2006 Mazda Tribute: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 135 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (31% of complaints).
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 135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2020
“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? *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 mazda tribute. When the contact's son exited the vehicle and shut the door, the front driver and passenger air bags, along with the side air bags deployed. The contact and passenger were both injured, but did not receive medical attention. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. An unknown dealer was contacted and stated that their service department was closed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Gas pedal sticks making it hard to accelerate. Dangerous when in traffic and gas pedal will not move. Whether it is summer or winter trying to accelerate is becoming very dangerous when driving.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2018
“This involves my drivers side door that can no longer be opened by my remote..it all started after getting a new battery installed..all the other doors on my suv open and lock with the remote. The drivers side door is the only door that I have to use my car key to open. There must be some defect. I've read that others who have mazda tributes have the same problem after a new battery is installed.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2018
“Last night 01/11/2018, I was driving home and my airbag light came on. This morning my gas pedal was sticking, and it was hard to drive/go. Once I reached the main street, it was hard to accelerate. Now the airbag light won't go off.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2018
“Drving on the higway and the car turn off lost power ,lost steeing, I was able to control the veicle .pull over to the side of the higway, waited for a while , started again but the speed was do miles , engine bibrating,mechanic says that need to replace the pcm and 6 idg coils”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2018
“My gas pedal is sticking intermittently. According to my internet search, the v6's for this model was recalled, but not the 4 cylinder version I have. I have to believe it is a similar problem. I just want it to get fixed as it is a safety issue. Either it is going to get stuck in the full speed mode or not let me change out of a 2 miles and hour mode.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2017
“Experiencing same issues with the front subframe/engine cradle as indicated in the 2001-2004 mazda tribute/ford escape recall. This is a 2006, with the same exact issue of the subframe rusting out and breaking on the passenger side. This is absolutely insane! The recall should have included 2005 and 2006 vehicles as well! I'm looking at thousands of dollars to have a subframe put in and the rest of my vehicle is rust free, so you can obviously tell I take good care to wash the underneath of the vehicle!”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2017
“Drivers side rear shock broke completely away from frame. (top side). Passenger side rear wheel well is rusting away badly.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
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 2006 Mazda Tribute reliable?
NHTSA has 135 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Mazda Tribute. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Mazda Tribute problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 78,376 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor. 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.