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 reports
30,000 miles · May 2, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE GAS PEDAL STICKS, NO RHYME NOR REASON......CIRCUMSTANCES ARE NEVER THE SAME, SO IT IS SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS. I PRESS THE GAS AND THINK THAT THE TRIBUTE IS GOING TO MOVE, AND NOTHING HAPPENS. THANKFULLY, I'VE NEVER BEEN HIT! ( YET) . DEALER REPAIR SHOP WAS OF NO HELP. CLICK AUTOMOTIVE ( WHERE I BOUGHT THE VE…
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2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE GAS PEDAL STICKS, NO RHYME NOR REASON......CIRCUMSTANCES ARE NEVER THE SAME, SO IT IS SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS. I PRESS THE GAS AND THINK THAT THE TRIBUTE IS GOING TO MOVE, AND NOTHING HAPPENS. THANKFULLY, I'VE NEVER BEEN HIT! ( YET) . DEALER REPAIR SHOP WAS OF NO HELP. CLICK AUTOMOTIVE ( WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ) , TELLS ME TO" BRING IT IN WHEN IT'S HAPPENING" . STOMPING ON THE PEDAL DOESN'T CURE IT, IT RESUMES WORKING WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. I TRY SHIFTING FROM GEAR TO GEAR........REVERSE, NEUTRAL ETC. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT RESUMES WORKING LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS AT LEAST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328435
100,000 miles · Apr 20, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
I OWN A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHEN PROCEEDING FROM A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL NOT DEPRESS. I HAVE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NO MATTER HOW HARD I STOMPED ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT WOULD NOT DEPRESS. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. I SEE WHERE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON 2004 MO…
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I OWN A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHEN PROCEEDING FROM A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL NOT DEPRESS. I HAVE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NO MATTER HOW HARD I STOMPED ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT WOULD NOT DEPRESS. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. I SEE WHERE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON 2004 MODELS. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THE 2005 TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND POSSIBLE DEATH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326645
35,937 miles · Apr 14, 2010
Wheels
VEHICLE: 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE ALL WHEEL DRIVE WITH 36,937 MILES - EQUIPPED WITH 16 INCH ALLOY WHEELS. PROBLEM: TWO OF THE FOUR WHEEL RIMS ARE CRACKING AT THE LUG NUT HOLES (RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE), THE LEFT SIDE WHEELS HAVE YET TO BE INSPECTED. WHEN A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION WAS PERFORMED, THE WHEELS WERE REINSTALLED AND TORQ…
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VEHICLE: 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE ALL WHEEL DRIVE WITH 36,937 MILES - EQUIPPED WITH 16 INCH ALLOY WHEELS. PROBLEM: TWO OF THE FOUR WHEEL RIMS ARE CRACKING AT THE LUG NUT HOLES (RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE), THE LEFT SIDE WHEELS HAVE YET TO BE INSPECTED. WHEN A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION WAS PERFORMED, THE WHEELS WERE REINSTALLED AND TORQUED (USING A CLICK TYPE TORQUE WRENCH) TO THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATION OF 100 FT/LBS. AS TORQUE WAS APPLIED, THE LUG NUTS FELT AS THOUGH THEY WERE STRIPPED, AND SOME LUG NUTS ACTUALLY PULLED THEMSELVES FURTHER INTO THE RIM THAN THE OTHERS AS TIGHTENING OCCURRED. SUBSEQUENT REMOVAL OF THE RIGHT SIDE WHEELS REVEALED DEFORMED LUG NUTS, AND CRACKS ON BOTH RIMS AT THE LUG NUT HOLES, FROM 1/4 LONG, DESCRIBED BY THE EXAMINING TECHNICIAN AS MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE. THE WHEELS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE HAVE YET TO BE INSPECTED. MAZDA USA NOTIFIED, THEY WILL TOW THE VEHICLE TO A MAZDA DEALER FOR AN EVALUATION. I HAVE WRITTEN A LETTER TO MAZDA USA OUTLINING THE PROBLEM IN MORE DETAIL, COPY WILL BE SENT TO NHTSA/ODI UNDER SEPARATE COVER. UPDATED 05/06/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10325663
41,000 miles · Apr 9, 2010
Visibility
DRIVER POWER WINDOW FAILURE. NO CAUSE OR RELATED EVENT TRIGGER. OTHER WINDOWS CONTINUE OPERATING NORMALLY. CONSEQUENCE: POTENTIAL DEATHTRAP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324643
65,000 miles · Feb 25, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE CONTACT ALMOST DROVE ONTO A CURB. SHE WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN; HOWEVER, WHEN SHE ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, IT FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE DRIVER PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS THEN ABLE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE CONTACT ALMOST DROVE ONTO A CURB. SHE WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN; HOWEVER, WHEN SHE ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, IT FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE DRIVER PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS THEN ABLE TO ENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE THAN 20 TIMES. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN SHE WAS DRIVING 35 MPH. WHEN SHE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL IT DIDN'T CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,020.
NHTSA ODI #10314118
75,000 miles · Feb 23, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
FILLING THE GAS TANK BECAME A PROBLEM AS WEATHER BECAME COLDER. IT FILLS SLOWLY AND BACKS UP. IF NOT ANTICIPATING IT FUEL WILL SPRAY BACK AT YOU AN RUN BACK OUT FILLER TUBE IN FACT IT IS HARD NOT TO HAVE SOME FUEL SPILL DURING THE FILL. I SAW TSB ON THE ISSUE AND CONTACTED DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED ,A FORD DEALER, B…
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FILLING THE GAS TANK BECAME A PROBLEM AS WEATHER BECAME COLDER. IT FILLS SLOWLY AND BACKS UP. IF NOT ANTICIPATING IT FUEL WILL SPRAY BACK AT YOU AN RUN BACK OUT FILLER TUBE IN FACT IT IS HARD NOT TO HAVE SOME FUEL SPILL DURING THE FILL. I SAW TSB ON THE ISSUE AND CONTACTED DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED ,A FORD DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET INFORMATION ON THE PROBLEM AND SAID THAT I WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO PAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM ANYWAY AND WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A MAZDA DEALERSHIP TO GET IT DONE. I CONTACTED MAZDA USA BY PHONE AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY OR RECALL. THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIR. WITH PERSISTENCE THEY SAID IF I TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND PAID FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND RESULTS WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE TSB THAT THEY MIGHT HELP WITH THE REPAIR UNDER A "GOODWILL" PROGRAM. I REQUESTED TSB FIX INFORMATION SO I COULD CONSIDER WHAT WAS NEEDED TO FIX SO I COULD DECIDE MY MOST ECONOMICAL ROUTE TO GET IT FIXED BUT THEY REFUSED. THEY SAID THAT INFORMATION WOULD ONLY BE GIVEN TO MAZDA MECHANICS DUE TO "LIABILITY" CONCERNS. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES AND IT NOW OCCURS AT EVERY FUEL FILL, THE COLDER IT IS THE WORSE IT IS BUT IT OCCURS EVEN WHEN IT IS ABOVE FREEZING. I HAVE A COWORKER WITH A 2006 TRIBUTE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NO SERIOUS EVENT TO US YET BUT MY SON BORROWED THE CAR ONCE AND I WAS UNABLE TO WARN HIM AHEAD AND HE WAS DOUSED IN GAS. ANY STATIC SPARK OR OTHER IGNITION SOURCE AND THERE WILL BE A TRAGEDY. REMEMBER THIS IS OCCURRING AT A GAS PUMP AT A GAS STATION WITH FUEL TANK DOOR AND CAP OPEN WITH GAS PUMP RUNNING. IT IS AT IT WORSE AT THE MOST LIKELY TIME FOR A STATIC ELECTRIC SPARK ( DRY AND COLD). MAZDA SHOWED NO INTEREST OR CONCERN TO DEAL WITH THIS. THEY KNOW OF THE DEFECT AND FIRST TSB ON IT WAS ISSUED IN 2005. HELP! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312938
1 miles · Jan 23, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE GAS PEDAL STICKS WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS OCCURS ALWAYS. RESULTS IN LURCHING OF VEHICLE AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10302059
77,000 miles · Dec 16, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHEN PROCEEDING FROM A STOP LIGHT THE ACCELERATOR PETAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS . AFTER SHE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD,SHE WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPAIRED AT AN EXPENSE OF $ 325.00 DOLLARS. THE TECHN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHEN PROCEEDING FROM A STOP LIGHT THE ACCELERATOR PETAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS . AFTER SHE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD,SHE WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPAIRED AT AN EXPENSE OF $ 325.00 DOLLARS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE FOR HER MODEL TYPE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78000.
NHTSA ODI #10296085
39,000 miles · Dec 15, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. SHE APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BETWEEN 10-15 MPH TO LEAVE A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, UNTIL SHE EXERTED A GREAT AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TEN SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEAL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. SHE APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BETWEEN 10-15 MPH TO LEAVE A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, UNTIL SHE EXERTED A GREAT AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TEN SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10295759
89,750 miles · Dec 1, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE, MOST OF THE TIME WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE AND OTHER TIMES WHEN IT IS NOT, THE GAS PEDAL WILL BE SO STIFF THAT IT WILL BE STUCK IN THE NON- ACCELERATED POSITION. MY WIFE OR I WILL HAVE TO POUNCE DOWN ON IT A COUPLE FEW TIMES TO GET IT TO UNFREEZE AND BECOME OPERABLE AGAIN. (I'D SAY THIS HAS…
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WHILE DRIVING OUR 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE, MOST OF THE TIME WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE AND OTHER TIMES WHEN IT IS NOT, THE GAS PEDAL WILL BE SO STIFF THAT IT WILL BE STUCK IN THE NON- ACCELERATED POSITION. MY WIFE OR I WILL HAVE TO POUNCE DOWN ON IT A COUPLE FEW TIMES TO GET IT TO UNFREEZE AND BECOME OPERABLE AGAIN. (I'D SAY THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 30 TO 50 TIMES IN TOTAL SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT) TODAY, DECEMBER 1ST. 2009, MY WIFE WAS TAKING OUR DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AND THE PEDAL FROZE IN THE NON-ACCELERATED POSITION AND SHE HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO CALL ME ON HER CELL PHONE. I WAS FEELING SICK AND IN BED AT THE TIME OF HER CALL AND GOT OUT OF BED TO GO HELP HER. THE PEDAL STAYED STUCK FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES. SHE KEPT PUTTING PRESSURE ON IT, BUT IT WOULD NOT COME UNSTUCK. WHEN I GOT THERE, I PRESSED DOWN ON IT AND IT WAS RELEASED. MY WIFE KEEPS TELLING ME THIS IS DANGEROUS AND THAT WE NEED TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I HAVE FOUND RECALL INFO FOR THESE VEHICLES UP TO 2004 BUT NOT FOR 2005. WILL YOU PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO HELP US? WE ARE NOT ALONE. I FOUND A WEBSITE: WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM THAT HAS NINE SEPARATE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE VERY SAME MECHANICAL PROBLEM FOR THE VERY SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME. *TR
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.
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.
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.
2005 Mazda Tribute Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year