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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

Structure complaints

126 reports
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120,000 miles · Aug 28, 2015
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK ALSO DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK ALSO DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10759877

87,000 miles · Aug 26, 2015
StructureSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE REPAIR, THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HOUSING AND STRUT WERE CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED IRREPARABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. *CN

NHTSA ODI #10759558

128,500 miles · Aug 17, 2015
StructureSuspension

2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE, REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED. WHILE DRIVING MY WIFE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, SHE THEN TELLS ME THERE IS A RATTLE. SO I DRIVE IT THE NEXT DAY. THE RATTLE WAS VERY EASY TO HEAR. UPON INSPECTION THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAD DISINTEGRATED AND WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE, AND THE RATTLE WAS THE STRUT THAT…

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2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE, REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED. WHILE DRIVING MY WIFE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, SHE THEN TELLS ME THERE IS A RATTLE. SO I DRIVE IT THE NEXT DAY. THE RATTLE WAS VERY EASY TO HEAR. UPON INSPECTION THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAD DISINTEGRATED AND WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE, AND THE RATTLE WAS THE STRUT THAT HAD COME UNDONE HITTING THE CARGO COMPARTMENT. JUST HAD TIRES AND BRAKES REPLACED AND THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AS WELL ONLY 2 MONTHS PRIOR WITH NO MENTION OF ANY OTHER PROBLEMS. NOW IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NO HELP FROM MAZDA, INSURANCE, OR THE SUPER WARRANTY THAT COVERS EVERYTHING BUMPER TO BUMPER(OR SUPPOSE TO). COME TO FIND OUT WHILE DOING SOME RESEARCH, THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR MAZDA. THE 01-04 TRIBUTE HAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME THING EXCEPT CALLING FOR THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL WELL. WHEN YOU TAKE IT IN THEY REPLACE ALL FOUR. IT ALSO SEEMS THAT THE 05 MODEL YEAR HAS JUST AS MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS AS WELL. BOTH OF US WORK AND HAVE TO BE ABLE TO GET THERE AS WELL AS GETTING THE CHILDREN TO MULTIPLE PLACES. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THINKING THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE A GOOD AND SAFE WAY TO GET WHERE WE NEED TO GO. TURNS OUT IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF TIME WITH THIS ISSUE. WE ARE LUCKY THAT IT WAS THE BACK I GUESS AND NOT THE FRONT AS SHE HAD THE KIDS WITH HER WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND IF THE FRONT WOULD HAVE COME LOOSE AT HWAY SPEED IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT OUTCOME. I HOPE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE. 2 ESTIMATES TO REPAIR BOTH ARE $5-7000. CAN'T PAY TO FIX, AND CAN'T TRADE IT IN AS IT IS WORTHLESS RIGHT NOW. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THE NHTSA AND MAZDA NEEDS TO ADDRESS. IT IS NOT ONLY MONETARY BUT A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL. WE WORK HARD FOR WHAT WE HAVE AND FEEL LIKE WE JUST GOT ROBBED OF OUR MONEY. THE DEALERS AND MAZDA GOT THEIRS THOUGH.

NHTSA ODI #10749039

92,000 miles · Aug 10, 2015
StructureCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS FRACTURED. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE) AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

NHTSA ODI #10747460

100,100 miles · Aug 8, 2015
StructureSuspension

THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL HAS BEEN COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT THE SUSPENSION BROKE THROUGH INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE LEFT REAR AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL WELLS LOOK TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION WHICH SEEMS ABNORMAL FOR JUST ONE WHEEL WELL TO BE AFFECTED BY EXTREME RUST AND CORROSION. WE BOUGHT THIS MAZDA TRIBUTE LES…

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THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL HAS BEEN COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT THE SUSPENSION BROKE THROUGH INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE LEFT REAR AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL WELLS LOOK TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION WHICH SEEMS ABNORMAL FOR JUST ONE WHEEL WELL TO BE AFFECTED BY EXTREME RUST AND CORROSION. WE BOUGHT THIS MAZDA TRIBUTE LESS THEN A YEAR AGO FROM THE DAN WOLF CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP IN NAPERVILLE ILLINOIS, WITH IT "PASSING INSPECTION". SINCE THEN MY FAMILY AND I HAVE TREATED THIS CAR WITH EXTRAORDINARY CARE BY REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OVERALL CLEANLINESS. THE MY FAMILY OF FIVE (THREE CHILDREN) HAVE USED THIS VEHICLE EVERYDAY TO DRIVE TO WORK AND SCHOOL NOT KNOWING THE DANGER IT APPOSED ON US AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. WHEN RESEARCHING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM WE NOTICED THAT THIS VERY DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TO OWNERS OF THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE ACROSS THE U.S. (HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/MAZDA/TRIBUTE/2005/BODY_PAINT/WHEEL_WELL_COMPLETELY_RUSTED_OUT.SHTML) THE DEALERSHIP NOR MAZDA HAVE BEEN ANY HELP TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT A RECALL FOR THIS CAR SHOULD BE MADE TO AVOID ANY HARM OR THREAT TO FAMILIES AND DRIVERS ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI #10747201

130,000 miles · Jul 28, 2015
StructureSuspension

THE UPPER REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT CAME APART DUE TO RUST, THE SHOCK ABSORBER CAME LOOSE AND WAS HITTING AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL OR TIRE. REPAIRS WERE MADE AT A COST OF 4600. THE OTHER REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT ON THE DRIVER SIDE DID NOT SHOW ANY SIGNS OF RUST. UPDATED 09/29/15*JB... UPDATED 09/30/15*BF

NHTSA ODI #10744364

80,000 miles · Jul 26, 2015
Structure

RUSTED ON LEFT SIDE REAR WHEEL WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION NEW TIRES, BRAKES SPARK PLUGS AND PISTONS RIDES LIKE A DREAM BUT THE RUST WILL NOT SUPPORT THE SHOCKS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY MAZDA AN INFERIOR FORD BODY

NHTSA ODI #10743505

80,000 miles · Jun 30, 2015
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other

I OWN A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WITH 80,000 MILES, NEW TIRES, NEW BRAKES, NEW SPARK PLUGS AND PISTONS (INSTALLED IN APRIL ) COST=1200.00 TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN INSPECTION IN MAY AND MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE RUST ON THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL AND MAY NOT SUPPORT THE STRUTS HE ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE IT AND I TOOK IT TO A BO…

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I OWN A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WITH 80,000 MILES, NEW TIRES, NEW BRAKES, NEW SPARK PLUGS AND PISTONS (INSTALLED IN APRIL ) COST=1200.00 TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN INSPECTION IN MAY AND MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE RUST ON THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL AND MAY NOT SUPPORT THE STRUTS HE ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE IT AND I TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY SAID D1500.+ NOT INCLUDING LABOR AND THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THEY COULD GT RID OF THE RUST, NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT-MY CAR RUNS GOOD BUT I AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. 75 RETIRED AND THIS IS MY ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AND I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR. I NOTICED ON LINE MAZDA HAS RECALLED A LOT OF CARS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM-DO THEY NOR UNDERCOAT CARS ANYMORE.

NHTSA ODI #10731194

110,000 miles · Jun 24, 2015
StructureSuspension

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT. SUSPENSION IS NOW PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE EXTENT OF THE RUST IS ABNORMAL, EVEN FOR THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA. IT IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. CONDITION IS RESULT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT. CONTACTED MAZDA USA TO ASK WHEN THEY WILL BE SCHEDULING RECALL…

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THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT. SUSPENSION IS NOW PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE EXTENT OF THE RUST IS ABNORMAL, EVEN FOR THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA. IT IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. CONDITION IS RESULT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT. CONTACTED MAZDA USA TO ASK WHEN THEY WILL BE SCHEDULING RECALL BASED ON HUGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RE: SAME ISSUE AND THEY STATED THAT THE ISSUE IS DUE TO IMPROPER WASHING OF THE CAR AND SENT PARAGRAPH ON HOW TO WASH A CAR. USELESS.

NHTSA ODI #10727058

247,000 miles · Jun 22, 2015
Structure

WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A LOUD THUD IN THE BACKSEAT PASSENGER WHEEL WELL. I DROVE LESS THAN A MILE HOME AND SAW THAT THE WHEEL WELL HAD DISINTEGRATED COMPLETELY ABOVE THE TIRE FORCING THE SHOCK INTO THE BODY OF THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10726691

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.