2005 Mazda Tribute recalls and problems

The 2005 Mazda Tribute has 3 safety recalls and 377 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
377
Crashes / fires
16 / 4
Injuries / deaths
13 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Mazda Tribute vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Mazda Tribute recalls

Recall 12V-357: Vehicle Speed Control, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jul 27, 2012 · 217,500 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 06V-116: Seats

Reported Apr 12, 2006 · 23,100 vehicles affected · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants may occur.

Fix: 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.

Recall 04V-605: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Dec 23, 2004 · 49,800 vehicles affected · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.

Fix: 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.

2005 Mazda Tribute problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension137
Structure126
Vehicle Speed Control85
Power Train25
Wheels23
Engine23
Unknown or Other19
Electrical System19
Service Brakes, Hydraulic13
Fuel System, Gasoline13
Air Bags11
Service Brakes11

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 107
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 10
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 5
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 5
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 3
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 101,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Mazda Tribute complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Apr 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 · reported Jan 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…
Unknown or Other · reported Jan 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 · reported Oct 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 · reported Sep 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

Other Mazda Tribute years

Compare all Mazda Tribute years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Mazda Tribute: 12V-357 (vehicle speed control, engine and engine cooling), 06V-116 (seats), 04V-605 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mazda Tribute?

Owners report suspension problems most often (137 reports), followed by structure (126). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 101,000 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.