2005 Mazda Tribute Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

23Engine complaints

6.1%Of all 377 complaints

#4Most-reported category

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

How engine ranks on this vehicle

SUSPENSION134 · 35.5%

STRUCTURE:BODY107 · 28.4%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL75 · 19.9%

ENGINE23 · 6.1%

WHEELS21 · 5.6%

Share of the 377 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2005 Mazda Tribute overview page.

What owners report

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE…”NHTSA complaint 10470804 — filed 08/15/2012

“MY TRIBUTE IS A V-6 3.0L AND THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED 11-04 PER DRIVER'S DOOR STICKER. PROBLEM-- AFTER LEAVING MY HOUSE AND DRIVING DOWN MY…”NHTSA complaint 10466622 — filed 07/19/2012

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

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have engine problems?

Engine is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2005 Mazda Tribute: 23 of 377 complaints on file (6.1%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have in total?

377 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 16 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, 13 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

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.