2005 Mazda Tribute Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2005 Mazda Tribute ranks worst among 7 model years, with 377 complaints and a complaint index of 100, the highest of any Tribute year. It carries 3 recalls and is rated Avoid, with Suspension, Wheels & Tires the top problem area at 39% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 7 Tribute years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 377
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 13
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 18 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
Top 2005 Mazda Tribute problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires147 (39%)
- Structure & Body130 (34%)
- Engine105 (28%)
- Brakes29 (8%)
- Other24 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (6%)
- Fuel System20 (5%)
- Electrical System19 (5%)
- Airbags11 (3%)
- Seat Belts4 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in crashes, including a rollover and a 35 mph front-end collision.
- Some owners describe sudden unintended acceleration after taking their foot off the brake, leading to a rear-end collision.
- Driver and passenger seats were reported to fail and the sunroof buckled during a rear-impact crash.
- Brakes were described as losing pressure over time, requiring the pedal to be pushed to the floor to stop.
- Engine fires were reported both while parked and after high-mileage use, in one case destroying the vehicle.
- Structure and body complaints included a rear seat cushion and floor mat found burned without an obvious cause.
2005 Mazda Tribute recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V357000Jul 27, 2012Engine217,500 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:cables
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.
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.
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.
- NHTSA 06V116000Apr 12, 2006Structure & Body23,100 vehicles
Seats:front assembly:head restraint
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.
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants may occur.
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.
- NHTSA 04V605000Dec 23, 2004Structure & Body49,800 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock
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.
Risk: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it may open during a crash.
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.
2005 Mazda Tribute fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Mazda Tribute reliable?
- Compared with other Tribute model years, the 2005 ranks worst, with 377 NHTSA complaints and the highest complaint index (100) of the 7 years with data. It carries an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mazda Tribute?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Suspension, Wheels & Tires as the top problem area (147 complaints, 39% share), followed by Structure & Body (130 complaints, 34%) and Engine (105 complaints, 28%).
- Does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Tribute: one for the engine's speed control cable clearance, one for a headliner interior-impact standard, and one for the rear liftgate latch release.
- What year Mazda Tribute should I avoid?
- The 2005 and 2008 Tributes are both rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83. The 2010 and 2011 Tributes rank lowest-risk, rated Good and Best respectively.