MYRModel Year Report

2005 Mazda Tribute

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2005 Mazda Tribute
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
377
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Suspension

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 563 complaints 2002: 384 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 157 complaints 2005: 377 complaints 2005 377 2006: 130 complaints 2007: 4 complaints 2008: 202 complaints 2008 2009: 35 complaints 2010: 39 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints
2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 563 complaints 2001 2002: 384 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2003 2004: 157 complaints 2004 2005: 377 complaints 2005 377 2006: 130 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 202 complaints 2008 2009: 35 complaints 2009 2010: 39 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints 2011
2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 563 complaints 2001 2002: 384 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2003 2004: 157 complaints 2004 2005: 377 complaints 2005 377 2006: 130 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 202 complaints 2008 2009: 35 complaints 2009 2010: 39 complaints 2010 2011: 7 complaints 2011

2005: 377 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20005
2001563
2002384
2003199
2004157
2005377
2006130
20074
2008202
200935
201039
20117

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

36% · 137 reports

Most commonly citing front and rear.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Passenger rear shock mount toatly rusted through. A big hole!

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-21

Also filed under Structure

Structure

33% · 126 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

23% · 85 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

7% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.

CRASH

Service brakes

7% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-03

I purchased the car new in 2004. I have been complaining about the brakes losing pressure since I purchased my car but the dealership always told me they were fine. I have always had to push my brakes to the floor to stop the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-07

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2005Complaint volume 377 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2005-03-31Latches/locks/linkages04V605000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2006-05-31Seats06V116000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2012-09-13Engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control12V357000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2015-05-20Suspension15E045000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Mazda Tribute — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 137 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 126 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 85 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V605000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 06V116000 · Seats
  • Recall 12V357000 · Engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control
  • Recall 15E045000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Mazda Tribute reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Mazda Tribute is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mazda Tribute?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.