WE TOOK TO THE MAZDA DEALER (5900 NORTH OAK TRAFFICWAY, KANSAS CITY, MO 64118) IN 2009 BECAUSE THE CAR DID NOT START. THEY CHANGED THE STARTER MOTOR AND STILL IT DID NOT WORK THEN THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY AND IT DID NOT WORK AGAIN THEM THEY SAID IT IS THE ALTERNATOR THIS ALL…

12/29/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668813.0

2005 Tribute · cruise control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAITING AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AND NOT ACCELERATE. IT ALSO HESITATED WHEN DECELERATING AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT…

12/29/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373236.0

2005 Tribute · electrical

TAKATA RECALL THIS 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE LIGHT START TO FLASH AND THERE IS A CAR THAT SHOWS UP ON MY DASH I HAVE HAD THIS LOOKED AT. AND EVERYONE SAID IT WAS WIRING PROBLEMS THIS SUV HAS ALMOST. HAD ME HIT AND IN A CAR WRECK. BECAUSE. IT WILL…

12/26/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10816296.0

2005 Tribute · body

MOUNT SHOCK COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY RUST. I DID NOT KNOW THIS UNTIL IT BEGAN CREATING STRANGE NOISES. ITS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE LIKE THAT. ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW UNTIL IT COLLAPSED.

12/24/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11056318.0

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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 04V605000 23/12/2004

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

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

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.

severe NHTSA 06V116000 12/04/2006

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

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

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Common questions

Is the 2005 Mazda Tribute reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 383 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Mazda Tribute has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Mazda Tribute?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is suspension, with 137 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The suspension is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Mazda Tribute has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Mazda Tribute?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 383 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $900, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Mazda. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.