2005 Mazda Tribute: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Mazda Tribute: 3 recalls, 377 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #04V605000 · 2004 · 49,800 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: If the liftgate is left unlocked, there is the potential that it May open during a crash.
The fix: 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #06V116000 · 2006 · 23,100 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants May occur.
The fix: 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.
Speed control / throttle, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #12V357000 · 2012 · 217,500 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #15E045000 · 2015 · 576 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (137): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (128), noise or vibration (54).
- Body & structure (126): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (117), noise or vibration (48).
- Speed control / throttle (85): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (24): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), hard / delayed shifting (5).
The 2005 Mazda Tribute has 377 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 12 Tribute model years for complaints (2.2× the average Tribute year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (55 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 101,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (157 complaints, 5 recalls), 2006 (130 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Mazda Tribute.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Mazda Tribute, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Mazda Tribute problems?
Owners have filed 377 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (137), body & structure (126), speed control / throttle (85).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Mazda Tribute get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Mazda Tribute repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.