KnownCarProblems2005 Mazda Tribute Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 377 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Mazda Tribute, most often about the suspension (36% of complaints, typically around 124,500 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Tribute model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2005 Mazda Tribute problems
Suspension
137 complaints · 36%Half of these problems showed up before 124,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
The right rear wheel well is completely rusted out causing there to be no connection between the body and the rear shocks. Left rear wheel well is starting to rust. No other rust on the car other than the wheel wells. Estimate from the shop is over $4000. Only 9 years old and 125,000 miles on vehicle.
The right back side by the tired the chassis is all rust it and the shock is loose I can move it with my hands and the left side is about to get like the other side.
Body and structure
126 complaints · 33%Half of these problems showed up before 125,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The right rear wheel well is completely rusted out causing there to be no connection between the body and the rear shocks. Left rear wheel well is starting to rust. No other rust on the car other than the wheel wells. Estimate from the shop is over $4000. Only 9 years old and 125,000 miles on vehicle.
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the passenger side rear wheel weld was rusted and as a result, the struts fractured from the frame. The dealer was notified of the problem. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was…
Speed control
85 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
My accelerator gets stuck frequently. This is dangerous and there is no way this could be my fault. It has gotten stuck on several occasions since november of 2008. On a separate note: my brake booster failed (twice) in two years.
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Tribute I. The contact stated that when trying to accelerate after a stop the accelerator pedal became difficult to depress. The dealer was contacted and they advised her that she would have to bring the vehicle in for diagnosis. The manufacturer was later contacted and they offered no…
Brakes
25 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 94,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
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. Sometimes when at a red light I'd sit and pump air into the brakes so they would…
Had just returned from driving on freeway, pulled into gas station, needed to move for another vehicle when brakes failed and pedal went down to floor. Rolled car into snow bank to avoid accident. Noticed fluid leaking around front tires. Had to fill brake fluid reservoir and drove car across street to mechanic. Both…
Engine
25 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 97,500 miles.
While driving between 1500 and 2500 rpms, the car suddenly drops in rpms and either stalls altogether or starts making a jerking motion and thudding noise. Cannot get out of the gear unless you jam on the accelerator. Extremely dangerous and near undrivable on the highway. Had has happened twice before, ruining the…
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. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a report was filed. The vehicle was…
Transmission
24 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 58,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
Throttle freeze up. Could not accelerate out of path of on coming vehicle which crashed into my left front fender. This condition has been on going for years now and when I approached the dealer about it I was told to wait for recall letter which never came. Contacted Mazda and was told that this vehicle was not one…
While driving and coming to a stop at a light the car stalled while using the air conditioner. This happened several times, so I stopped using the air until I could bring it in for service. The next day while driving at 45 MPH I noticed the RPM's increasing with no increase in speed. I also noticed the overdrive light…
Wheels and tires
24 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 121,000 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt, rim, lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that the passenger's side rear wheel well and shocks were corroded due to corrosion, which also became fractured. The vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for further inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
The right back side by the tired the chassis is all rust it and the shock is loose I can move it with my hands and the left side is about to get like the other side.
Fuel system
20 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 79,500 miles. Parts named most often: storage, delivery, fuel injection system.
When approaching a 4-way intersection during daylight hours, the light turned yellow then red. I tried to stop by pressing my brake pedal. My vehicle did not slow down, but continued to accelerate up hill. I pressed as hard as possible but my vehicle went through the intersection and I ran into the side of another…
Throttle sticks on the get-go when accelerating from stop giving a whiplash type start. Nothing done to correct it as of yet. 2005 Mazda Tribute 4 cyl.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2005 Mazda Tribute recalls
Speed control: cables
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seats: head restraint
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Doors and locks: lock
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2005 Mazda Tribute
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mazda Tribute?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (137 complaints, typically around 124,500 miles); body and structure (126 complaints, typically around 125,000 miles); speed control (85 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 27, 2012 (speed control). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2005 a bad year for the Mazda Tribute?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Tribute model year since 2000, with 377 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.