YearToAvoid

2006 Mazda Tribute Engine Problems

NHTSA has 63 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2006 Mazda Tribute, 48% of all 130 complaints for this model year. That is #2 highest engine complaint count among 7 Tribute model years. These complaints report 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 75,000 miles.

Engine complaints
63
48% of 130 complaints
All complaints this year
130
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
75,000 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2006 Mazda Tribute engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 21, 2006, latest Nov 16, 2020.

2006 Mazda Tribute engine complaints: complaints filed per month5Feb 2006Feb 2010Nov 2011Mar 2013Feb 2014Jan 2015Jan 2017Nov 2020
63 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2006 to Nov 2020; peak Apr 2006 (5).

Engine recalls for the 2006 Mazda Tribute

  1. 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.

Engine complaints by Tribute model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2005105 (28%)
  2. 200663 (48%)
  3. 20072 (50%)
  4. 200858 (29%)
  5. 20095 (14%)
  6. 201012 (31%)
  7. 20110 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have engine problems?
NHTSA has 63 owner complaints about the engine in the 2006 Mazda Tribute, 48% of all complaints for this model year, including 5 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 75,000 miles.
Which Mazda Tribute year has the most engine complaints?
The 2005 Mazda Tribute has the most engine complaints (105), compared with 63 for the 2006.
Is there a engine recall for the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2006 Mazda Tribute concerns the engine: 12V357000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.