CarModelProblems.com

2005 Mazda Tribute Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Suspension — runs 5.7× the fleet median for that category across the 965 model-years tracked on this site.
377Complaints
4Recalls
16Crashes
4Fires
13Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Suspension (35.5% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Suspension complaints here are 5.7× the median for that category across the 965 model-years tracked on this site.

2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Suspension134 · 35.5%RecalledRecall 15E045000
Structure:body107 · 28.4%No official action
Vehicle Speed Control75 · 19.9%No official action
Engine23 · 6.1%RecalledRecall 12V357000
Wheels21 · 5.6%No official action
Electrical System16 · 4.2%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

SUSPENSION134 · 35.5%
STRUCTURE:BODY107 · 28.4%
ENGINE23 · 6.1%
WHEELS21 · 5.6%
Unspecified / other19 · 5%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16 · 4.2%
POWER TRAIN14 · 3.7%
SERVICE BRAKES11 · 2.9%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL10 · 2.7%

Percentages are the share of the 377 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Suspension:front:wheel Bearing

NHTSA campaign 15E045000 · 2015 · reported 06/03/2015

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling

NHTSA campaign 12V357000 · 2012 · reported 07/27/2012

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

NHTSA campaign 06V116000 · 2006 · reported 04/12/2006

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock

NHTSA campaign 04V605000 · 2004 · reported 12/23/2004

IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS A DEFECT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT.** ANSWER REQUIRED***. WHEN THE CONSUMER WOULD LET GO OF THE STEERING…”NHTSA complaint 10122626 — filed 05/20/2005 · SUSPENSION
“WHEN THE BRAKES OF THE CONSUMER'S 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THERE WAS A RATTLE ON THE…”NHTSA complaint 10115552 — filed 03/07/2005 · SUSPENSION
“VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SWERVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE, BECAME UNSTABLE. WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER THE VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE AND FELT AS IF WAS GOING TO…”NHTSA complaint 10097481 — filed 10/19/2004 · SUSPENSION

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

242010162720121987201486762016473320182392020922022222024

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mazda Tribute?

Suspension issues are the most-reported category, cited in 134 of 377 NHTSA complaints (35.5%), followed by structure:body (107), vehicle speed control (75), engine (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have?

377 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 16 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15E045000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2005 Mazda Tribute's reported problems?

2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.