AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES
2006 Mazda Tribute
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2006 Mazda Tribute do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 143.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tribute years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
107 reports with mileage · 23 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.
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
130 reportsDOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON EVEN THOUGH ALL DOORS ARE FIRMLY CLOSED. WARNING ALARM (DING) COMES ON RANDOMLY ALONG WITH INTERIOR DOME LIGHT AND WON'T SHUT OFF. ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED BUT LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF RANDOMLY AND CONSTANTLY DRAINING THE BATTERY. ALSO JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE SMART JUNCTION BOX BECAUSE THE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON NO…
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DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON EVEN THOUGH ALL DOORS ARE FIRMLY CLOSED. WARNING ALARM (DING) COMES ON RANDOMLY ALONG WITH INTERIOR DOME LIGHT AND WON'T SHUT OFF. ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED BUT LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF RANDOMLY AND CONSTANTLY DRAINING THE BATTERY. ALSO JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE SMART JUNCTION BOX BECAUSE THE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON NO LONGER WORKED ON ANY OF THE DOORS OR KEY FOB SO I COULD NO LONGER OPEN THE BACK HATCH.
FOSTER LAW OFFICES AND ATTORNEY [XXX] REPRESENT [XXX] IN CONNECTION WITH HIS DEATH ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 1, 2016 IN KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII. [XXX] WAS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER OF A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE DRIVEN BY [XXX], WHO ALSO DIED IN THE ACCIDENT. THIS COMPLAINT IS BASED ON RECALL #6812G ("RECALL"). BASED ON A DOCUMENT ENTITLED "M…
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FOSTER LAW OFFICES AND ATTORNEY [XXX] REPRESENT [XXX] IN CONNECTION WITH HIS DEATH ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 1, 2016 IN KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII. [XXX] WAS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER OF A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE DRIVEN BY [XXX], WHO ALSO DIED IN THE ACCIDENT. THIS COMPLAINT IS BASED ON RECALL #6812G ("RECALL"). BASED ON A DOCUMENT ENTITLED "MAZDA NORTH AMERICA OPERATIONS WARRANTY VEHICLE INQUIRY REPORT" ("INQUIRY REPORT"), TWO SEPARATE REPAIRS WERE MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THE RECALL. ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 1, 2013, THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP INSTALLED PART NUMBER 1F0110218 ("FIRST REPAIR"). ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 25, 2013, THE SAME MAZDA DEALERSHIP INSTALLED A SECOND PART - PART NUMBER 1F0310218 ("SECOND REPAIR"). IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE DEALERSHIP REMOVED PART NUMBER 1F0110218 AS PART OF THE SECOND PART INSTALLATION. THE FIRST REPAIR WAS "PAID" BY MAZDA. THE SECOND REPAIR WAS "DENIED" PAYMENT BY MAZDA. THE INQUIRY REPORT IS ATTACHED. UPON INFORMATION AND BELIEF, THE FOLLOWING OCCURRED ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 1, 2016: A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE ("TRIBUTE") VIN # [XXX], DRIVEN BY [XXX] WAS TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON HIGHWAY 190 IN KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII AT APPROXIMATELY 12:30 P.M ON DECEMBER 1, 2016. [XXX], WAS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER IN THE TRIBUTE. THE TRIBUTE COLLIDED HEAD-ON WITH A DUMP TRUCK TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON 190. BOTH [XXX] WERE DECLARED DECEASED UPON ARRIVAL TO KONA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL. MINUTES BEFORE THE SUBJECT HEAD-ON COLLISION, THE HAWAII ISLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A CALL FROM A DRIVER COMPLAINING THAT THE TRIBUTE WAS DRIVING IRREGULARLY. THE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT DIVISION OF THE HAWAII ISLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT IS INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT. OFFICER [XXX] IS THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL LOUD BANGING SOUND COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER FENDER HAD ROTTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE NEEDED BODY WORK TO REPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL LOUD BANGING SOUND COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER FENDER HAD ROTTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE NEEDED BODY WORK TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,500.
GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK DURING DRIVING.
WHEEL WELL ON RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE MADE A RATTLING NOISE. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND THE SHOCK MOUNT WERE EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
MY ACCELERATOR HAS STUCK ON MANY OCCASIONS IN THIS VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING, ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS TIMES ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT, BUT IT DOES CAUSE PROBLEMS AND COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE IS TEN YEARS OLD, BUT THE MILEAGE IS ONLY 75,500. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD ABNORMAL NOISES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE WELDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD ABNORMAL NOISES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE WELDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 07/19/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SO BADLY RUSTED, THE BODY OF THE TRUCK CAME OFF THE FRAME. UPDATED 07/19/16.*JB
I HEARD A BANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS BANGING AROUND, I COULD ACTUALLY SEE THE BED LINING OF THE VEHICLE SCARY WHEN YOUR DRIVING AROUND A 3 YEAR OLD! I BROUGHT TO A FRAME SHOP AND WAS QUOTED $2500…
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I HEARD A BANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE WHEEL WELL HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS BANGING AROUND, I COULD ACTUALLY SEE THE BED LINING OF THE VEHICLE SCARY WHEN YOUR DRIVING AROUND A 3 YEAR OLD! I BROUGHT TO A FRAME SHOP AND WAS QUOTED $2500 FOR REPAIR AND BASICALLY TOLD TO SCRAP THE VEHICLE (VERY DISCONCERTING WHEN THERE ARE ONLY 140,000 MILES ON IT),. AFTER RESEARCHING IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE AND I AM HOPING THAT IT IS ADDRESSED WITH A RECALL. I DID END UP FINDING AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS FOR $800 WHO TOLD ME HE IS SEEING MANY DRIVERS WITH THIS EXACT ISSUE WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. AFTER TAKING THE BACK END OFF HE SAID THAT THE OTHER SIDE IS ABOUT TO GO AS WELL. I AM NOW STUCK IN AN ETHICAL DILEMMA DO I SELL TO ANOTHER PARTY TO GET MY MONEY BACK ON A DOWN PAYMENT FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE OR DO I JUNK THIS VEHICLE THAT IS UNSAFE AND TAKE THE LOSS SO THAT THIS DOESN'T BECOME SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME WITH THIS ISSUE! *TR
Official recalls
212V357000 · 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.
05V525000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
Nov 17, 2005
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TEETH TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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