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
157,000 miles · Sep 29, 2017
StructureWheels
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL BANGING/CLACKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (KINGS FORD INC., 9555 KINGS AUTO MALL RD, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45249) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL BANGING/CLACKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (KINGS FORD INC., 9555 KINGS AUTO MALL RD, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45249) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL WELL ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
NHTSA ODI #11030567
100,000 miles · Sep 25, 2017
Suspension
REAR SHOCK TOWERS EXCESSIVE RUST.
NHTSA ODI #11025408
187,000 miles · Sep 21, 2017
Electrical SystemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT'S WIFE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FIRE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. T…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT'S WIFE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FIRE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 187,000.
NHTSA ODI #11024794
140,000 miles · Aug 30, 2017
Suspension
PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL INCLUDING STRUT FOR TOP OF SHOCK ABSORBER RUSTED CAUSING A DANGEROUS CONDITION. IN THE 10 YRS I OWNED THIS CAR, NO IMPENDING FAILURE OF THAT AREA WAS DETECTED IN ALL ANNUAL AND OTHER INSPECTIONS.WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRUCK TRAFFIC ON I87 (PA) I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION, SMELLED BURNING RUBBER, AND TEMPOR…
Read full complaint
PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL INCLUDING STRUT FOR TOP OF SHOCK ABSORBER RUSTED CAUSING A DANGEROUS CONDITION. IN THE 10 YRS I OWNED THIS CAR, NO IMPENDING FAILURE OF THAT AREA WAS DETECTED IN ALL ANNUAL AND OTHER INSPECTIONS.WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRUCK TRAFFIC ON I87 (PA) I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION, SMELLED BURNING RUBBER, AND TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, EXAMINED THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE AND BEND PIECES OF METAL THAT WERE RUBBING ON THE TIRE. THIS IS APPARENTLY A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TRIBUTES AND FORD ESCAPES (2001-?) AND HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THOSE COMPANIES MULTIPLE TIMES. I WAS ABLE TO CAUTIOUSLY PROCEED DRIVING WITH VEHICLE TO MY DESTINATION. THE CAR IS UNSTABLE WHILE MAKING TURNS, ESPECIALLY IF THE ROAD CAUSES THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TO BOUNCE. NONE OF THE RECALL NOTICES I RECEIVED SINCE BUYING THIS CAR IN 2007 HAVE EVER MENTIONED RIGHT REAR RUST PROBLEMS. IF I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS IMPENDING DANGEROUS CONDITION I WOULD HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO PREVENT IT. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE MAZDA AND FORD DO THE RIGHT THING TO CORRECT THE OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN 2001-PRESENT (?) TRIBUTES AND ESCAPES?
NHTSA ODI #11020572
180,000 miles · Aug 28, 2017
StructureSuspension
RIGHT (PASSENGER) REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT SO THAT SHOCK IS EXPOSED AND UNATTACHED. SUSPENSION AFFECTED TO THE EXTENT THAT CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA ODI #11020164
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2017
Structure
THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND CRACKING. AS THE BODY SHOP OWNER EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THE TRIBUTES. I THEN LOOKED ONLINE TO FIND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ON
NHTSA ODI #11015107
Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2017
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat Belts
SEAT BELT IS STICKING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO UNBUCKLE. ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT,LEARNED THAT TAJATA HAD A RECALL ON 2005 MAZDAS AND NEED TO KNOW IF MY 2005 TRIBUTE SERIES S IS EFFECTED. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL MAY HAVE ACCELERATION PROPULSION GETTING STUCK. NEED ANY DOCUMENTATION YOUR AGENCY HAS SENT SNAIL MAIL TO…
Read full complaint
SEAT BELT IS STICKING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO UNBUCKLE. ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT,LEARNED THAT TAJATA HAD A RECALL ON 2005 MAZDAS AND NEED TO KNOW IF MY 2005 TRIBUTE SERIES S IS EFFECTED. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL MAY HAVE ACCELERATION PROPULSION GETTING STUCK. NEED ANY DOCUMENTATION YOUR AGENCY HAS SENT SNAIL MAIL TO [XXX] ,[XXX] PHONE [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
NHTSA ODI #11005960
60,000 miles · Jul 14, 2017
Suspension
ON JULY 12, 2017 WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK I NOTICED SEVERAL LOUD THUMPS COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY CAR. I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION TO SEE WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM AND NOTICED THAT MY RIGHT WEAR WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED OUT. I WALKED OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE AND NOTICED NO EROSION OR RUST. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE TO A NEAR BO…
Read full complaint
ON JULY 12, 2017 WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK I NOTICED SEVERAL LOUD THUMPS COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY CAR. I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION TO SEE WHERE THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM AND NOTICED THAT MY RIGHT WEAR WHEEL WELL HAD RUSTED OUT. I WALKED OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE AND NOTICED NO EROSION OR RUST. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE TO A NEAR BODY SHOP AND THE TOTAL TO REPLACE THIS WOULD BE OVER $2,000. I ALSO SEARCHED ON THE WEB AND FOUND A WEBSITE CALLED ABOUTAUTOMOBLE.COM WHO HAD A LIST OF 51 OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS AS MINE.
NHTSA ODI #11005400
60,000 miles · Jul 14, 2017
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CHECKED AND FOND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (OAKLAWN MAZDA IN OAKLAWN, ILLINOIS) WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CHECKED AND FOND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL WAS RUSTED OUT. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (OAKLAWN MAZDA IN OAKLAWN, ILLINOIS) WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA ODI #11005396
140,000 miles · Jul 14, 2017
Suspension
RUSTED THROUGH BODY BACK RIGHT WHEEL CAUSING SHOCK TO PUSH THROUGH INSIDE OF CAR.
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