Passenger rear shock mount toatly rusted through. A big hole!
The worst 2005 Mazda Tribute problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Suspension137
- Body126
- Acceleration85
- Brakes25
- Engine25
- Transmission24
- Wheels22
- Fuel system20
- Electrical19
- Airbags11
- Driver assistance4
- Seat belts4
- Seats4
- Lights3
- Steering2
- Tires2
- Visibility2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Mazda Tribute
Jerking 10Stalling 10Knocking 8Brake failure 7Check engine light 7No deployment 6Grinding brakes 6Loss of power 6Fire or smoke 5Sudden acceleration 5
Recalls 3
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 12V357000 · Recall details
Seats: front assembly: head restraint
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 06V116000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 04V605000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Mazda Tribute 140
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red....
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
- Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems
- Speedometer replacement procedure
- Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers
- In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery...
2005 Mazda Tribute fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19-21 | 23-27 | 21-24 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 17-19 | 20-24 | 18-21 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 20 | 17 |
What 2005 Mazda Tribute owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Rear passenger shock mount rusted out completely
The rear wheel well was completely rusted out while the other side is fine. The shock broke loose causing the vehicle to drop down. I have a 17 year old that is not an experienced driver and this could have resulted in her getting seriously hurt. From what I read they recalled the vehicle to to 2004 and I don’t understand why they did not recall this one. They should have and this is a serious safety issue. Does someone have to die before they see that this needs to be fixed?
owned since day one, bought brand new, religiously maintained, perfect shape other than completely rusted wheel house back left passenger side. Shock went through rusted area all the way to trunk. Mazda recalled models 2003 to 2004 for this problem yet so many 2005 Mazda Tribute owners are having exact problem especially when manufactured in 2004! This is serious and I had my granddaughter with me when this happened and yet Mazda wants to do nothing about it when it’s a serious hazard and ongoing problem with the 2005’s. It is always the back passenger side with this problem! I have no money to purchase a car and now my lifeline to support my family is broke!
The passenger side rear wheel well has rusted out and the brake mount is deteriorating as well affecting the safety of the vehicle. I have been told that this is a common issue on Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape models for the years 2001-2005 by my mechanic as well as Mazda dealer reps. They stated the 2001-2004 models were recalled but not the 2005. However, t hey mentioned that these should likely have been recalled as well. One would think that if you take care of your car that the components of the frame should not rust out.
I have found several complaints on the 2005 Mazda Tribute with the rear wheel well rusting out. Mazda did a recall on the 2004 but not the 2005. I previously had to replace the rear wheel in 2018 and it now needs replaced again due to rusting. With the number of complaints I have read, along with the outrageous cost to repair, I do not understand why Mazda, nor the federal safety agency have done anything about this. A recall NEEDS to be issued ASAP.
The wheel well rusted out, completely leaving the shock tower and stability of the car at risk, rusted out completely, I'm a light backyard mechanic and I've seen the Ford do the same . The repair is almost the value of the car, and unless you trust them your basically buying a new vehicle, because while you're there may change the set of shock's and absorber that's about 700. To include. This car had a rumor of being as good as the Everlasting Santa Fe, and Toyota 4runner. Vehicle is in pristine shape aside from the fatal rust.. recall recall recall recall
As a problem with many other mazda trubutes, the wheel well is rusted through and the strut is no longer held in place, yet protruding into the interior of the car. This has been an issue that required a recall for other mazda tributes, but not the 2005 version. According to many forums, this is a problem with many other 05 tributes.
Right rear shock tower rusted out and shock broke through and into the passenger compartment. Sever rust on right side of front sub frame as well. I came across this performing general maintenance.
Right rear frame has rusted out enough to cause brake and shock issues causing a perfectly good vehicle to become unsafe and dangerous for my family and others. The shock and brake line broke and the vehicle slid to a stop.
Compare the 2005 Mazda Tribute
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Questions about the 2005 Mazda Tribute
Is the 2005 Mazda Tribute reliable?
Owners have filed 377 complaints about the 2005 Mazda Tribute, 2.4 times a typical Tribute model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2005 Mazda Tribute year score?
The 2005 Mazda Tribute scores 42 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda Tribute: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mazda Tribute?
Suspension, with 137 complaints, typically around 125,000 miles. Next is body (126).
How many recalls does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have?
3 recalls, covering vehicle speed control, seats and latches/locks/linkages.
What year does the Mazda Tribute have bad suspension?
The Mazda Tribute model years with the most suspension complaints are 2005 (137 complaints), 2004 (49 complaints) and 2001 (19 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Mazda Tribute get?
Official estimates for the 2005 Mazda Tribute range from 17 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-21 city and 23-27 highway.
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