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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

What owners actually said

377 reports
30,000 miles · Mar 9, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control

I HAVE READ OVER 200 COMPLAINTS OF MAZDA TRIBUTE 2005 GAS PEDAL STICKING AND CAN NOT BE DEPRESSED. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE I WILL STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND WILL TRY TO DEPRESS MY GAS PEDAL AND IT WILL NOT MOVE. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REARED ENDED SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS. I HAVE ALSO ISSUED A C…

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I HAVE READ OVER 200 COMPLAINTS OF MAZDA TRIBUTE 2005 GAS PEDAL STICKING AND CAN NOT BE DEPRESSED. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE I WILL STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND WILL TRY TO DEPRESS MY GAS PEDAL AND IT WILL NOT MOVE. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REARED ENDED SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS. I HAVE ALSO ISSUED A COMPLAINT TO NHTSA BEFORE IN REGARDS TO THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10450880

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

AFTER READING OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I FELT COMPELLED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WITH THE GAS PEDAL. IT SEEMS MAZDA HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS, YET NO RECALL. THE GAS PEDAL STICKS IN WEATHER COLDER THAN 50 DEGREES. FOR AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE (SUV) WHICH IS MADE TO GO OFF-ROAD AND IN MOUNTAINS, THIS IS A PRETT…

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AFTER READING OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I FELT COMPELLED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WITH THE GAS PEDAL. IT SEEMS MAZDA HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS, YET NO RECALL. THE GAS PEDAL STICKS IN WEATHER COLDER THAN 50 DEGREES. FOR AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE (SUV) WHICH IS MADE TO GO OFF-ROAD AND IN MOUNTAINS, THIS IS A PRETTY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN I CONFERRED WITH MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALER, THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME $400 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO "REPLACE" A FAULTY MECHANISM. I FEEL I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING WHICH IS INHERENT WITH THESE TRIBUTE VEHICLES AND FOR WHICH MAZDA IS FULLY AWARE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10439165

55,200 miles · Nov 27, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

GAS PEDAL STICKS. CAN'T BE PRESSED DOWN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10437402

25 miles · Nov 22, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED HIS EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE EMERGENCY LANE. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE CONT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED HIS EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE EMERGENCY LANE. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY DURING COLD OR RAINY WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25.

NHTSA ODI #10436708

21,000 miles · Nov 14, 2011
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND WOULD NOT RESPOND AND THEN SUDDENLY SLAMMED INTO GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT FLASHED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND WOULD NOT RESPOND AND THEN SUDDENLY SLAMMED INTO GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE OVERDRIVE WARNING LIGHT FLASHED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AT 21,000 MILES IN MARCH 2007 HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF A SECOND TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000. UPDATED 12/16/11 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10435522

69,000 miles · Nov 2, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE 1. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING SLOWLY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SIMULTANEOUSLY IN ORDER FOR THE PEDAL TO RELEASE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR RE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE 1. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING SLOWLY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SIMULTANEOUSLY IN ORDER FOR THE PEDAL TO RELEASE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

NHTSA ODI #10433967

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2011
Structure

I PURCHASED A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE NEW FROM A DEALERSHIP IN ELGIN, IL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS OLD, THE REAR LIFT GATE BEGAN TO RUST, RESULTING IN THE PAINT PEELING AND FLAKING OFF. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO GET WORSE AND HAS OCCURRED IN MULTIPLE AREAS ON THE REAR LIFT GATE. THOUGH I LOCATED MULTIPLE REPORTS OF T…

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I PURCHASED A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE NEW FROM A DEALERSHIP IN ELGIN, IL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS OLD, THE REAR LIFT GATE BEGAN TO RUST, RESULTING IN THE PAINT PEELING AND FLAKING OFF. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO GET WORSE AND HAS OCCURRED IN MULTIPLE AREAS ON THE REAR LIFT GATE. THOUGH I LOCATED MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALLS. ONE REPORT STATED THERE WAS A TECHNICAL ISSUE WITH THE PAINT BY FORD (WHERE THE VEHICLES ARE MANUFACTURED) USED CAUSING THIS PROBLEM, BUT FORD HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM OR ISSUED A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10408811

Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2011
Child Seat

THE LOWER ANCHOR STRAP ON MY SON'S SUNSHINE KIDS RADIAN XTSL SPONTANEOUSLY LOOSENED WITH NO PRESSURE ON THE RELEASE BUTTON OR LOCKING DEVICE. AS A CPST, I CHECK THE INSTALLATION DAILY, SO I KNOW THIS HAD BEEN A ROCK SOLID INSTALLATION AND THE LOCKING DEVICE WAS PROPERLY ALIGNED ON THE SHELL OF THE SEAT (NOT IN OR ON THE EDGE OF…

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THE LOWER ANCHOR STRAP ON MY SON'S SUNSHINE KIDS RADIAN XTSL SPONTANEOUSLY LOOSENED WITH NO PRESSURE ON THE RELEASE BUTTON OR LOCKING DEVICE. AS A CPST, I CHECK THE INSTALLATION DAILY, SO I KNOW THIS HAD BEEN A ROCK SOLID INSTALLATION AND THE LOCKING DEVICE WAS PROPERLY ALIGNED ON THE SHELL OF THE SEAT (NOT IN OR ON THE EDGE OF THE BELTPATH), PRIOR TO THE STRAP SPONTANEOUSLY LOOSENING. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2005, MAKE=TRIBUTE, MODEL=MAZDA). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10406012

82,000 miles · Jun 7, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. AS THE CONTACT EXITS HER DRIVEAWAY, THE ACCLERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BE IN THE ROAD WHILE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS COMING TOWARDS HER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO RAN A DIA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. AS THE CONTACT EXITS HER DRIVEAWAY, THE ACCLERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BE IN THE ROAD WHILE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS COMING TOWARDS HER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT NO CODES WERE SHOWING. THE DELAER STATED HE COULD NOT MAKE REPAIRS WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC SHOWING A FAILURE.THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED SHE SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY WOULD RUN A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 82,000.

NHTSA ODI #10405419

50,000 miles · May 13, 2011
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE ABS AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT CAME ON ONE DAY WHEN I GOT ON THE FREEWAY AND HAS NOT GONE AWAY SINCE I DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSE THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10400714

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.