2006 Mazda Tribute Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2006 Mazda Tribute.

20052007
Complaints
181
Crashes
11
Fires
1
Injuries
5
Fatalities
3
Recalls
1

Worst 2006 Mazda Tribute Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#144 complaints

Unintended Acceleration

Avg mileage:98,403 mi
Crash-related:3
#216 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:102,543 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:1
#312 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:95,724 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2006 Mazda Tribute.

Unintended Acceleration
44
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
98,403
Engine Problems
16
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
102,543
Transmission / Drivetrain
12
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
95,724
Suspension Failures
12
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
111,929
Body Structure
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
106,519
Electrical Faults
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
86,001
Gasoline Fuel System
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
88,279
Hydraulic Brakes
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
70,492
Airbags
6
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
111,200
Fuel System
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
75,500
Brakes
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
106,833
Fuel System, Other
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Tread/Belt
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Software
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel Pump
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Lock
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Driveline
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda Tribute. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2006 Mazda Tribute

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~217,500 vehicles.

12V357000Vehicle Speed Control:cables · Engine & Cooling
~217,500 affected

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.

Other Mazda Tribute Years

2006 Mazda Tribute — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2006 Mazda Tribute reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2006 Mazda Tribute has 181 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Unintended Acceleration with 44 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
Top reported problems: Unintended Acceleration (44 complaints, avg 98,403 mi); Engine Problems (16 complaints, avg 102,543 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (12 complaints, avg 95,724 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 97,612 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA complaints for the 2006 Mazda Tribute include 11 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 5 injuries, and 3 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 217,500 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2006 Mazda Tribute?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Mazda Tribute reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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