2006 Mazda Tribute: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 Mazda Tribute: 2 recalls, 130 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
.jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #05V525000 · 2005 · 3,982 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor May have been produced without grease applied to the output shaft gear.
Why it matters: After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear May cause the gear teeth to distort or fracture during operation resulting in the loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired…
The 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.
Speed control / throttle, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #12V357000 · 2012 · 217,500 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #15E045000 · 2015 · 576 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (49): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (3).
- Engine (16): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), leaks (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (14): the most common themes are warning light on (2), stalls / loses power (2), hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Body & structure (13): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (11), noise or vibration (4).
The 2006 Mazda Tribute has 130 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 12 Tribute model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 175). Complaints peaked in 2014 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 75,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (377 complaints, 3 recalls), 2007 (4 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Mazda Tribute.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2006 Mazda Tribute, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 Mazda Tribute problems?
Owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (49), engine (16), transmission & drivetrain (14).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Mazda Tribute get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 Mazda Tribute repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.