Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 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 2006 Mazda Tribute?

Owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (49 complaints), followed by engine (16).

How many 2006 Mazda Tribute complaints mention a crash or fire?

9 of 130 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2006 Mazda Tribute recalls and problems

2 recalls and 130 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda Tribute.

recalls

130

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2006 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.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor

NHTSA campaign 05V525000 · reported November 17, 2005 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 3,982 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease applied to the output shaft gear.
The risk: After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear teeth to distort or fracture during operation resulting in the loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

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

Vehicle speed control49
Engine16
Power train14
Structure13
Suspension12
Electrical system10
Fuel system, gasoline9
Service brakes, hydraulic7
Air bags6
Engine and engine cooling5

What owners report

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

Jun 7, 2023 · Latches/locks/linkages
2006 MAZADA TRIBUTE- Consumer sent a request to Mazda North America to request estimate for cost of repair for replacement of the sensor and switches on the doors and service to the "door ajar" alarm system. Mazda customer care stated they wouldn't be able to provide assistance in the issue. The vehicle is out of…

Nov 16, 2020 · Engine · 83,000 miles
WE PURCHASED A USED 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE WITH ABOUT 83,000 MILES ON IT FROM A CAR DEALER. LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING IT, THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE ENGINE FAILED AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART IT.

Jun 12, 2020 · Structure · 7 miles
THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL AREA WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER ATTACHES TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE BUSTED OUT. IT NO LONGER HOLDS THE SHOCK IN PLACE TO ABSORB A BUMP. I WAS RECENTLY INFORMED BY A BODYSHOP PERSON THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF. WOULD YOU LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE?

Jul 31, 2019 · Wheels
2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE ,RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED AWAY,LEAVING SHOCK FLOATING AND BANGING AROUND IN WHEEL WELL FIRST NOTICED IN JUNE 2015

Jun 17, 2019 · Electrical system · 54,000 miles
HEARD NOISE OF KNOCKING RATTLING 2014-15 HAD IT TOWED TO MACHANIC AND THEY INFORMED ME OF I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. GOT IT REPLACED WITH A JASPER REBUILT. RIGHT AT 4 YEARS IT HAPPENS AGAIN, ONE YR AFTER WARRANTY. RESEARCHING FOR EITHER RESELL VALUE OR NEW ENGINE GAME ACROSS A PLEATHERA OF SEEZED ENGINES AND THROWN RODS…

Tribute model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2003	6	199	17	9
2004	5	157	15	3
2005	3	377	16	4
2006	2	130	9	1
2007	0	4	0	0
2008	4	202	6	1
2009	1	35	2	0

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

Questions

Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 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 2006 Mazda Tribute?: Owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (49 complaints), followed by engine (16).
How many 2006 Mazda Tribute complaints mention a crash or fire?: 9 of 130 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 7, 2023.