Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2006 Mazda Tribute: common problems and reliability
An average Tribute year.
135 owner complaints, most about vehicle speed control. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2006 Tribute?The 2006 Mazda Tribute has 135 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and power train.
Safety record for the 2006 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2006 Mazda Tribute vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Tribute years only. How we score it
Is 2006 a good year for the Tribute?
Across the 12 Tribute model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2007) to 581 (2001). With 135 complaints, the 2006 Tribute sits below 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 2006 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.
visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Campaign 05V525000ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
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 2006 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Tribute against its rivals
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