Model year guide

2005 Mazda tribute

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Mazda tribute is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 63 on record.

2005 Mazda tribute — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Mazda tribute at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints383
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$3,398

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2005 Mazda tribute recalls 4

Suspension:front:wheel Bearing NHTSA Campaign #15E045000 · 03/06/2015

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 dimensio…

Fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

Engine And Engine Cooling NHTSA Campaign #12V357000 · 27/07/2012

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.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint NHTSA Campaign #06V116000 · 12/04/2006

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL LOCATED ABOVE THE HEADLINER IN THE AFFECTED AREA FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock NHTSA Campaign #04V605000 · 23/12/2004

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2005 Mazda tribute common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 383 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2005 Mazda tribute MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,117

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2005 Mazda tribute worth?

Low
$1,600
Typical price
$3,398
High
$5,000

From 62 comparable 2005 Mazda tribute listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Mazda tribute costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,585
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,950
Total$17,535
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,398) with the same model 4 model-years older ($1,852), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Mazda tribute trims & engines on record

Trims
s · i · 4wd s · 4wd i
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 200 hp · 2.3L 4-cyl 153 hp

2005 Mazda tribute vehicles on record

Other Mazda tribute model years

2005 Mazda tribute — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Mazda tribute have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2005 Mazda tribute. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mazda tribute?

Based on 383 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, suspension, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Mazda tribute get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Mazda tribute at about 20 mpg combined (18 city / 23 highway).

How much is a 2005 Mazda tribute worth?

Comparable 2005 Mazda tribute listings run roughly $1,600–$5,000, typically around $3,398 (from 62 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.