ME $4200.00 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10535360

56,000 miles · Aug 8, 2013
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP AT A LIGHT THE CAR STALLED WHILE USING THE AIR CONDITIONER. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, SO I STOPPED USING THE AIR UNTIL I COULD BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH I NOTICED THE RPM'S INCREASING WITH NO INCREASE IN SPEED. I ALSO NOTICED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKING. …

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WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP AT A LIGHT THE CAR STALLED WHILE USING THE AIR CONDITIONER. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, SO I STOPPED USING THE AIR UNTIL I COULD BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE. THE NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH I NOTICED THE RPM'S INCREASING WITH NO INCREASE IN SPEED. I ALSO NOTICED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKING. I PULLED OVER AND THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL NO MATTER WHERE THE SHIFT SELECTOR WAS. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND AFTER 5 MIN. RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE. AFTER ABOUT 100 YDS , AGAIN THE TRANS SHIFTED BACK TO NEUTRAL. AGAIN I PULLED OVER SHUT OFF THE CAR AND WAITED 5 MIN. I CONTINUED THIS PROCEDURE UNTIL I GOT HOME ABOUT 5 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10534189

67,000 miles · Feb 20, 2013
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY GAS PEDAL EVERY SINCE I GOT THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE ITS LIKE IT HAS SOMETHING BEHIND THE GAS PEDAL PREVENTING IT TO GO DOWN. IT HAS GOT WORSE OVER THE YEARS ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE IT SEEMS TO STICK WORSE. YOU CAN TRY TO PUSH IT HARDER OR EVEN PULL UP ON IT AND I…

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I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY GAS PEDAL EVERY SINCE I GOT THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE ITS LIKE IT HAS SOMETHING BEHIND THE GAS PEDAL PREVENTING IT TO GO DOWN. IT HAS GOT WORSE OVER THE YEARS ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE IT SEEMS TO STICK WORSE. YOU CAN TRY TO PUSH IT HARDER OR EVEN PULL UP ON IT AND IT DOESN'T BUDGE. I HAD TO PULLOVER TODAY BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET THE PEDAL TO WORK SO I COULDN'T GIVE IT GAS. I GOT IT WORK AND WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT FROZE UP AGAIN. I FINALLY MADE IT TO MY DESTINATION AND WHEN I LEFT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. GOT IN IT TONIGHT AFTER WORK AND IT IS VERY COLD OUTSIDE AND IT WAS STUCK AGAIN. CALLED MAZDA EARLIER AND SAID THEY WAS NO RECALL ON IT. GOT ONLINE AFTERWARDS AND FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I GOT IT CHECKED OUT BEFORE WITH MAZDA WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10499357

87,900 miles · Oct 22, 2012
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE PCM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE PCM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 87,900. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10481457

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.