2006 Mazda Tribute
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 563 |
| 2002 | 384 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 157 |
| 2005 | 377 |
| 2006 | 130 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 202 |
| 2009 | 35 |
| 2010 | 39 |
| 2011 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
34% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 44 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY OF MAJOR METROPOLITAN CITY WHEN SMOKE FROM ENGINE BROUGHT VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC TO STANDSTILL. TWO FIRE TRUCKS AND POLICE RESPONDED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121003
9% of complaints: suspension — 12 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
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.
Campaign 05V525000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
2006 Mazda Tribute — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V525000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V357000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Mazda Tribute reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Mazda Tribute is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have?
3 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.