VehicleVerdict

2005 Mazda Tribute problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 542 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Tribute year — the 2005 model ranks #2 of 12 Tribute years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 137 reports (25% of the total).

542

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Tribute years?

Tribute NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted734 complaints2000: 6 complaints2001: 734 complaints2002: 502 complaints2003: 266 complaints2004: 232 complaints2005: 542 complaints2006: 181 complaints2007: 6 complaints2008: 251 complaints2009: 46 complaints2010: 57 complaints2011: 8 complaints
Tribute NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tribute years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Mazda Tribute problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension13725%
Body & Structure12623%
Speed Control8516%
Brakes265%
Engine255%
Transmission255%
Tires & Wheels255%
Electrical System234%
Other224%
Fuel System204%
Airbags112%
Seat Belts41%
Seats41%
Lighting31%
Steering20%
Child Seat20%
Visibility & Wipers20%

Does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15E045000SuspensionJune 3, 2015 · 576 units

Defect

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Consequence

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

12V357000Speed ControlJuly 27, 2012 · 217,500 units

Defect

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.

06V116000SeatsApril 12, 2006 · 23,100 units

Defect

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

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.

04V605000Latches & LocksDecember 23, 2004 · 49,800 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“RIGHT REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ENOUGH TO CAUSE BRAKE AND SHOCK ISSUES CAUSING A PERFECTLY GOOD VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. THE SHOCK AND BRAKE LINE BROKE AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 5, 2021 · crash

“RIGHT REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ENOUGH TO CAUSE BRAKE AND SHOCK ISSUES CAUSING A PERFECTLY GOOD VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. THE SHOCK AND BRAKE LINE BROKE AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 5, 2021 · crash

“I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT BEHIND A CAR AND WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF OUT OF CONTROL AND SMASHED INTO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. THE CAR WAS RACING AND I BELIEVE THE GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK. I JUST WANTED TO ADD THAT MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS OF NO HELP TO ME. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 30, 2009 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AS, A RESULT THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 3, 2020 · crash

“THROTTLE FREEZE UP. COULD NOT ACCELERATE OUT OF PATH OF ON COMING VEHICLE WHICH CRASHED INTO MY LEFT FRONT FENDER. THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN ON GOING FOR YEARS NOW AND WHEN I APPROACHED THE DEALER ABOUT IT I WAS TOLD TO WAIT FOR RECALL LETTER WHICH NEVER CAME. CONTACTED MAZDA AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 27, 2012 · crash

2005 Mazda Tribute — common questions

Is the 2005 Mazda Tribute reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 542 complaints put the 2005 model at #2 of 12 Tribute years. It is one of the Tribute years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Tribute problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (137 complaints), body & structure (126 complaints), speed control (85 complaints).

Does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Mazda Tribute. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda Tribute years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tribute years to avoid are 2001, 2005, 2002. The cleanest record among Tribute years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.