NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Mazda Tribute Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2005 Mazda Tribute has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 377 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mazda dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Mazda Tribute, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2005 Mazda Tribute owner complaints

Owners have filed 377 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Mazda Tribute, describing incidents dated June 12, 2004 to July 21, 2024.

Most-cited components

Suspension 137 complaints
Structure 126 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 85 complaints
Engine 25 complaints
Service Brakes 25 complaints
Power Train 24 complaints

Of the 377 complaints on file, 16 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 377 complaints, owners report 13 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11603615 · Filed July 21, 2024
Passenger rear shock mount toatly rusted through. A big hole!
ODI #11534298 · Filed July 25, 2023
Rear passenger shock mount rusted out completely
ODI #11518499 · Filed April 23, 2023
The rear wheel well was completely rusted out while the other side is fine. The shock broke loose causing the vehicle to drop down. I have a 17 year old that is not an experienced driver and this could have resulted in her getting seriously hurt. From what I read they recalled the vehicle to to 2004…

Read all 377 complaints

Owner-reported

2005 Mazda Tribute mileage at failure

306 of the 377 complaints on file for the 2005 Mazda Tribute give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Suspension	Median 125,000 miles	Middle half 100,000–140,000 miles	Based on 119 complaints
Structure	Median 125,000 miles	Middle half 100,000–150,000 miles	Based on 107 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–100,000 miles	Based on 70 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

Front Wheel Bearing has Wrong Dimensions

NHTSA #15E045000 · Suspension — Front — Wheel Bearing · NHTSA notice

Reported June 3, 2015 · Timken Company

Potentially affected: 576 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.24% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 20, 2015

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Speed Control Cable Connector Interference

NHTSA #12V357000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported July 27, 2012 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Potentially affected: 217,500 vehicles

Mazda campaign 6812G · Owners notified September 13, 2012 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Mazda's recall campaign number is 6812G.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

FMVSS 201/UPPER INTERIOR HEAD IMPACT

NHTSA #06V116000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Head Restraint · NHTSA notice

Reported April 12, 2006 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Potentially affected: 23,100 vehicles

Mazda campaign 4006D · Owners notified May 31, 2006 · Vehicles built through March 31, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MAZDA RECALL NO. 4006D.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

MAZDA/FMVSS 206/LIFTGATE LATCH

NHTSA #04V605000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hatchback/Liftgate — Lock · NHTSA notice

Reported December 23, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Potentially affected: 49,800 vehicles

Mazda campaign 2804L · Owners notified March 31, 2005 · Vehicles built June 6, 2003 – July 30, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

MAZDA RECALL NO. 2804L. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.

2005 Mazda Tribute (Early Release) 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

21% rollover risk

Safety Technology

2005 Mazda Tribute (Later Release) 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

377 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Mazda Tribute.

Suspension; Structure

ODI #11603615

Incident: July 21, 2024 · Filed: July 21, 2024

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

Suspension

ODI #11534298

Incident: July 9, 2023 · Filed: July 25, 2023

Rear passenger shock mount rusted out completely

Structure

ODI #11518499

Incident: April 20, 2023 · Filed: April 23, 2023

The rear wheel well was completely rusted out while the other side is fine. The shock broke loose causing the vehicle to drop down. I have a 17 year old that is not an experienced driver and this could have resulted in her getting seriously hurt. From what I read they recalled the vehicle to to 2004 and I don’t understand why they did not recall this one. They should have and this is a serious safety issue. Does someone have to die before they see that this needs to be fixed?

Structure

ODI #11446098

Incident: December 30, 2021 · Filed: January 4, 2022

owned since day one, bought brand new, religiously maintained, perfect shape other than completely rusted wheel house back left passenger side. Shock went through rusted area all the way to trunk. Mazda recalled models 2003 to 2004 for this problem yet so many 2005 Mazda Tribute owners are having exact problem especially when manufactured in 2004! This is serious and I had my granddaughter with me when this happened and yet Mazda wants to do nothing about it when it’s a serious hazard and ongoing problem with the 2005’s. It is always the back passenger side with this problem! I have no money to purchase a car and now my lifeline to support my family is broke!

Unknown or Other

ODI #11445860

Incident: January 2, 2022 · Filed: January 2, 2022

The passenger side rear wheel well has rusted out and the brake mount is deteriorating as well affecting the safety of the vehicle. I have been told that this is a common issue on Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape models for the years 2001-2005 by my mechanic as well as Mazda dealer reps. They stated the 2001-2004 models were recalled but not the 2005. However, t hey mentioned that these should likely have been recalled as well. One would think that if you take care of your car that the components of the frame should not rust out.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11435888

Incident: March 5, 2018 · Filed: October 7, 2021

I have found several complaints on the 2005 Mazda Tribute with the rear wheel well rusting out. Mazda did a recall on the 2004 but not the 2005. I previously had to replace the rear wheel in 2018 and it now needs replaced again due to rusting. With the number of complaints I have read, along with the outrageous cost to repair, I do not understand why Mazda, nor the NHTSA have done anything about this. A recall NEEDS to be issued ASAP.

Suspension

ODI #11433399

Incident: September 17, 2021 · Filed: September 17, 2021

The wheel well rusted out, completely leaving the shock tower and stability of the car at risk, rusted out completely, I'm a light backyard mechanic and I've seen the Ford do the same . The repair is almost the value of the car, and unless you trust them your basically buying a new vehicle, because while you're there may change the set of shock's and absorber that's about 700. To include. This car had a rumor of being as good as the Everlasting Santa Fe, and Toyota 4runner. Vehicle is in pristine shape aside from the fatal rust.. recall recall recall recall

Suspension; Structure; Unknown or Other

ODI #11415738

Incident: May 8, 2021 · Filed: May 9, 2021

AS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER MAZDA TRUBUTES, THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE STRUT IS NO LONGER HELD IN PLACE, YET PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE THAT REQUIRED A RECALL FOR OTHER MAZDA TRIBUTES, BUT NOT THE 2005 VERSION. ACCORDING TO MANY FORUMS, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER 05 TRIBUTES.

Structure

ODI #11413086

Incident: April 19, 2021 · Filed: April 20, 2021

RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK BROKE THROUGH AND INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. SEVER RUST ON RIGHT SIDE OF FRONT SUB FRAME AS WELL. I CAME ACROSS THIS PERFORMING GENERAL MAINTENANCE.

Suspension; Structure; Wheels

ODI #11394906

Crash

Incident: February 5, 2021 · Filed: February 5, 2021

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.

Other Mazda Tribute model years

Check your 2005 Mazda Tribute VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mazda Tribute at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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