2005 Mazda Tribute Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 126about this part
- Share
- 33%of 377 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,131miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 126 complaints about the body and structure of the 2005 Mazda Tribute, 33% of the 377 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,131 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rear wheel well rusted out causing the shock to poke a hole thru the back of my cargo area. This created a very dangerous situation for driving. My son was driving the vehicle and almost lost complete control over the car due to this. Mazda has recalled 2004 and older for this exact problem but they have not recalled 2005.”
NHTSA complaint #11118135, filed 2018-08, 99,997 miles“My 2005 Mazda Tribute awd s is rusted out in the right rear wheelhouse along with the shock tower. Not drivable and sitting stationary. Why recalls only up to 2004 models? Very disappointed. Doesn't make sense as there are many complaints on this issue. I have a car not drivable and no money for a new one. Retired with a fixed income. Help!!??”
NHTSA complaint #10851161, filed 2016-03, 112,000 miles“The right rear strut tower has rusted causing the bracket to come loose from the body of the vehicle. I called a body shop to see if they could fix this and they knew the type of vehicle I have just based on the problem as it is so pervasive. In researching this it appears there is a defect in these Mazda and ford escape models as it is a common finding.”
NHTSA complaint #10779348, filed 2015-10, 128,000 miles“My Mazda tributes right rear wheel well rusted completely off, leaving my strut hanging. There is no metal left to be connected to the suspension/shocks. The rest of the vehicle body including all other wheel wells are fine. The car is well maintained and garage parked. Contacted Mazda USA and a local dealership but Mazda refused to participate on any repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10586352, filed 2014-05, 101,000 miles“2005 Mazda while driving on a city street I heard a loud clunk coming from the right rear of the vehicle. I discovered that the right rear wheelhouse had rusted out and the shock tower had completely broken off. The left wheelhouse is close behind. This is the same problem addressed by a Mazda recall for 2001-2004 models. Why hasn't Mazda been forced to address the problem with the 2005 model?”
NHTSA complaint #10854803, filed 2016-04, 180,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10154139Dec 11, 2018If a vehicle has body vibration or steering wheel shimmy while driving and the root cause is determined to be tire balance, re-balance the tires using a Hunter GSP9700 or…
- 10148068Oct 10, 2018When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of…
- 10134702Mar 22, 2018When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
- 10020033May 25, 2006Notification of headliner compliance recall 4006d. The energy absorbing material located above the forward corners of the interior headliner may not absorb sufficient energy to…
- 10016733Jan 1, 2005Underhood insulator.
- 10013931Jun 1, 2004Pop/snap noise while driving.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 14% |
| 2010 | 2 | 5% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 13 | 10% |
| 2005 | 126 | 33% |
| 2004 | 45 | 29% |
| 2003 | 29 | 15% |
| 2002 | 26 | 7% |
| 2001 | 45 | 8% |
| 2000 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2005 Mazda Tribute
137 complaintsVehicle speed control
85 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsWheels
22 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Mazda Tribute
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology