With 4 recalls and 383 complaints, the 2005 Mazda Tribute rates as elevated on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

383

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

15E0450002015-03-06

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

12V3570002012-27-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

06V1160002006-12-04

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

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.

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

04V6050002004-23-12

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

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.

IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2005 Mazda Tribute's biggest weak point? VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. It leads 383 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Vehicle Speed Control66

02Suspension56

03Structure48

04Suspension,structure47

05Power Train16

383 total across 1 model years (2005–2005)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Mazda Tribute Fuel Economy

17–24mpg combined

16-21city

20-27hwy

$2,800-$3,950/yr

Fuel economy for the 2005 Mazda Tribute ranges from 17 to 24 MPG combined across 6 setups. The table below breaks it down by trim so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

By Trim

Tribute 2WD - Manual 5-spd

24mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

21 city27 hwy~$2,800/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 2WD - Automatic 4-spd

21mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city23 hwy~$3,200/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Manual 5-spd

21mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

19 city24 hwy~$3,200/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 2WD - Automatic 4-spd

19mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

17 city23 hwy~$3,550/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Automatic 4-spd

18mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

17 city20 hwy~$3,750/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Automatic 4-spd

17mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

16 city20 hwy~$3,950/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2005 Mazda Tribute

13States

42%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Texas (21%), but the remaining listings are spread across 12 other states nationwide.

TXTexas

421%

MOMissouri

211%

NCNorth Carolina

211%

FLFlorida

211%

MIMichigan

15%

ILIllinois

15%

VAVirginia

15%

NENebraska

15%

WAWashington

15%

OHOhio

15%

CACalifornia

15%

OROregon

15%

COColorado

15%

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2005.

2005 Mazda Tribute Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2005 Mazda Tribute a good car to buy?

The 2005 Mazda Tribute has 4 recalls on record. There are 4 recalls on record, so check that they've been completed before buying. The most commonly reported issue area is vehicle speed control, which is worth inspecting during a test drive. Review the safety data and pricing breakdown above.

Are there recalls on the 2005 Mazda Tribute?

NHTSA shows 4 recall campaigns for the 2005 Mazda Tribute. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2005 Mazda Tribute?

Depending on configuration, the 2005 Mazda Tribute delivers 17–24 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2005 Mazda Tribute?

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL is the number-one complaint area for the 2005 Mazda Tribute, based on 383 NHTSA filings. During a test drive, pay extra attention to this system. See the known issues section for the full breakdown.