CarBrief

NHTSA has 135 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Mazda Tribute, and the largest group is about speed control[1][2]. One recall on V6 models covers a stuck throttle, and the free fix is available[3].

135owner complaints[1]
2recalls[4]
19–27MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 135 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Nine mention a crash, one a fire, four injuries and three deaths[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts.

Here are the component groups with the most complaints:

Component group Complaints
Speed control[2] 49
Engine[6] 22
Power train[7] 18
Structure[8] 13
Suspension[9] 12
Brakes[10] 12
Electrical system[11] 10
Fuel system, gasoline[12] 9

Speed control. This group has 49 complaints, with 4 crashes and 1 injury. The median mileage at failure is 70,000[2]. In the sample of complaint texts we read, eight of 12 describe a gas pedal that sticks or is very hard to press, often in cold weather or from a stop[2]. Some say the car then jumps forward when the pedal finally gives[2]. Three more describe the car losing power on the highway soon after cruise control was switched on[2].

Power train. There are 18 complaints, with no crashes or injuries[7]. The median mileage at failure is 93,000[7]. In the sample we read, eight of 12 describe transmission trouble[7]. Owners write about the car not going into gear or reverse, being stuck at a low speed, warning codes and expensive rebuilds. Two more describe warning lights tied to a broken front axle part[7].

Structure. There are 13 complaints, with no crashes or injuries[8]. The median mileage at failure is 111,366[8]. In the sample we read, nine of 12 describe rust at the rear passenger side wheel well, where the shock mounts[8]. Some owners also mention a corroded subframe. Two of those texts repeat the same complaint[8]. Owners describe a banging noise from the back as the first sign.

Engine. There are 22 complaints, with 2 crashes and 1 fire[6]. The sample we read is mixed. Three of 12 describe a failed engine[6], and others describe stalling, a whining noise or a loss of power. We cannot name one common engine problem from it[6].

The other groups are smaller. Suspension and brakes each have 12 complaints, electrical has 10 and the gasoline fuel system has 9[9][10][11][12]. Brakes show 2 crashes and 1 injury, with a median mileage at failure of 63,955[10].

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year. Newest first:

Mazda's customer line listed in the recall notices is 1-800-222-5500[3][13].

Fuel economy

The EPA lists several versions. All use regular gas. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version City / Highway / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, manual 5-spd[14] 21 / 27 / 23 $2,900
2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, automatic 4-spd[15] 20 / 23 / 21 $3,200
2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, automatic 4-spd[16] 18 / 23 / 20 $3,350
4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, manual 5-spd[17] 19 / 24 / 21 $3,200
4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, automatic 4-spd[18] 18 / 22 / 20 $3,350
4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, automatic 4-spd[19] 17 / 21 / 19 $3,550
Hybrid 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, automatic (variable gear ratios)[5] 28 / 26 / 27 $2,500

The hybrid is the most efficient at 27 combined MPG[5]. Among the non-hybrid versions, the 2WD 2.3L manual is the best at 23 combined MPG[14]. The 4WD 3.0L V6 is the thirstiest at 19 combined MPG[19].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door FWD/AWD version a rollover rating of 3 stars, with a rollover risk of 20.9%[20].

Engine and size

The EPA data lists 2.3L 4-cylinder and 3.0L 6-cylinder engines, and a hybrid with a 2.3L 4-cylinder[15][16][5]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, converted to inches and pounds.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2WD GX[21] 173 in 71 in 68 in 103 in 3,194 lb
2WD GX-V6/GS[22] 173 in 72 in 68 in 103 in 3,322 lb
2WD GS[23] 173 in 72 in 70 in 103 in 3,322 lb
4WD GT[24] 173 in 71 in 70 in 103 in 3,490 lb

How 2006 compares with other years

2001: 563 complaints, 13 recalls20012002: 384 complaints, 7 recalls20022003: 199 complaints, 6 recalls20032004: 157 complaints, 5 recalls20042005: 377 complaints, 3 recalls20052006: 135 complaints, 2 recalls13520062008: 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 2006 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200156313
20023847
20031996
20041575
20053773
20061352
20082024
2009361
2010392
2011142

NHTSA shows 135 complaints and 2 recalls for 2006[4]. That is fewer complaints than 2001 (563), 2002 (384), 2003 (199), 2004 (157), 2005 (377) and 2008 (202)[4]. It is more than 2009 (36), 2010 (39) and 2011 (14)[4]. No 2007 figures appear in our data.

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2006 Tribute?

The complaint count is lower than every earlier year listed from 2001 to 2005, but the reports that stand out are serious[4]. Check that a V6 car has had the throttle recall work done, since the remedy is available[3]. Ask about gas pedal behavior in cold weather, and listen for a pedal that sticks[2]. Have a mechanic look closely at the rear wheel wells and subframe for rust, and test how the transmission shifts[7][8]. Complaints are unverified and a small sample, so use them as a checklist and not as a prediction for any one car.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
Speed control has the most complaints at 49[2]. Power train has 18[7] and structure has 13[8]. In the samples we read, owners describe a sticking gas pedal, transmission trouble and rear wheel well rust[2][7][8].
Is there a recall on the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA lists two recalls, 12V357 for a stuck throttle on 3.0L V6 versions and 05V525 for wiper motors[3][13]. Remedy parts for 12V357 are available[3].
What gas mileage does the 2006 Mazda Tribute get?
EPA combined ratings run from 19 to 23 MPG for the non-hybrid versions and 27 MPG for the hybrid[14][19][5].
Is the 2006 Mazda Tribute a good year?
It has 135 complaints, fewer than 2001 through 2005 and 2008 but more than 2009 through 2011[4]. Complaints are not adjusted for sales.
What is the rollover rating of the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA rates rollover at 3 stars, with a rollover risk of 20.9%[20].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 135 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Mazda Tribute (9 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 4 injuries, 3 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 49 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 12V357, filed July 27, 2012: Vehicle Speed Control › Cables. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mazda Tribute model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Tribute Hybrid 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 26 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 22 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 18 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 13 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 111,366). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 12 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 115,683). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 12 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,955). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 10 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 9 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,051). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 05V525, filed November 17, 2005: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for Tribute 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Tribute 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 23 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: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. 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
  18. EPA rating for Tribute 4WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 22 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Tribute 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 21 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD/AWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 2WD GX: length 173 in, width 71 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,194 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 2WD GX-V6/GS: length 173 in, width 72 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,322 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 2WD GS: length 173 in, width 72 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,322 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRIBUTE 4DR SUV 4WD GT: length 173 in, width 71 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,490 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.