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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

19 reports
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137,000 miles · Mar 3, 2016
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other

THERE IS EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE REAR STRUCTURE OF MY MAZDA. THE NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER REAR BECAME A THUNKING AND TODAY I FOUND THE TOP PORTION OF THE STRUT HAD RUSTED AND BROKE OFF. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE REAR HAS EXCESSIVE RUSTING TO THE STRUCTURE. I FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM RESULTED IN A REC…

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THERE IS EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE REAR STRUCTURE OF MY MAZDA. THE NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER REAR BECAME A THUNKING AND TODAY I FOUND THE TOP PORTION OF THE STRUT HAD RUSTED AND BROKE OFF. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE REAR HAS EXCESSIVE RUSTING TO THE STRUCTURE. I FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM RESULTED IN A RECALL OF THE SAME VEHICLE 2001-2004. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE MECHANIC STATED HE COULD NOT PUT THE VEHICLE ON A LIFT DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE CORROSION OF THE FRAME. I CONTACTED MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY STATED THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR CORROSION IT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VIN. THE REAR STRUT BEING BROKEN AND THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE ARE NO LONGER ATTACHED.

NHTSA ODI #10839766

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

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2015
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherWheels

MY MAZDA 2005, HAS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER BACK WHEEL WELL. THE SUSPENSION IS AFFECTED AS WELL. THE REPAIRS ARE GOING TO BE VERY COSTLY AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE 01-04 MODELS HAVE DONE THE SAME AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. MAZDA NEEDS TO EXTEND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THE 05 MODEL AS WELL. I AM ALSO…

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MY MAZDA 2005, HAS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER BACK WHEEL WELL. THE SUSPENSION IS AFFECTED AS WELL. THE REPAIRS ARE GOING TO BE VERY COSTLY AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE 01-04 MODELS HAVE DONE THE SAME AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. MAZDA NEEDS TO EXTEND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE THE 05 MODEL AS WELL. I AM ALSO FILING A REPORT WITH MAZDA.

NHTSA ODI #10724193

88,024 miles · May 22, 2015
StructureUnknown Or Other

WENT TO GET MY ANNUAL INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT MY RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER IS RUSTED OUT.

NHTSA ODI #10721011

146,000 miles · Oct 15, 2014
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other

RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AT 146,000 MILES, AND THE STRUT IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME. MAZDA HAS DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE DESPITE THE FACT THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS VERY ISSUE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE 2001-2004 TRIBU…

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RIGHT REAR WHEELHOUSE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AT 146,000 MILES, AND THE STRUT IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME. MAZDA HAS DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE DESPITE THE FACT THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS VERY ISSUE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE 2001-2004 TRIBUTES WERE RECALLED AND REPAIRED FOR CORROSION ISSUES. THE MECHANIC AND COLLISION REPAIR CENTER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN RUST THIS BAD IN THE SAME AREA OF MAKES OF VEHICLES. THE COLLISION REPAIR CENTER ALSO STATED THAT THIS IS A $4,000-$6,000 REPAIR THAT THE OWNER SHOULD NOT BE STUCK WITH AS IT IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. THEY MANUFACTURED THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE FRAME IN THE SAME PLANT AND THEY SHARE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH AND THE SHOCK BROKE FREE RIGHT BEHIND MY SONS CARSEAT, THE SHOCK WAS TOUCHING THE INNER PLASTIC . LUCKILY I PULLED OVER TO FIND OUT WHAT THE NOISE WAS. MAZDA SEEMS TO HAVE NO CONCERN FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS SAFETY. CUSTOMER BEWARE.... AND IF YOU HAVE A CHILD AT LEAST PUT THEM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FOR SOME SAFETY. LETS ALL HOPE MAZDA WILL STAND UP FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT........ *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644871

106,780 miles · Sep 25, 2014
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other

ENTIRE RIGHT (PASSENGER) REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED AWAY, INCLUDING THE SHOCK MOUNT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10639160

156,000 miles · Sep 17, 2014
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other

THE FRAMEWORK UNDERNEATH AND AROUND THE VEHICLE'S REAR PASSENGER TIRE HAS ROTTED AWAY, AND THE SHOCK HAS PENETRATED THE WHEEL WELL. THE ENTIRE REAR OF THE VEHICLE "RATTLES" LOUDLY BECAUSE OF THIS. IT APPEARS THAT THIS DEFICIENCY WAS FIXED, TEMPORARILY, BEFORE THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE WAS PURSUED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637133

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2012
Unknown Or Other

2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALLS. *TGW

NHTSA ODI #10480483

Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2004
Unknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 70 MPH, VEHICLE SWERVES VIOLENTLY. DROVE STRAIGHT ON RAIN GROOVE SURFACE, NEARLY ROLL OVER. *BF *TC

NHTSA ODI #10099368

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.