2005 Mazda Tribute: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 377 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (25% of complaints); the 2003 and 2004 and 2006 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 377 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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?”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2023
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 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!”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 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.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 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.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2021
“Tl* the contact owned a 2005 mazda tribute. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as, a result the contact rear ended another vehicle. The contact mentioned that her vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 12v357000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control). The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained whiplash. The other driver did not sustain injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2020
“Bought car for my son. Noticed a bamging noise in rear right back some of car. Looked at wheel well, completely rusted through, a big hole. Other under body rust. The 2000-2004 cars were recalled for this exact same problem. They continued to apply defect. Am afraid the shock absorber will fall off.many, many complaints about the exact same thing. Mazda should recall this vehicle, it is a dangerous defect they never fixed after recall. This is my son's first car, worried about his safety.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mazda tribute. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the passenger's side rear wheel well. The vehicle was taken to woodhouse mazda located at 6603 l st, omaha, ne 68117, (402) 592-1000, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that rear sub frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 97,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 16 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Tribute by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Mazda Tribute reliable?
NHTSA has 377 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Mazda Tribute. The most complained-about area is suspension (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Mazda Tribute problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 102,674 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:wheel bearing. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.