CarRecallDB

2005 Mazda Tribute recalls and problems

3 recalls and 377 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Mazda Tribute.

3
recalls
377
owner complaints
16
complaints mentioning a crash
4
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 Mazda Tribute recalls

Vehicle speed control: cables · Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 12V357000 · reported July 27, 2012 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 217,500 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Seats: front assembly, head restraint

NHTSA campaign 06V116000 · reported April 12, 2006 · MAZDA MOTOR CORP · 23,100 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants may occur.
The 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.

Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate, lock

NHTSA campaign 04V605000 · reported December 23, 2004 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 49,800 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 21, 2024 · Structure

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

Jul 25, 2023 · Suspension

Rear passenger shock mount rusted out completely

Apr 23, 2023 · Structure

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…

Jan 4, 2022 · Structure

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…

Jan 2, 2022 · Unknown or other

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…

Tribute model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 73841924
2003 6199179
2004 5157153
2005 3377164
2006 213091
2007 0400
2008 420261

Across all years, the 2001 Tribute has the most complaints (563). All Mazda Tribute years →

Questions

Does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Mazda Tribute, the most recent reported on July 27, 2012 (Vehicle speed control: cables, Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mazda Tribute?
Owners have filed 377 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (137 complaints), followed by structure (126).
How many 2005 Mazda Tribute complaints mention a crash or fire?
16 of 377 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 13 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 21, 2024.