In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Mazda Tribute cruise control problems
severe 39 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
39
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
4crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 39 cruise control complaints filed for the 2006 Mazda Tribute, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 10 mileage-bearing cruise control complaints filed against the 2006 Mazda Tribute by each odometer reading. Median failure: 97,000 mi.
10% have failed by48,000 mi
Half the fleet by97,000 mi
90% have failed by180,000 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Owners have filed 39 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Cruise control accounts for 29% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacem
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacem
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2006 Mazda Tribute describe accelerator pedal sticking as a chronic problem, particularly in cold weather below 40 degrees. The pedal becomes hard or impossible to depress, requiring excessive force or multiple pump attempts before the vehicle responds. Once it does, owners report sudden, unwanted acceleration that can cause unsafe lurching forward—a major hazard at traffic lights and during stop-and-go driving. The problem occurs throughout the ownership period, from 2,300 miles to over 180,000 miles.
A subset of owners report outright unintended acceleration at highway speeds, where the vehicle suddenly jumps to full throttle without pedal input, forcing them to brake hard multiple times, use the emergency brake, or shift to Park to regain control. Some also describe cruise control failure or loss of power on the freeway.
Repairs attempted include throttle body replacement and cleaning, with mixed results—one owner's throttle was cleaned at an independent shop only for the sticking to recur immediately. Mazda initially blamed carbon buildup, and one gas pedal was replaced under warranty; however, when the same problem returned, Mazda refused to cover it without a diagnostic fee. A NHTSA recall (Campaign 12V357000) exists for vehicle speed control on the 6-cylinder model, but 4-cylinder owners report being excluded despite experiencing identical symptoms. Dealers have often been unable to diagnose the issue or confirm whether a vehicle qualifies for recall coverage.
Same Mazda Tribute cruise control reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Sticky or stuck accelerator pedal (cold weather)
Accelerator pedal becomes difficult to depress or refuses to move, especially in temperatures at or below 40 degrees. Owner must apply excessive force or pump the pedal repeatedly to get the vehicle to respond. Once the pedal finally engages, the vehicle often lurches forward abruptly at high speed, creating dangerous stop-and-go driving conditions.
When: Typically at 60,000–107,000 miles; cold weather conditions (32–40°F or below)
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal hard to depress or stuck in up position; Requires excessive pressure or multiple attempts to move pedal; Vehicle lurches forward suddenly when pedal finally engages; No response from engine when depressing pedal; Problem intermittent in cold weather, less common or absent in warm weather; Occurs most frequently at traffic lights and during stop-and-go traffic
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports throttle body replacement; another reports throttle cleaning performed at independent shop with immediate recurrence; dealers often unable to diagnose. Some owners cite carbon buildup diagnosis. Throttle body replacement cost not specified by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda told owners carbon buildup was the cause (narrative #2, #4). NHTSA Campaign 12V357000 (Vehicle Speed Control: Cables) exists but applies only to 6-cylinder models; 4-cylinder owners report being excluded. Some owners told no recall applies to their VIN despite similar symptoms.
Sticky or stuck accelerator pedal (variable temperatures)
Accelerator pedal becomes difficult to depress or stuck intermittently regardless of weather, though cold weather is a common trigger. Owners describe the pedal as requiring extreme pressure, feeling hard to push, or stuck in up position. The issue occurs sporadically throughout the day, especially during acceleration from a stop or when attempting to merge into traffic.
When: Throughout ownership; 54,000–180,000 miles reported. Some narratives indicate issue present since 2007 (within a few years of purchase).
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal requires excessive force to depress; Pedal appears stuck or catches before moving; Vehicle fails to accelerate despite pedal depression; Pedal returns to normal position only after hard pressure applied; Occurs 3 out of 5 times or more frequently; Happens during parking lot maneuvers, traffic lights, highway merging, and routine city driving
Repairs/costs cited: Gas pedal replaced under warranty (narrative #13, replaced March 2008); same problem recurred later, and Mazda refused to cover repeat replacement without diagnostic fee. One owner reports independent mechanic advised throttle body replacement (not completed). One dealer quoted $357 for unrelated brake service but did not address sticking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 12V357000 cited; Mazda stated certain VINs are not included in this recall despite owner complaints of identical symptoms. Mazda offered no assistance in one case (narrative #8). One owner refused to cover repeat pedal replacement under warranty after previous failure (narrative #13).
Unintended acceleration at highway speed
Vehicle accelerates to full throttle without driver input while cruising at highway speeds (45–85 mph). Owner loses control and must apply brakes hard multiple times or use emergency brake and transmission shift to stop. Engine races even after stopping, making the vehicle difficult or impossible to control.
When: 80,000–140,000 miles; occurs during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates to full throttle without pedal input; Brake pedal must be pressed multiple times to slow vehicle; Emergency brake required to help stop vehicle; Engine racing and stuck open throttle even after driver attempts to stop; Loss of vehicle control; Vehicle must be shifted to Park and ignition turned off to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not diagnosed or repaired; owners drove home or used emergency maneuvers to regain control.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 12V357000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Vehicle Speed Control) referenced; one vehicle confirmed included in recall with free repair if failure related (narrative #6). One vehicle VIN confirmed NOT included in recall despite identical symptoms (narrative #9). One owner reported Mazda notified but received no response (narrative #15).
Accelerator pedal unresponsive from cold start
Vehicle fails to accelerate when started in cold or cool morning conditions. Accelerator pedal either does not engage or is extremely difficult to depress when the vehicle is first put into gear. Problem may resolve after driving or warming the engine, but makes initial acceleration dangerous.
When: Morning starts or early in cold season; mileage varies
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate when first shifted into Drive; Pedal very difficult or impossible to depress from cold start; Vehicle stuck at red lights unable to accelerate; Pedal may respond normally if pressed on the right side; Problem resolves after driving and engine warms up
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle taken to local mechanic who could not diagnose the issue (narrative #17). No repairs completed in narratives describing this symptom.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted in narrative #17.
Cruise control failure or malfunction
Cruise control fails to engage or maintain speed, or becomes difficult to use. In critical cases, cruise control engages or becomes stuck, causing the vehicle to lose power or accelerate without driver control while on the freeway. Two narratives describe cruise control specifically causing loss of power on the freeway at very low mileage.
When: Early in ownership; narratives #1 and #7 report failure at 2,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control does not work or fails to maintain speed; Vehicle loses power while cruise control is engaged on freeway; Cruise control cable may be stuck or disconnected
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not repaired in narratives #1 and #7. Narrative #10 describes cruise control deactivated as part of recall remedy (NHTSA Campaign 12V357000) when parts were unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 12V357000 (Vehicle Speed Control: Cables) referenced in narratives #10 and #24. Narrative #24 describes recall repair where cruise control cable was disconnected but redesigned housing cover was not provided, and repair process took longer than reasonable. Narrative #10 owner received photo enforcement ticket due to cruise control being disabled during recall service.
Accelerator pedal depresses on its own
Accelerator pedal independently depresses without driver input, causing unintended acceleration. Owner must release foot and manually pull the pedal back up or apply brakes to regain control.
When: 129,592 miles in one narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal depresses independently while driving; Requires driver to manually pull pedal back to normal position
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer but not diagnosed or repaired (narrative #30).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified (narrative #30).
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
It is been happening more frequently, the gas pedal sticks and cannot be pressed down. Occured several times including some times when I was driving. I have seen several complaints for the same issue. I'm worry about this, it could cause an accident. Something has to be done!! *tr
My gas pedal gets stuck whether it is cold or warm. This has been happening since 2007. I was told that it was due to carbon buildup and that a fuel injection cleaning was needed. My throttle bottle was replaced also. For the past several months, my pedal has been sticking again. This is quite dangerous since I cannot move forward at a light when it turns green and I cannot accelerate when…
The gas pedal sticks on a daily basis. *tr
2006 Mazda tribute gas pedal sticks in cold weather to the point where the car will no go anywhere. I always warm my car up however, nothing prevents this from happening and I am worried that if I stop in traffic and start I will be in a major accident. *tr
Gas pedal sticks making it hard to accelerate. Dangerous when in traffic and gas pedal will not move. Whether it is summer or winter trying to accelerate is becoming very dangerous when driving.
I own a 2006 Mazda tribute 4 cylinder. When the weather changes and it gets to be about 40 degrees or lower my gas pedal sticks! I am unable to press the pedal down. This is very scary and I believe it can cause an accident especially when you are at a traffic light you are not sure if the gas pedal gonna work. Then when you press the gas after many times of trying and it finally works you…
Accelerator sticks and will not allow you to press the gas pedal. This happened in traffic and had to idle off to the side of the road. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH attempting to accelerate, the accelerator pedal became stuck. The contact stated that it was very difficult to stop or slow the vehicle down and stated that the failure mainly occurs during cold weather. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnosis and…
I was unable to stop my vehicle in time to avoid a collision with another car. It felt to me that I had no control over the car because the engine was racing. I applied the brakes hard but the car would not stop. The traffic light had just changed and I was accelerating to go through the light. That is when the vehicle went out of my control. After the accident, I tried to drive my car away…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda tribute. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2006 Mazda Tribute?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
It's a meaningful issue. 39 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 40,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Mazda/Tribute.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.