NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
377 reports147,000 miles · Jan 9, 2018
StructureSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE CORROSION ON THE A-FRAME AND REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE CORROSION ON THE A-FRAME AND REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT FRACTURED. WILKINS MAZDA (750 N YORK RD, ELMHURST, IL 60126, (630) 279-3000) WAS CONTACTED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
NHTSA ODI #11061396
126,000 miles · Jan 2, 2018
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other
OUR 2005 TRIBUTE MODEL HAS THE SAME RUSTING OUT OF THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL WELLS THAT THE 2001-2004 MODELS OF THE TRIBUTE HAVE EXPERIENCED. THOSE MODELS WERE REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL, BUT THIS YEAR'S MODEL AND FORWARD STILL HAVE THE SAME RUSTING OUT PROBLEM. DEALERS FOR MAZDA AND FORD WON'T EVEN LOOK AT THIS TO REPAIR IT.…
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OUR 2005 TRIBUTE MODEL HAS THE SAME RUSTING OUT OF THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL WELLS THAT THE 2001-2004 MODELS OF THE TRIBUTE HAVE EXPERIENCED. THOSE MODELS WERE REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL, BUT THIS YEAR'S MODEL AND FORWARD STILL HAVE THE SAME RUSTING OUT PROBLEM. DEALERS FOR MAZDA AND FORD WON'T EVEN LOOK AT THIS TO REPAIR IT. CAR IS NOW BASICALLY UNDRIVABLE. AND FROM WHAT I'VE FOUND, MAZDAWORLD.COM SAYS THAT MOST OF THESE VEHICLE WERE ACTUALLY MANUFACTURED IN 2004 BUT DATED TO 2005 MODEL YEAR. BUT AVOIDED THE 2004 RECALL BECAUSE OF THIS I CAN FIND A KIT ON EBAY TO FIX, BUT NO DEALERS WILL DO THE WORK. THERE HAVE BEEN PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS, BUT NO ACTION ON THIS KNOWN PROBLEM THAT HAS EXISTED IN PRIOR MODEL DESIGNS.
NHTSA ODI #11058157
120,000 miles · Dec 24, 2017
Structure
MOUNT SHOCK COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY RUST. I DID NOT KNOW THIS UNTIL IT BEGAN CREATING STRANGE NOISES. ITS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE LIKE THAT. ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW UNTIL IT COLLAPSED.
NHTSA ODI #11056318
120,000 miles · Dec 19, 2017
Parking BrakeService BrakesStructure
I WOULD LIKE A COMPLETE REFUND OF ALL DOLLARS SPENT IN ACQUIRING A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE VIN [XXX] ON MARCH 06, 2017 FROM CERTIFIED AUTO BROKERS LLC IN HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075, LICENSE #[XXX]. (ATTACHED BILL OF SALE) DUE TO SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION DAMAGE, THE FRAME IS LIKELY…
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I WOULD LIKE A COMPLETE REFUND OF ALL DOLLARS SPENT IN ACQUIRING A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE VIN [XXX] ON MARCH 06, 2017 FROM CERTIFIED AUTO BROKERS LLC IN HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075, LICENSE #[XXX]. (ATTACHED BILL OF SALE) DUE TO SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION DAMAGE, THE FRAME IS LIKELY TO COLLAPSE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION ENDANGERING THE SAFETY OF ITS PASSENGERS, RATHER THAN CRUSH AND ABSORB THE IMPACT AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO DO. IN ADDITION, IT IS PRONE TO SWERVE AND POSSIBLY TIP OVER OUT OF CONTROL ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT DUE TO A MISSING PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK THAT WAS NOT DISCLOSED PRIOR TO PURCHASE (PHOTOS ATTACHED). THE LEFT SIDE SHOCK IS WORN OUT AND ALSO READY TO FALL OFF AT ANY MOMENT AS WELL. BECAUSE THE FENDER WELLS ARE RUSTED THROUGH EXHAUST FUMES CAN ENTER THE PASSENGER CABIN WHICH COULD HAVE SERIOUS HEALTH CONSEQUENCES TO ITS INHABITANTS. EVIDENCE SUGGESTS AT SOME POINT THE DAMAGED AREAS WERE COVERED WITH PAINT OR UNDERCOAT IN AN ATTEMPT TO HIDE THESE DEFECTS. THE DRIVE SHAFT, THE FRAME AND THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ARE SEVERELY CORROSION DAMAGED. THE PARKING BRAKE IS INOPERATIVE DUE TO RUST AND COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN HILL WHILE PARKED. THERE IS SIGNIFICANT RUST HIDDEN UNDERNEATH THE FENDER FLARES. HAD I KEPT DRIVING THIS VEHICLE I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED AND ENDANGERED THE LIVES OF OTHERS ON THE ROAD. CERTIFIED AUTO BROKERS WAS NEGLIGENT IN REPRESENTING THIS VEHICLE AS BEING IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND SELLING IT WITH KNOWN SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES (REFER TO ATTACHED ADVERTISEMENT). SINCE THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE AS SOLD IS UNSAFE, UNFIT FOR THE ROAD AND DOES NOT FULFILL ITS IMPLIED USEFULNESS, I AM ASKING FOR A COMPLETE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE AND ALL TAXES AND REGISTRATION FEES INCURRED IN PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11055499
186,476 miles · Dec 15, 2017
Suspension
RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER RUSTED OUT, CAME APART FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH
NHTSA ODI #11054871
Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2017
Air BagsSeat BeltsVehicle Speed Control
MY REAR SEATBELTS DO NOT WORK. VEHICLE TURNS OFF WHILE ON HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE AIRBAG BUTTLE SAYS NO AIRBAGS IN CAR. THE CAR JUMPS WHEN REACHING 50 MPH
NHTSA ODI #11053386
146,500 miles · Nov 24, 2017
Structure
THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT ALMOST ALLOWING THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO BREAK FREE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. HEARD A TAPPING SOUND WHILE DRIVING THAT BECAME LOUDER. I CHECKED THE WHEEL WELL TO SEE IF ANYTHING WAS WRONG AND SAW A SMALL PIECE OF RUSTED METAL HAD BROKEN AWAY. THE TAPPING BECAME A BANGING AND THEN I…
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THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT ALMOST ALLOWING THE SHOCK ABSORBER TO BREAK FREE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. HEARD A TAPPING SOUND WHILE DRIVING THAT BECAME LOUDER. I CHECKED THE WHEEL WELL TO SEE IF ANYTHING WAS WRONG AND SAW A SMALL PIECE OF RUSTED METAL HAD BROKEN AWAY. THE TAPPING BECAME A BANGING AND THEN I FELT A SWAY. WHEN I GOT HOME I FOUND THAT THE SHOCK HAD ALMOST BROKE FREE. THE VEHICLE IS UNDRIVABLE NOW.
NHTSA ODI #11048308
175,000 miles · Nov 6, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE S (3.0L V6), ALSO KNOWN AS THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE (SAME PARTS, ASSEMBLY LINE, PCM, ETC) HAS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT CAN BE TRACKED THROUGH MANY, MANY TSBS. MAZDA/FORD USED THE INCORRECT AND FAULTY SPARK PLUGS IN THEIR 2005 TRIBUTES AND ESCAPES. THESE PLUGS GENERATE TOO MUCH RF NOISE AND THEIR FAULTY COIL-ON-PLUG …
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THE 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE S (3.0L V6), ALSO KNOWN AS THE 2005 FORD ESCAPE (SAME PARTS, ASSEMBLY LINE, PCM, ETC) HAS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT CAN BE TRACKED THROUGH MANY, MANY TSBS. MAZDA/FORD USED THE INCORRECT AND FAULTY SPARK PLUGS IN THEIR 2005 TRIBUTES AND ESCAPES. THESE PLUGS GENERATE TOO MUCH RF NOISE AND THEIR FAULTY COIL-ON-PLUG DESIGNED IGNITION SYSTEM DOES NOT PROVIDE ANYWHERE NEAR ENOUGH SUPPRESSION FOR THE EXCESSIVE RF NOISE. THESE ISSUES COMBINES CAUSE THE PCM TO LITERALLY FRY OUT AND BURN AND CRACK THE IGNITION COILS AT THE SAME TIME. DUE TO MAZDA AND FORD'S TOTAL LACK OF SAFETY CONCERN OR ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE, THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF TRIBUTES AND ESCAPES HAVE ENGINE MISFIRING ISSUES (ROUGH IDLES, ENGINE KNOCKS, EVENTUAL COIL FAILURE) THAT GO UNDIAGNOSED AND CAUSES UNBURNED FUEL TO PUSH THROUGH THE TOP CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WHICH IN TURN DAMAGES THEM AS WELL. AGAIN, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, SEEN IN MANY TSBS THAT MAZDA AND FORD WILL NOT ADDRESS. RESULTS ASIDE FROM EXTREME DAMAGE TO THE MOST CORE COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDE ENGINE MISFIRING AND CAR SHUTTING DOWN COMPLETELY MID-DRIVE (WE'RE TALKING 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY). THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT THEY WILL NOT ADDRESS AND IS SEEN IN MOST IF NOT ALL 2005 TRIBUTES AND ESCAPES, TYPICALLY AROUND THE 90K MILE MARK. NHTSA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS AS THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER. MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS BURNED THROUGH 6 IGNITION COILS AND SPARK PLUGS, DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING SEVERAL TIMES, MISFIRES FREQUENTLY AND AT RANDOM AND FINALLY THE ISSUE HAS FRIED MY PCM, WHICH IN TURN TOOK OUT ALL 6 IGNITION COILS AT THE SAME TIME. THANKFULLY, I WAS PARKED WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURRED THIS TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11043614
100,621 miles · Nov 1, 2017
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AT ANY SPEED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ADJUST THE SPEED CABLE IN ORDER TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AT ANY SPEED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ADJUST THE SPEED CABLE IN ORDER TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT DUE TO THE ENGINE SIZE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,621.
NHTSA ODI #11041946
142,000 miles · Oct 26, 2017
StructureSuspension
PASSENGER REAR WHEEL WELL COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH LEADING TO FAILURE OF THE SHOCK MOUNT. SHOCK ENTERING THE VEHICLE CARGO AREA THROUGH THE BODY.
NHTSA ODI #11040084
Official recalls
3Jul 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.
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.
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 ↗