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
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
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.
What owners actually said
377 reportsTHE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE INITIALLY STARTED TO BE SPORADICALLY SLUGGISH/HESITATION WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS. IT SEEMED LIKE THERE WAS A DELAY FROM WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO WHEN THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY ACCELERATED. ON 6/4/15, A COUPLE DAYS AFTER FIRST EXPERIENCING THE SLUGGISHNESS/HESITANT ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE STALLED/LO…
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THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE INITIALLY STARTED TO BE SPORADICALLY SLUGGISH/HESITATION WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS. IT SEEMED LIKE THERE WAS A DELAY FROM WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO WHEN THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY ACCELERATED. ON 6/4/15, A COUPLE DAYS AFTER FIRST EXPERIENCING THE SLUGGISHNESS/HESITANT ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE STALLED/LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING 55 MILES PER HOUR ON A BUSY ROAD. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO COAST OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE ON MY WAY. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO BE SLUGGISH AT ACCELERATION AND WOULD RANDOMLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AND/OR IDLING. AT THIS POINT WITH THE VEHICLE'S MECHANICAL ISSUES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON- EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS SOMETHING MAJOR WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. OVER THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS I HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME IN THE SHOP (6/6/15) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL NOT ON- -SO THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY SHOP SUGGESTED REPLACING THE FUEL FILTER AND DO A FUEL SYSTEM CLEAN-- WHICH I DID. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO BE SLUGGISH/HESITANT WHEN ACCELERATING & RANDOMLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND/OR IDLING. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP & THEY INDICATED THE CODE WAS TELLING THEM THAT CYLINDER 2 WAS MISFIRING. NO OTHER CODES WERE READ. ALL THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED, COILS WERE CHECKED (IN GOOD CONDITION). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME BACK ON; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN SLUGGISH AND STALL WHILE DRIVING (MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN I WAS GOING 55-65 MPH). ON 6/24/15 THE CAR STALLED AGAIN BUT THIS TIME IT WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE SHOP & THEY INDICATED THE COMPUTER WAS DEAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED MAZDA AND THEY DENIED THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE MAZDA TRIBUTE COMPUTERS AND SAID IT WAS JUST MY VEHICLE.
THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM THE RIGHT REAR. UPON INSPECTION BY OUR MECHANIC IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A COMPLETE RUSTING THROUGH OF THE RIGHT REAR WELL, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO NO LONGER BE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE SHOCK WAS ACTUALLY VISIBLE FROM THE INSIDE REAR OF THE CAR. WE WERE TOLD THE CAR WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO …
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THE CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM THE RIGHT REAR. UPON INSPECTION BY OUR MECHANIC IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A COMPLETE RUSTING THROUGH OF THE RIGHT REAR WELL, CAUSING THE SHOCK TO NO LONGER BE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE SHOCK WAS ACTUALLY VISIBLE FROM THE INSIDE REAR OF THE CAR. WE WERE TOLD THE CAR WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. MAZDA WAS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE FAILURE, IN SPITE OF MY FINDING NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE SAME FAILURE ON BLOGS. A FRAME SHOP HAD TO INSTALL A NEW INNER WHEEL HOUSE PANEL. COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $2000.
NO CRASH BUT THE UNDERSIDE IS RUSTED AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS IT DOES NOT SUPPORT THE SHOCKS THIS CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED I UNDERSTAND MAZDA RECALLED A LOT OF THESE CARS FROM 2001-2004 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM MY CAR HAS NEW TIRES NEW BRAKES AND NEW SPARK PLUS AND PISTONS ONLY 80,000 MILES AND RUNS GOOD BUT IT IS RUSTED MY DAUGHTER HA…
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NO CRASH BUT THE UNDERSIDE IS RUSTED AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS IT DOES NOT SUPPORT THE SHOCKS THIS CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED I UNDERSTAND MAZDA RECALLED A LOT OF THESE CARS FROM 2001-2004 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM MY CAR HAS NEW TIRES NEW BRAKES AND NEW SPARK PLUS AND PISTONS ONLY 80,000 MILES AND RUNS GOOD BUT IT IS RUSTED MY DAUGHTER HAS A HONDA WITH 123,000 MILES AND IT RUNS PERFECT WITH NO RUST THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO ME THAT THE MAZDA IS RUSTED. I WOULD NOT ADVISE ANYONE TO BUY A MAZDA BECAUSE THEY DO NOT LAST VERY LONG.
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.
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.
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.
TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT ON 17 JUNE 2015, MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE SUDDENLY GAVE A LOUD THUMP, A TIRE SCREECH, AND STOPPED. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE UNDER ITS OWN POWER, AS THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS POINTED IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION THAN THE LEFT ONE, AND IT WAS CLEAR THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD BEEN PULLED OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE, AS THE WHE…
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TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT ON 17 JUNE 2015, MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE SUDDENLY GAVE A LOUD THUMP, A TIRE SCREECH, AND STOPPED. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE UNDER ITS OWN POWER, AS THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS POINTED IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION THAN THE LEFT ONE, AND IT WAS CLEAR THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD BEEN PULLED OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE, AS THE WHEEL WAS TOO FAR OUT AND ALMOST BACK AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. UPON INSPECTION AT A REPAIR SHOP, IT WAS CLEAR THE RIGHT FRONT SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH, CAUSING THE LOWER ARM TO DETACH FROM THE CHASSIS. RESEARCH INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL OF PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS. IT SEEMS THAT THE RUST-THROUGH PROBLEM WITH THIS ASSEMBLY IS STILL A PROBLEM. THIS IS GOING COST A LOT TO FIX. NOT HAPPY. UPDATED 09/03/15*LJ
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.
PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING STRUT TO PUSH THROUGH INTO INTERIOR TRIM. A MINIMUM $1,000 REPAIR ESTIMATE.
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.
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