MYRModel Year Report

2005 Mazda Tribute

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2005 Mazda Tribute
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mazda Tribute Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2005 highlighted. 2000: 5 complaints 2000 2001: 563 complaints 2002: 384 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 157 complaints 2004 2005: 377 complaints 2005 2006: 130 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2008: 202 complaints 2008 2009: 35 complaints 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

SUSPENSION 36%

36% of complaints: suspension — 134 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20240721

STRUCTURE 28%

28% of complaints: structure — 107 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20240721

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 20%

20% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 75 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE 6%

6% of complaints: engine — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE WAS NOTICED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, BUT THE PASSENGER ADVISED HER TO RESTART THE ENGINE TO SEE FROM WHERE THE SMOKE WAS ORIGINATING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180423

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE BEGAN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120815

WHEELS 6%

6% of complaints: wheels — 21 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2005 — complaint volume: 377
R 20050331 — latches/locks/linkages

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 FE

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-

Campaign 04V605000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20060531 — seats

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

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-

Campaign 06V116000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20120913 — engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control

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 contro

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

Campaign 12V357000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20150520 — suspension

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.

Campaign 15E045000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2005 Mazda Tribute — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (134 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (107 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (75 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V605000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06V116000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 12V357000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2010 ▲ 2006

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2002 ● 2008

See all years ranked →

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.