FaultScore

FaultScore report

2005 Mazda Tribute problems

Owners have filed 542 complaints about the 2005 Mazda Tribute with NHTSA between 2004 and 2024. The largest single group is the suspension. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 9 worst.

C

FaultScore 59/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mazda Tribute.

How this is worked out

The numbers

542

Complaints

22

Crashes reported

4

Fires reported

15

Injuries reported

106,780 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

11%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 87 vs 50 Severity 39 vs 50 Early failure 19 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 87
Against the median year of the Mazda Tribute. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 39
7.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2005 compares with every other Mazda Tribute

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2005 Mazda Tribute

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Suspension 137 25.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 125,000 mi

Body & Structure 126 23.2%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 125,131 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 70,000 mi

Brakes 26 4.8%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 102,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 56,000 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 97,500 mi

Wheels 23 4.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 121,605 mi

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,575 mi

Median failure at 124,544 miles

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 100,000 mi

Airbags 11 2.0%

6 crashes, 0 fires · median 106,292 mi

Stability & Traction Control 4 0.7%

Median failure at 167,000 miles

Seats 4 0.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 87,500 mi

Seat Belts 4 0.7%

Median failure at 103,385 miles

Equipment & Accessories 3 0.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,000 mi

Lights 3 0.6%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Child Seats 2 0.4%
Tires 2 0.4%

Median failure at 38,250 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 0.4%

Median failure at 41,000 miles

Steering 2 0.4%

Median failure at 21,562 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 107 75.4%
Accelerator Pedal 10 7.0%
Automatic Transmission 8 5.6%
Underbody Shields 5 3.5%
Frame AND Members 5 3.5%
Rotor 3 2.1%
Tread/Belt 2 1.4%
Front 2 1.4%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 15 3.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 12 2.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 8 1.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 35 7.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 37 8.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 88 19.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 183 40.2%
150,000+ miles 77 16.9%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Aug 2004 peak 16 Jul 2024

Recalls on the 2005 Mazda Tribute

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

15E045000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

The 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.

Risk: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

12V357000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Mazda 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.

Risk: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

06V116000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

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. 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.

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

04V605000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

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. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.

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

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2012237 34,210 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine 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. A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to slow or stop the vehicle if the transmission is not shifted into neutral. This could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear engine cover fastener, which will raise the cover in the area of the speed control cable to provide adequate clearance between the cover the speed control cable connector.

Recall 2005004 5,716 units in Canada

Other

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 206 - Door Locks and Door Retention Components. The rear liftgate latching system does not meet the Technical Standards Document 206 Inertia Load requirement. If the liftgate is left unlocked, it may open during a severe collision. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear liftgate latch release rod and attachment clip.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 180,000 miles Villa Ridge, MO Crash

WHEELS

RIGHT REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ENOUGH TO CAUSE BRAKE AND SHOCK ISSUES CAUSING A PERFECTLY GOOD VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. THE SHOCK AND BRAKE LINE BROKE AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP.

NHTSA complaint #11394906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Villa Ridge, MO Crash

SUSPENSION

RIGHT REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ENOUGH TO CAUSE BRAKE AND SHOCK ISSUES CAUSING A PERFECTLY GOOD VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. THE SHOCK AND BRAKE LINE BROKE AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP.

NHTSA complaint #11394906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Villa Ridge, MO Crash

STRUCTURE:BODY

RIGHT REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ENOUGH TO CAUSE BRAKE AND SHOCK ISSUES CAUSING A PERFECTLY GOOD VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. THE SHOCK AND BRAKE LINE BROKE AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP.

NHTSA complaint #11394906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 153,000 miles Charles Town, WV Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AS, A RESULT THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.

NHTSA complaint #11352915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Arlington Heights, IL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

MAZDA TBONED. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FRONT AND SIDE DID NOT GO OFF. PASSENGER RECEIVED MAJOR INJURY TO BODY. THE LACK OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYING HAD HER HEAD HITTING DASH BOARD PLUS FLYING GLASS. VEHICLE WAS CROSSING STREET. LOW MOTION WHEN OTHER VEHICLE RAN INTO PASSENGER SIDE. DRIVERS AIRBAG WORKED NOT THE 2 ON PASSENGER SIDE.

NHTSA complaint #11130288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 161,000 miles Brunswick, GA Fire

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE WAS NOTICED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, BUT THE PASSENGER ADVISED HER TO RESTART THE ENGINE TO SEE FROM WHERE THE SMOKE WAS ORIGINATING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, FLAMES WERE SEEN COMING FROM THE IGNITION COIL UNDER THE HOOD, PASSENGER LIFT THE HOOD AND IGNITION WENT INTO FLAMES. THE PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ECM, SPARK PLUGS, AND SIX COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER (KINGS COLONIAL FORD, 3565 COMMUNITY RD, BRUNSWICK, GA 31520), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000. *TT

NHTSA complaint #11089675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Deale, MD

SUSPENSION

Passenger rear shock mount toatly rusted through. A big hole!

NHTSA complaint #11603615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Deale, MD

STRUCTURE:BODY

Passenger rear shock mount toatly rusted through. A big hole!

NHTSA complaint #11603615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Blaine, MN

SUSPENSION

Rear passenger shock mount rusted out completely

NHTSA complaint #11534298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Union, WV

STRUCTURE:BODY

The rear wheel well was completely rusted out while the other side is fine. The shock broke loose causing the vehicle to drop down. I have a 17 year old that is not an experienced driver and this could have resulted in her getting seriously hurt. From what I read they recalled the vehicle to to 2004 and I don’t understand why they did not recall this one. They should have and this is a serious safety issue. Does someone have to die before they see that this needs to be fixed?

NHTSA complaint #11518499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ellettsville, IN

STRUCTURE:BODY

owned since day one, bought brand new, religiously maintained, perfect shape other than completely rusted wheel house back left passenger side. Shock went through rusted area all the way to trunk. Mazda recalled models 2003 to 2004 for this problem yet so many 2005 Mazda Tribute owners are having exact problem especially when manufactured in 2004! This is serious and I had my granddaughter with me when this happened and yet Mazda wants to do nothing about it when it’s a serious hazard and ongoing problem with the 2005’s. It is always the back passenger side with this problem! I have no money to purchase a car and now my lifeline to support my family is broke!

NHTSA complaint #11446098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fairfield Township, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The passenger side rear wheel well has rusted out and the brake mount is deteriorating as well affecting the safety of the vehicle. I have been told that this is a common issue on Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape models for the years 2001-2005 by my mechanic as well as Mazda dealer reps. They stated the 2001-2004 models were recalled but not the 2005. However, t hey mentioned that these should likely have been recalled as well. One would think that if you take care of your car that the components of the frame should not rust out.

NHTSA complaint #11445860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, KS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have found several complaints on the 2005 Mazda Tribute with the rear wheel well rusting out. Mazda did a recall on the 2004 but not the 2005. I previously had to replace the rear wheel in 2018 and it now needs replaced again due to rusting. With the number of complaints I have read, along with the outrageous cost to repair, I do not understand why Mazda, nor the NHTSA have done anything about this. A recall NEEDS to be issued ASAP.

NHTSA complaint #11435888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY

SUSPENSION

The wheel well rusted out, completely leaving the shock tower and stability of the car at risk, rusted out completely, I'm a light backyard mechanic and I've seen the Ford do the same . The repair is almost the value of the car, and unless you trust them your basically buying a new vehicle, because while you're there may change the set of shock's and absorber that's about 700. To include. This car had a rumor of being as good as the Everlasting Santa Fe, and Toyota 4runner. Vehicle is in pristine shape aside from the fatal rust.. recall recall recall recall

NHTSA complaint #11433399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Taunton, MA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER MAZDA TRUBUTES, THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE STRUT IS NO LONGER HELD IN PLACE, YET PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE THAT REQUIRED A RECALL FOR OTHER MAZDA TRIBUTES, BUT NOT THE 2005 VERSION. ACCORDING TO MANY FORUMS, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER 05 TRIBUTES.

NHTSA complaint #11415738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Taunton, MA

SUSPENSION

AS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER MAZDA TRUBUTES, THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE STRUT IS NO LONGER HELD IN PLACE, YET PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE THAT REQUIRED A RECALL FOR OTHER MAZDA TRIBUTES, BUT NOT THE 2005 VERSION. ACCORDING TO MANY FORUMS, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER 05 TRIBUTES.

NHTSA complaint #11415738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Taunton, MA

STRUCTURE:BODY

AS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER MAZDA TRUBUTES, THE WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE STRUT IS NO LONGER HELD IN PLACE, YET PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE THAT REQUIRED A RECALL FOR OTHER MAZDA TRIBUTES, BUT NOT THE 2005 VERSION. ACCORDING TO MANY FORUMS, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER 05 TRIBUTES.

NHTSA complaint #11415738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Manawa, WI

STRUCTURE:BODY

RIGHT REAR SHOCK TOWER RUSTED OUT AND SHOCK BROKE THROUGH AND INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. SEVER RUST ON RIGHT SIDE OF FRONT SUB FRAME AS WELL. I CAME ACROSS THIS PERFORMING GENERAL MAINTENANCE.

NHTSA complaint #11413086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Villa Ridge, MO Crash

WHEELS

RIGHT REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ENOUGH TO CAUSE BRAKE AND SHOCK ISSUES CAUSING A PERFECTLY GOOD VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. THE SHOCK AND BRAKE LINE BROKE AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP.

NHTSA complaint #11394906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Villa Ridge, MO Crash

SUSPENSION

RIGHT REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ENOUGH TO CAUSE BRAKE AND SHOCK ISSUES CAUSING A PERFECTLY GOOD VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. THE SHOCK AND BRAKE LINE BROKE AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP.

NHTSA complaint #11394906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Villa Ridge, MO Crash

STRUCTURE:BODY

RIGHT REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT ENOUGH TO CAUSE BRAKE AND SHOCK ISSUES CAUSING A PERFECTLY GOOD VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. THE SHOCK AND BRAKE LINE BROKE AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP.

NHTSA complaint #11394906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 138,000 miles Medford, OR

AIR BAGS

CRUISE, BLAKE PEDAL HARD TO PRESS WHEN CRUISE IS ON. AIR BAG LITE ON 99 PERCENT OF THE TIME

NHTSA complaint #11375079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 138,000 miles Medford, OR

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CRUISE, BLAKE PEDAL HARD TO PRESS WHEN CRUISE IS ON. AIR BAG LITE ON 99 PERCENT OF THE TIME

NHTSA complaint #11375079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 153,000 miles Charles Town, WV Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AS, A RESULT THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.

NHTSA complaint #11352915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30 miles Washington, NJ

STRUCTURE:BODY

BOUGHT CAR FOR MY SON. NOTICED A BAMGING NOISE IN REAR RIGHT BACK SOME OF CAR. LOOKED AT WHEEL WELL, COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, A BIG HOLE. OTHER UNDER BODY RUST. THE 2000-2004 CARS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THEY CONTINUED TO APPLY DEFECT. AM AFRAID THE SHOCK ABSORBER WILL FALL OFF.MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME THING. MAZDA SHOULD RECALL THIS VEHICLE, IT IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT THEY NEVER FIXED AFTER RECALL. THIS IS MY SON'S FIRST CAR, WORRIED ABOUT HIS SAFETY.

NHTSA complaint #11339186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Mountain Grove, MO

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON A FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY; TRIED APPLYING THE BRAKE, TURNING OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL, PRESSING THE DECELERATE BUTTON, NOTHING WORKED. I HAD TO APPLY A GREAT DEAL OF FORCE TO THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE ENOUGH TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD. I SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UNCONTROLLABLY. I TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF AND OPENED THE HOOD TO INVESTIGATE. THE THROTTLE CABLE ON THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO HAD ROTATED UP TO ABOUT A 30-DEGREE ANGLE AND HAD THE THROTTLE HELD OPEN. I ROTATED THE CABLE BACK DOWN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION AND THE THROTTLE SNAPPED FREE. I WILL NOT USE THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN UNTIL THE ISSUE IS RESOLVED. I WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO OVER 80 MPH WHILE I WAS TRYING TO GET IT UNDER CONTROL.

NHTSA complaint #11327222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,000 miles Long Grove, IL

SUSPENSION

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT SUCH THAT THE SUSPENSION IS NOW PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHEN REGULAR RATTLING FROM THE AREA PROGRESSED INTO LOUD BANGS WITH EACH BUMP. THE MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED STATED THAT THE RUST WAS ABNORMAL, EVEN FOR THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, AND THAT NONE OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS EXHIBITED ANY SIGNS OF RUSTING. HE STATED IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THAT THIS CONDITION WAS MOST LIKELY THE RESULT OF SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT (AS OPPOSED TO REGULAR AND EXPECTED OXIDATION).

NHTSA complaint #11322447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,000 miles Long Grove, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED OUT SUCH THAT THE SUSPENSION IS NOW PROTRUDING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHEN REGULAR RATTLING FROM THE AREA PROGRESSED INTO LOUD BANGS WITH EACH BUMP. THE MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED STATED THAT THE RUST WAS ABNORMAL, EVEN FOR THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, AND THAT NONE OF THE OTHER WHEEL WELLS EXHIBITED ANY SIGNS OF RUSTING. HE STATED IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THAT THIS CONDITION WAS MOST LIKELY THE RESULT OF SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURING DEFECT (AS OPPOSED TO REGULAR AND EXPECTED OXIDATION).

NHTSA complaint #11322447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106 miles Hamilton, AA

STRUCTURE:BODY

MY 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE HAS BEEN TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT NEW. THE CAR HAS BEEN RUST PROOFED SEVERAL TIMES, SERVICED REGULARLY AND ALWAYS WASHED AND WAXED SEVERAL TIMES, AND BEYOND, SINCE OWNERSHIP. THAT BEING SAID, MY 2005 VEHICLE LOOKS QUITE IMMACULATE FOR ITS AGE, EXCEPT FOR THE EVER-INCREASING SEVERE RUST ISSUE ON THE RIGHT REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL, WHICH I HAVW TRIED TO FIX, AND KEEP UP ON, BUT HAS NOW RUSTED RIGHT THROUGH, AND CAUSED THE SHOCK TO PROTRUDE INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. NOW MY MECHANIC CLAIMS HE CANNOT SERVICE MY VEHICLE FOR ANYTHING ELSE (EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE ISSUES I NEED TO ADDRESS ARE IMPORTANT AND CRITICAL TO THE USE OF MY VEHICLE. I AM NOW IN A PREDICAMENT, SINCE THE COST TO REPAIR THIS DAMAGE IS VERY HIGH, SO HIGH, IT EXCEEDS THE CURRENT VALUE OF THE VEHICLE, AND I AM ENRAGED THAT MAZDA HAS NOT TAKEN ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THIS CLEAR FACTORY DEFECT. I SAY A CLEAR FACTORY DEFECT, SINCE THIS EXACT ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED, AND RECALLED, IN THE SAME VEHICLE FOR YEARS 2001-2004, BUT NOT FOR 2005. IN ADDITION, I HAVE MET SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE WHO HAVE/ARE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE, REGARDLESS OF HOW WELL THEY HAVE MAINTAINED THEIR VEHCILE. MOREOVER, I CAN FIND THE EXACT SAME ISSUE FOR THIS VEHICLE ON ENDLESS WEBSITES ONLINE, HUNDREDS, MORE ACCURATELY, THOUSANDS OF TIMES! FOR MAZDA TO STILL NOT HAVE RECALLED THIS ISSUE IS UNFAIR, RIDICULOUS AND VERY WRONG TO LOYAL MAZDA CUSTOMERS. I AM NOW STUCK WITH A VEHICLE I CANNOT DRIVE DUE TO A REPAIR I CANNOT AFFORD, BUT A REPAIR THAT I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE TIME, MONEY, MAINTENANCE AND CARE IVE PUT INTO THE OWNERSHIP OF MY CAR. IN ADDITION, THIS ISSUE IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND COULD EASILY CAUSE HARM TO A PERSON DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, A PASSENGER, OR EVEN AN INNOCENT PEDESTRIAN WHEN POPPING THROUGH THE FLOOR, OR AT ANY OTHER STAGE OF WEARING.

NHTSA complaint #11317435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles Omaha, NE

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WOODHOUSE MAZDA LOCATED AT 6603 L ST, OMAHA, NE 68117, (402) 592-1000, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT REAR SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

NHTSA complaint #11300196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 149,000 miles Metuchen, NJ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING, THE LIFTGATE FLEW OPEN AND SEVERAL GROCERY ITEMS FELL ONTO THE STREET. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CLOSED THE LIFTGATE. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME WITHOUT ANY FURTHER ISSUES. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

NHTSA complaint #11287149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.