NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 135 owner complaints for the 2006 Mazda Tribute. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (49) and power train (18). The EPA rates it 19–23 mpg combined.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE DRIVING 85 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED MULTIPLE TIMES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, IT ACCELERATED AT FULL THROTTLE. THE CONTACT CALLED KINSEL FORD (LOCATED AT 3355 EASTEX FWY, BEAUMONT, TX 77706, (409) 899-4000) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL, THERE WOULD BE NO CHARGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.”
“THIS INVOLVES MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR THAT CAN NO LONGER BE OPENED BY MY REMOTE..IT ALL STARTED AFTER GETTING A NEW BATTERY INSTALLED..ALL THE OTHER DOORS ON MY SUV OPEN AND LOCK WITH THE REMOTE. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS THE ONLY DOOR THAT I HAVE TO USE MY CAR KEY TO OPEN. THERE MUST BE SOME DEFECT. I'VE READ THAT OTHERS WHO HAVE MAZDA TRIBUTES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER A NEW BATTERY IS INSTALLED.”
“WE PURCHASED A USED 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE WITH ABOUT 83,000 MILES ON IT FROM A CAR DEALER. LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING IT, THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE ENGINE FAILED AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART IT.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribute 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Tribute 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Tribute 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Tribute 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Tribute 4WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Tribute 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 135 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (49), power train (18), engine (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2006 Mazda Tribute at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).