2006 Mazda Tribute Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2006 Mazda Tribute has a complaint index of 67, ranking 3rd worst among 7 model years, and earns a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 48% of complaints, with 2 recalls covering the engine and wiper motor.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #3 of 7 Tribute years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 130
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 3
Top 2006 Mazda Tribute problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine63 (48%)
- Fuel System18 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires18 (14%)
- Structure & Body14 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (11%)
- Brakes13 (10%)
- Electrical System10 (8%)
- Airbags6 (5%)
- Other5 (4%)
- Seat Belts3 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine cover clearance issue lets the speed control cable interfere with the throttle, causing sudden unintended acceleration even at low speeds like 3 mph.
- Gas pedal sticks intermittently, requiring the driver to push it down manually to release it, sometimes leading to loss of control at highway speed.
- Engine oil leaks emanate from the engine compartment and spray onto the highway, producing smoke and, in one case, a fire.
- Airbags fail to deploy in moderate-speed frontal or rear-end collisions, including a case tied to the Takata recall.
- Tires show cupping and uneven tread wear at low mileage, reported around 10,000 miles.
- Water intrusion into headlamps and windows occurs shortly after purchase, along with a persistent tire pressure warning light.
2006 Mazda Tribute recalls
2 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 05V525000Nov 17, 2005Visibility & Wipers3,982 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
On certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease applied to the output shaft gear.
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.
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.
2006 Mazda Tribute fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 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.
2006 compared with other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Mazda Tribute reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2006 Tribute has a complaint index of 67 and ranks 3rd worst out of 7 model years tracked, giving it a Caution verdict relative to other Tribute years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
- Engine issues are the top complaint area, accounting for 48% of all complaints (63 of 130), with a median failure mileage of 75,000 miles.
- Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2006 Tribute: one for inadequate engine cover clearance near the speed control cable, and one for a windshield wiper motor missing grease.
- How does the 2006 Tribute compare to other model years?
- The 2006 Tribute (complaint index 67, Caution) ranks better than the 2005 model (index 100, Avoid) and 2008 model (index 83, Avoid), but worse than 2009, 2010, and 2011, which include the Best-rated 2011 (index 17).
- What gas mileage does the 2006 Mazda Tribute get?
- The EPA rates the 2006 Tribute at 21 mpg combined (19 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100.