VehicleVerdict

2006 Mazda Tribute problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2006 Mazda Tribute sits mid-pack among Tribute years: 181 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 206, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Speed Control leads the complaint categories with 50 reports (28% of the total).

181

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Tribute years?

Tribute NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 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, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tribute years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Mazda Tribute problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control5028%
Engine2112%
Fuel System1810%
Body & Structure148%
Transmission148%
Suspension127%
Brakes127%
Electrical System116%
Tires & Wheels95%
Airbags63%
Other53%
Seat Belts32%
Steering32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have recalls?

3 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.

05V525000Visibility & WipersNovember 17, 2005 · 3,982 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE ENGINE RPMS SUDDENLY INCREASED BEFORE THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A BRICK BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 19, 2014 · crash

“I WAS UNABLE TO STOP MY VEHICLE IN TIME TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER CAR. IT FELT TO ME THAT I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS RACING. I APPLIED THE BRAKES HARD BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. THE TRAFFIC LIGHT HAD JUST CHANGED AND I WAS ACCELERATING TO GO THROUGH THE LIGHT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 21, 2014 · crash

“ON 2/10/11 MY SON WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH OUR 2006 MADZA TRIBUTE. THE GAS PEDAL WOULD STICK EVERY NOW AND THEN, AND THE ONLY WAY TO RELEASE IT WAS TO PUSH DOWN ON IT WITH YOU FOOT AND IT WOULD RESUME. UNFORTUNTLY, HE WAS DRIVING ON THE I-5 FREEWAY NEAR GRANTS PASS, OREGON WHEN IT STUCK AND HE LOST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 10, 2011 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 9, 2016

“NEEDED AN OVERHAUL OF THE TRANSMISSION. INTERNAL DAMAGE WAS DONE YET THE CAR ISN'T OLD. THE MECHANICS SAID THEY HAD A TRIBUTE 2006 WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE, AND THEN ANOTHER SHOP NEXT CITY OVER HAD AGAIN ANOTHER TRIBUTE SAME ISSUE. WHEN I'D DRIVE IT WOULD NO LONGER STAY IN GEAR UNTIL I TURNED IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 11, 2011

2006 Mazda Tribute — common questions

Is the 2006 Mazda Tribute reliable?

It is close to typical for the Tribute: 181 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 Tribute problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (50 complaints), engine (21 complaints), fuel system (18 complaints).

Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 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.