THE SUB FRAME AND AXLES COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND EVERYTHING SUPPORTED CAME LOOSE. IT ALL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT ON THE SAME VEHICLE YEARS 2001 - 2004 AS WELL AS MANY FORD ESCAPES. THEY HAVE BEEN RECALLED SO WHY WOULD NEWER UNITS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM NOT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. FOR A N…
2005 Mazda Tribute suspension problems
moderate 137 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900
Complaints
137
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$900
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
DURING THE LAST STATE INSPECTION, IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT ALL 4 TIRES ON MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE WERE WORN ON THE INSIDE EDGE ONLY. THE SERVICE ADVISOR STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND THAT THE SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE WAS TO JUST REPLACE THE TIRES. THE CAR HAS 26,843 MILES ON IT, HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN OFF-ROAD OR USED TO TOW ANYTHING. I COULD UNDERSTAND WEAR ACROSS THE TREA…
RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER RUSTED OUT, CAME APART FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH
THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WHEN COMPARED TO THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS YOU CAN SEE THE WHITE FOAM THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. THERE IS ALSO A PLASTIC PIECE MISSING DUE TO THE SCREWS LOOSING THEIR HOLD. THE CAR MAKES A NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING BOUNCING AROUND IN THE BACK WHEN IN REALITY IT IS THE SUSPENSION.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2005 Mazda Tribute?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 137 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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