Federal safety data shows 3 recalls and 135 complaints for the 2006 Mazda Tribute, a high safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

135

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

05V5250002005-17-11

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TEETH TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 135 issues reported over 1 model years, vehicle speed control problems are the most common for the 2006 Mazda Tribute. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Vehicle Speed Control31

02Power Train12

03Engine7

04Service Brakes, Hydraulic6

05Suspension,structure5

135 total across 1 model years (2006–2006)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Mazda Tribute Fuel Economy

19–27mpg combined

17-28city

21-27hwy

$2,500-$3,550/yr

The 2006 Mazda Tribute delivers 19 to 27 MPG combined across 7 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Tribute Hybrid 4WD - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

27mpg

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

28 city26 hwy~$2,500/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 2WD - Manual 5-spd

23mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

21 city27 hwy~$2,950/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 2WD - Automatic 4-spd

21mpg

2.3L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 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

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

18 city23 hwy~$3,400/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Automatic 4-spd

20mpg

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

18 city22 hwy~$3,400/yr-1/10 Poor

Tribute 4WD - Automatic 4-spd

19mpg

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

17 city21 hwy~$3,550/yr-1/10 Poor

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

Where to Find 2006 Mazda Tribute

13States

42%in top 3

Texas has the most inventory at 21%, with options spread across 13 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

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 2006.

Buying a 2006 Mazda Tribute?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2006 Mazda Tribute a good car to buy?

The 2006 Mazda Tribute has its strengths and its watch-outs. 3 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report vehicle speed control as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2006 Mazda Tribute?

There are 3 documented recalls for the 2006 Mazda Tribute. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2006 Mazda Tribute?

You'll get between 19 and 27 MPG combined from the 2006 Mazda Tribute, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2006 Mazda Tribute?

Out of 135 owner complaints, vehicle speed control issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.