IllustrationTHE UNDERSIDE AND EVEN THE FUEL ENTRY AREA IS RUSTED AND IS BEGINNING TO AFFECT THE EXTERIOR PAINT JOB AROUND THE TRUCK AND DOORS.
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
What owners actually said
377 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME AND SHOCK MOUNTS FRACTURED FROM EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL AND FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
REAR SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED, RIGHT SIDE. CAN NOT DRIVE MY CAR AND NO ONE WILL BUY IT IN THIS CONDITION. THE BODY SHOP CANNOT REPAIR AND HE SAID IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, EXPOSING AND CAUSING FAILURE IN THE ASSOCIATED SHOCK. THE REAR BUMPER NOW RATTLES OVER EVEN THE TINIEST BIT OF UNEVEN PAVEMENT AND THE CAR WILL SWAY IN THE BACK REAR OVER LARGER BUMPS HIT WITH THAT BACK WHEEL. FIRST NOTICED GOING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A…
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PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, EXPOSING AND CAUSING FAILURE IN THE ASSOCIATED SHOCK. THE REAR BUMPER NOW RATTLES OVER EVEN THE TINIEST BIT OF UNEVEN PAVEMENT AND THE CAR WILL SWAY IN THE BACK REAR OVER LARGER BUMPS HIT WITH THAT BACK WHEEL. FIRST NOTICED GOING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT AFTER BEING PARKED FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS. NOTHING PROMPTED IT OTHER THAN A PIECE OF UNEVEN ROAD MAY HAVE BEEN THE FINAL STRAW. THIS IS APPARENTLY BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTES AND WAS ADDRESSED IN A RECALL FOR 2001-2004 TRIBUTES. SAME PROBLEM, SAME AREA (PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL) THIS IS NOT SAFE!
LOUD CLUNKING ON BUMPS AND A TENDENCY FOR AN UNUSUAL SWAY IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY LED TO TAKING A LOOK UNDER THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR. A WHOLE 8"X12" ROUGHLY OVAL PIECE OF THE RIGHT REAR INNER WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT IS ATTACHED. RIGHT REAR SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACH…
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LOUD CLUNKING ON BUMPS AND A TENDENCY FOR AN UNUSUAL SWAY IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY LED TO TAKING A LOOK UNDER THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR. A WHOLE 8"X12" ROUGHLY OVAL PIECE OF THE RIGHT REAR INNER WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT IS ATTACHED. RIGHT REAR SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE CAR AT THE TOP. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. IT APPEARS THIS WAS A RECALL ISSUE IN PRIOR YEARS, WHICH WAS NOT CORRECTED FOR THE 2005 YEAR.
EXTREME RUST/CORROSION IN THE WHEEL WELL AREA - FRAME DEGRADED AND FELL AWAY FROM THE BODY -- SHOCK COMING LOOSE - OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET - GOING STRAIGHT.
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS EXPOSED AND BARELY SUPPORTED. THE DRIVER SIDE IS FINE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PRIOR 4 YEARS TO THIS. IT WILL BE UN-DRIVEABLE SOON.
MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. MY BODY SHOP TOLD ME THIS SHOULD NOT EVER HAPPEN. ALSO TOLD ME IT WAS A BAD PIECE OF STEEL USED IN THE MANUFACTURE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF IT HAD NOT BEEN DETECTED AND I KEPT DRIVING IT. THE REST OF MY SUV IS IMMACULATE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS. IT IS COSTIN…
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MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. MY BODY SHOP TOLD ME THIS SHOULD NOT EVER HAPPEN. ALSO TOLD ME IT WAS A BAD PIECE OF STEEL USED IN THE MANUFACTURE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF IT HAD NOT BEEN DETECTED AND I KEPT DRIVING IT. THE REST OF MY SUV IS IMMACULATE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS. IT IS COSTING ME $1500.00 TO REPAIR. I WAS DRIVING AND STARTED HEARING A RATTLING SOUND AND STOPPED AT A MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THANK GOD YOU STOPPED BEFORE YOU GOT HURT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AND THE SHOCK WAS EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS CORRODED AND THE SHOCK WAS EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.
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.