Model year guide

2006 Mazda Tribute

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Mazda Tribute is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 47 on record.

2006 Mazda Tribute — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Mazda Tribute at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints135
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$4,621

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

2006 Mazda Tribute recalls 3

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.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor NHTSA Campaign #05V525000 · 17/11/2005

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY 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.

2006 Mazda Tribute common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
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.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2006 Mazda Tribute MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,900

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

What's a 2006 Mazda Tribute worth?

Low
$1,600
Typical price
$4,621
High
$6,800

From 47 comparable 2006 Mazda Tribute listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 Mazda Tribute costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,750
Total$17,250
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 ($4,621) with the same model 5 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.

2006 Mazda Tribute trims & engines on record

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

2006 Mazda Tribute vehicles on record

Other Mazda Tribute model years

2006 Mazda Tribute — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2006 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 2006 Mazda Tribute?

Based on 135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Mazda Tribute get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2006 Mazda Tribute at about 22 mpg combined (20 city / 24 highway).

How much is a 2006 Mazda Tribute worth?

Comparable 2006 Mazda Tribute listings run roughly $1,600–$6,800, typically around $4,621 (from 47 vehicles).

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