CarBrief

The 2005 Mazda Tribute has 377 owner complaints on file with NHTSA and 3 recalls[1][2]. Owners in the complaints we read describe rusted rear wheel wells and sticking gas pedals, and one recall covers a stuck-throttle risk[3][4][5][6].

377owner complaints[1]
3recalls[2]
17–24MPG combined (EPA)[7]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 377 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 16 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 13 injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component, so the groups below overlap.

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Suspension[3] 137 124,408
Structure[4] 126 125,131
Speed control[5] 85 70,000
Brakes[8] 25 102,000
Engine[9] 25 97,500
Power train[10] 24 56,000
Wheels[11] 22 121,605

Rear wheel well rust. In a sample of 12 suspension complaints we read, 6 describe a rusted or corroded rear wheel well area where a shock or strut attaches. Some owners say the shock or strut mount came loose[3]. In a sample of 12 structure complaints, 6 describe a corroded rear wheel well panel[4]. The two samples share some of the same texts. Two of the 12 suspension texts describe a car that felt unstable or swerved, and two describe unusual tire wear[3].

Sticking gas pedal. All 12 of the speed control complaints we read describe a stuck gas pedal or throttle[5]. Owners say the car can lurch forward or cannot accelerate. In 7 of the 12, the owner describes repeat dealer visits where the cause was not found or the problem came back[5]. This group has 3 crashes and 3 injuries among its 85 complaints[5].

Stalling and power loss. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 7 describe stalling, power loss, jerking or misfires[9]. Some owners say the computer or ignition parts were replaced[9]. One of the 12 describes a fire while parked, and the group lists 2 fires in total[9].

Brakes, power train and wheels have fewer complaints, and we did not read sample texts for them[8][10][11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year[2]. Each covers only certain vehicles, Each covers only certain vehicles, so check whether a specific car is included. The recall facts list Mazda at 1-800-222-5500 for owners with questions[6].

Fuel economy

The EPA lists six versions. All use regular fuel. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, manual 5-spd[7] 21 / 27 / 24 $2,800
2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, automatic 4-spd[14] 19 / 23 / 21 $3,200
4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, manual 5-spd[15] 19 / 24 / 21 $3,200
2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, automatic 4-spd[16] 17 / 23 / 19 $3,550
4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, automatic 4-spd[17] 17 / 20 / 18 $3,700
4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, automatic 4-spd[18] 16 / 20 / 17 $3,950

The best combined rating is 24 MPG for the 2WD 4-cylinder with the manual. The lowest is 17 MPG for the 4WD V6[7][18].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2005 Tribute a rollover rating of 3 stars, with a rollover risk of 20.9%[19]. Its other 5-star ratings are listed as not rated[20].

Engine and size

The EPA lists a 2.3L 4-cylinder and a 3.0L 6-cylinder[14][16]. The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Width Curb weight
2WD DX[21] 71 in 2,985 lb
2WD LX/DX V6[22] 72 in 3,148 lb
4WD DX[23] 71 in 3,245 lb
4WD LX/DX V6[24] 71 in 3,311 lb
4WD ES V6[25] 72 in 3,311 lb

Every version lists the same length of 173 in, height of 69 in and wheelbase of 103 in[21][22][23][25][24].

How 2005 compares with other years

2001: 563 complaints, 13 recalls20012002: 384 complaints, 7 recalls20022003: 199 complaints, 6 recalls20032004: 157 complaints, 5 recalls20042005: 377 complaints, 3 recalls37720052006: 135 complaints, 2 recalls20062008: 202 complaints, 4 recalls20082009: 36 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 39 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 14 complaints, 2 recalls2011
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Tribute model year. The 2005 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200156313
20023847
20031996
20041575
20053773
20061352
20082024
2009361
2010392
2011142

NHTSA's counts for each Tribute model year show 2001 with the most complaints at 563, followed by 2002 at 384 and 2005 at 377[2]. So 2005 has the third highest complaint count of the years listed. Later years have fewer complaints on file, from 202 for 2008 down to 14 for 2011[2]. These counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

For recalls, 2005 has 3[2]. Earlier years have more: 13 for 2001, 7 for 2002, 6 for 2003 and 5 for 2004[2]. 2008 has 4[2]. Years with fewer are 2006, 2010 and 2011 at 2 each, and 2009 at 1[2].

Should you buy a used 2005 Tribute?

The data shows a model year with a high complaint count, 377 on file, and two repeated themes in the texts we read: rusted rear wheel wells and sticking gas pedals[1][3][4][5]. Neither theme is a proven fault rate, because the texts are a small sample of unverified reports. Before buying, ask whether recall work was done, especially the stuck-throttle recall if the car has the 3.0L V6, since the fix is free and parts are available[6]. A careful look at the rear wheel well area is also reasonable given the rust reports[3][4]. Fuel costs run from $2,800 to $3,950 a year by version, so pick the version with that in mind[7][18].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mazda Tribute?
Suspension (137 complaints[3]) and structure (126[4]) have the most, and owners in the texts we read describe rusted rear wheel wells. Speed control has 85 complaints[5], and the texts we read describe a sticking gas pedal.
Does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls[2]: a speed control cable (12V357)[6], a head restraint and A-pillar issue (06V116)[12] and a liftgate latch (04V605)[13]. Each covers certain vehicles only.
How many miles per gallon does a 2005 Mazda Tribute get?
EPA combined ratings run from 17 MPG for the 4WD 3.0L V6 to 24 MPG for the 2WD 2.3L with the manual[7][18].
Is the 2005 Mazda Tribute a good year compared with other Tribute years?
NHTSA lists 377 complaints for 2005, third highest of the listed years behind 2001 and 2002[2]. Later years have fewer complaints on file, but counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 377 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Mazda Tribute (16 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 13 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mazda Tribute model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 137 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 124,408). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 126 complaints name the structure component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 125,131). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 85 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. Recall 12V357, filed July 27, 2012: Vehicle Speed Control › Cables. NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Tribute 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. 25 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 102,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 25 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 97,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 24 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 22 complaints name the wheels component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 121,605). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 06V116, filed April 12, 2006: Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 04V605, filed December 23, 2004: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hatchback / Liftgate › Lock. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for Tribute 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Tribute 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Tribute 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Tribute 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Tribute 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 2WD DX: length 173 in, width 71 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 2,985 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 2WD LX/DX V6: length 173 in, width 72 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,148 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 4WD DX: length 173 in, width 71 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,245 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 4WD LX/DX V6: length 173 in, width 71 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,311 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 4WD ES V6: length 173 in, width 72 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,311 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.