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
136,000 miles · Jan 18, 2019
StructureSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SUBFRAME AND SHOCK MOUNT WERE EXTREMELY CORRODED. HALBINSEL VOLKSWAGEN MAZDA (LOCATED AT 200 N 30TH ST, ESCANABA, MI 49829, (906) 789-9650) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SUBFRAME AND SHOCK MOUNT WERE EXTREMELY CORRODED. HALBINSEL VOLKSWAGEN MAZDA (LOCATED AT 200 N 30TH ST, ESCANABA, MI 49829, (906) 789-9650) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
NHTSA ODI #11170713
175,000 miles · Dec 10, 2018
StructureSuspension
THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WHEN COMPARED TO THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS YOU CAN SEE THE WHITE FOAM THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. THERE IS ALSO A PLASTIC PIECE MISSING DUE TO THE SCREWS LOOSING THEIR HOLD. THE CAR MAKES A NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING BOUNCING AROUND IN …
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THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WHEN COMPARED TO THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS YOU CAN SEE THE WHITE FOAM THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. THERE IS ALSO A PLASTIC PIECE MISSING DUE TO THE SCREWS LOOSING THEIR HOLD. THE CAR MAKES A NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING BOUNCING AROUND IN THE BACK WHEN IN REALITY IT IS THE SUSPENSION.
NHTSA ODI #11157228
121,000 miles · Nov 5, 2018
Suspension
THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT. ALL OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS LOOK FINE. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS NEW. 2000-2004 IS COVERED IN A RECALL. WHY IS 2005 NOT COVERED? LOOKING ONLINE IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 AND FOR SOME REASON AN UNSAFE 2005 TRIBUTES SEEMS TO HAVE MADE IT PA…
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THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT. ALL OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS LOOK FINE. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS NEW. 2000-2004 IS COVERED IN A RECALL. WHY IS 2005 NOT COVERED? LOOKING ONLINE IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 AND FOR SOME REASON AN UNSAFE 2005 TRIBUTES SEEMS TO HAVE MADE IT PAST BEING COVERED
NHTSA ODI #11149459
200,000 miles · Nov 4, 2018
Suspension
RIGHT REAR STARTING MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND, INVESTIGATED AND FOUND SHOCK TOWER MOUNT WAS RUSTED OUT, AND BANGING INTO THE INNER BODY OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE. BANGING HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11145185
110,000 miles · Oct 24, 2018
Suspension
PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL SEVERELY RUSTED, SHOCK/STRUT DETACHED FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. LOUD THUMPING/BANGING NOISE COMING FROM REAR WHEEL. TOOK TO MECHANIC TO HAVE INSPECTED, DEEMED UNSAFE TO OPERATE ON ANY ROADWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11142501
121,770 miles · Oct 22, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat Belts
TAKATA RECALL MY SEAT BELTS DO NOT TIGHTEN AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FIXED BUT IS NOW ON AGAIN I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT MY AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WILL PROBABLY NOT WORK PROPERLY AND MY LOCKS ARE ALSO NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I PAID $300 THE FIRST TIME TO FIX THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. IT WAS ONLY FIXED FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS AN…
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TAKATA RECALL MY SEAT BELTS DO NOT TIGHTEN AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FIXED BUT IS NOW ON AGAIN I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT MY AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WILL PROBABLY NOT WORK PROPERLY AND MY LOCKS ARE ALSO NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I PAID $300 THE FIRST TIME TO FIX THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. IT WAS ONLY FIXED FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS AND NOW THE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN AND I HAVE TO KEEP CHILDREN OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK SEAT BECAUSE THAT SEAT BELT DOES NOT TENSION PROPERLY
NHTSA ODI #11141733
109,000 miles · Oct 19, 2018
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS CLEANING OUT THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.
NHTSA ODI #11141493
124,000 miles · Sep 18, 2018
Air BagsCrashInjury
MAZDA TBONED. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FRONT AND SIDE DID NOT GO OFF. PASSENGER RECEIVED MAJOR INJURY TO BODY. THE LACK OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYING HAD HER HEAD HITTING DASH BOARD PLUS FLYING GLASS. VEHICLE WAS CROSSING STREET. LOW MOTION WHEN OTHER VEHICLE RAN INTO PASSENGER SIDE. DRIVERS AIRBAG WORKED NOT THE 2 ON PASSENGER SIDE.
NHTSA ODI #11130288
5 miles · Sep 13, 2018
StructureWheels
THE REAR WHEEL WELL IS EXTREMELY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF THE SHOCK BEING LOOSE. THEIR IS A RECALL FOR 01-04 BUT DOESN'T APPEAR TO OFFER SAME RECALL ALTHOUGH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH SAME ISSUE. MY WIFE RECENTLY NOTICED CAR MADE A LOT OF NOISE LATELY FROM REAR WHEEL. WHEN I INVESTIGATED IT, I NOTICED LARGE RUST I…
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THE REAR WHEEL WELL IS EXTREMELY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF THE SHOCK BEING LOOSE. THEIR IS A RECALL FOR 01-04 BUT DOESN'T APPEAR TO OFFER SAME RECALL ALTHOUGH NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH SAME ISSUE. MY WIFE RECENTLY NOTICED CAR MADE A LOT OF NOISE LATELY FROM REAR WHEEL. WHEN I INVESTIGATED IT, I NOTICED LARGE RUST ISSUES ALL OVER REAR WHEEL AREA AND SHOCK BARELY HOLDING TO FRAME. MY WIFE'S CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED ALL ITS LIFE. WE BOUGHT IT NEW OFF THE SHOW ROOM. DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO HAVE SO MUCH RUST AND NOW A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. UNDERCARRIAGE WAS EVEN CLEANED THROUGHOUT WINTER MONTHS. WE CAN'T DRIVE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT MIGHT FALL APART ON ROAD AND THE CAR COULD LOSE CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI #11129436
83,000 miles · Sep 12, 2018
Structure
MY MECHANIC NOTICED THE SHOCK SUPPORT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS BADLY RUSTED AND SAID THE SHOCK COULD RUST COMPLETELY THROUGH AND ENTER THE REAR OF THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING. THEY SEE IT ALL THE TIME IN MAZDA AND FORD ESCAPES AND IT WOULD COST MORE TO REPAIR THAN THE…
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MY MECHANIC NOTICED THE SHOCK SUPPORT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS BADLY RUSTED AND SAID THE SHOCK COULD RUST COMPLETELY THROUGH AND ENTER THE REAR OF THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING. THEY SEE IT ALL THE TIME IN MAZDA AND FORD ESCAPES AND IT WOULD COST MORE TO REPAIR THAN THE VEHICLE IS WORTH. BASICALLY THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR AND COULD POTENTIALLY BE VERY DANGEROUS TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE CAR AND HAVE THE SHOCK RUST COMPLETELY OFF.
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
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