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2005 Mazda Tribute: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Tribute years.
One of the Mazda Tribute years to avoid. All Tribute years
383 owner complaints, most about suspension. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2005 Tribute?The 2005 Mazda Tribute has 383 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and structure.
Safety record for the 2005 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2005 Mazda Tribute vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Tribute years only. How we score it
Is 2005 a good year for the Tribute?
Across the 12 Tribute model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2007) to 581 (2001). With 383 complaints, the 2005 Tribute sits above the model's median of 182.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2005 Tribute
suspension:front:wheel bearing
Campaign 15E045000The 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.
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 12V357000Mazda 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.
seats:front assembly:head restraint
Campaign 06V116000CERTAIN 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.
latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock
Campaign 04V605000CERTAIN 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific vehicle's age, maintenance history, and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tribute. See the full Tribute owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Tribute listings typically run $3,597–$5,995 across 2001 to 2011 model years.
Other Tribute model years
Compare every Tribute year side by side to see how 2005 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Tribute against its rivals
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