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Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (3)
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Canadian recalls (2)
Show 2 Canadian recalls
Other
2012-07-27 · campaign 2012-237
On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine 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. A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to slow or stop the vehicle if the transmission is not shifted into neutral. This could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear engine cover fastener, which will raise the cover in the area of the speed control cable to provide adequate clearance between the cover the speed control cable connector.
Other
2005-01-06 · campaign 2005-004
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 206 - Door Locks and Door Retention Components. The rear liftgate latching system does not meet the Technical Standards Document 206 Inertia Load requirement. If the liftgate is left unlocked, it may open during a severe collision. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear liftgate latch release rod and attachment clip.
Owner complaints (377)
Owners filed 377 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Mazda Tribute (16 crashes, 4 fires, 13 injuries reported). Among 12 model years of this model, it ranks #3 for the most complaints (median 157).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Suspension | 137 | |
| Structure | 126 | |
| Vehicle speed control | 85 | |
| Power train | 24 | |
| Engine | 23 | |
| Wheels | 22 | |
| Unknown or other | 19 | |
| Electrical system | 19 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Mazda Tribute.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2005 Mazda Tribute (Early Release) 4-DR. | – | – | – | 3★ |
| 2005 Mazda Tribute (Later Release) 4-DR. | – | – | – | – |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2005 Mazda Tribute version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Tribute 2WD 2.3 L Automatic 4-spd | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Tribute 2WD 2.3 L Manual 5-spd | 21 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Tribute 2WD 3.0 L Automatic 4-spd | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Tribute 4WD 2.3 L Automatic 4-spd | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tribute 4WD 2.3 L Manual 5-spd | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Tribute 4WD 3.0 L Automatic 4-spd | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
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Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.