Before you buy
This 2006 Mazda Tribute has 135 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Unintended Acceleration.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2006 Mazda Tribute Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2006 Mazda Tribute trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2006 Mazda Tribute Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated20.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
20.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
MAZDA TRIBUTE 2006 has 135 NHTSA complaints, including 49 for unintended acceleration and 22 for engine problems. With 3 recalls and 9 crash-related reports, buyers should inspect throttle and brake systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mazda
- Model
- Tribute
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 135
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Unintended Acceleration
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2006 Mazda Tribute problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Unintended Acceleration
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Unintended Acceleration, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2006 Mazda Tribute?
The 2006 Mazda Tribute is a risky choice due to a high rate of unintended acceleration complaints. Only consider if a thorough inspection and recall check are performed.
Unintended acceleration can pose safety risks, and the high complaint count suggests a pattern that may affect reliability and resale value.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in pre-purchase inspections and accept higher risk.
May Want to Avoid
Safety-conscious buyers or those seeking a trouble-free used SUV should avoid the 2006 Tribute.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2006 Mazda Tribute
Inspection Focus
- Inspect throttle and cruise control systems for unintended acceleration causes.
- Check engine for reported problems like stalling or hesitation.
- Test transmission for slipping or harsh shifting.
Before You Close the Deal
- Check for open recalls related to unintended acceleration at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect throttle and brake systems.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration symptoms.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2006 Mazda Tribute, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Mazda Tribute shows a high number of unintended acceleration reports (49 complaints), along with engine and transmission problems. With 3 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints, buyers should be cautious. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2006 has the highest complaint count, particularly for unintended acceleration.
Recall context: With 3 recalls, verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Unintended acceleration accounts for 49 of 135 total complaints.
- Engine problems total 22 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues account for 18 complaints.
- Unintended Acceleration (49 complaints)
- Engine Problems (22 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (18 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2006 Mazda Tribute complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda Tribute. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unintended Acceleration | 49 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 22 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda Tribute. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
2006 MAZADA TRIBUTE- Consumer sent a request to Mazda North America to request estimate for cost of repair for replacement of the sensor and switches on the doors and service to the "door ajar" alarm system. Mazda customer care stated they wouldn't be able to provide assistance i…
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.
THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WELL AREA WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER ATTACHES TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE BUSTED OUT. IT NO LONGER HOLDS THE SHOCK IN PLACE TO ABSORB A BUMP. I WAS RECENTLY INFORMED BY A BODYSHOP PERSON THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF. WOULD YOU LET ME KNOW…
2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE ,RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED AWAY,LEAVING SHOCK FLOATING AND BANGING AROUND IN WHEEL WELL FIRST NOTICED IN JUNE 2015
HEARD NOISE OF KNOCKING RATTLING 2014-15 HAD IT TOWED TO MACHANIC AND THEY INFORMED ME OF I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. GOT IT REPLACED WITH A JASPER REBUILT. RIGHT AT 4 YEARS IT HAPPENS AGAIN, ONE YR AFTER WARRANTY. RESEARCHING FOR EITHER RESELL VALUE OR NEW ENGINE GAME ACROSS A PLEATH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHEN THE CONTACT'S SON EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SHUT THE DOOR, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS, ALONG WITH THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER WERE BOTH INJURED, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REP…
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…
GAS PEDAL STICKS MAKING IT HARD TO ACCELERATE. DANGEROUS WHEN IN TRAFFIC AND GAS PEDAL WILL NOT MOVE. WHETHER IT IS SUMMER OR WINTER TRYING TO ACCELERATE IS BECOMING VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING.
HELLO - OUR 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE RECENTLY HAD ISSUES RELATED TO SPIDER WEBS IN THE VENT HOSE - IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOTES, THE FOLLOWING ISSUES WERE NOTED RELATED TO THE FUEL TANK: CANISTER VENT FILTER AND HOSE: END OF VENT HOSE AT TOP OF FILLER KNECK PLUGGED WITH SPIDER W…
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAD AN AIRBAG FAILURE AFTER HITTING A DEER AT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HWY. THE CHARGE IN THE AIRBAG WENT OFF BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. I NEED THIS FIXED!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA TRIBUTE. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE …
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 MUS…
DRVING ON THE HIGWAY AND THE CAR TURN OFF LOST POWER ,LOST STEEING, I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEICLE .PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGWAY, WAITED FOR A WHILE , STARTED AGAIN BUT THE SPEED WAS DO MILES , ENGINE BIBRATING,MECHANIC SAYS THAT NEED TO REPLACE THE PCM AND 6 IDG COILS
LAST NIGHT 01/11/2018, I WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THIS MORNING MY GAS PEDAL WAS STICKING, AND IT WAS HARD TO DRIVE/GO. ONCE I REACHED THE MAIN STREET, IT WAS HARD TO ACCELERATE. NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT WON'T GO OFF.
MY GAS PEDAL IS STICKING INTERMITTENTLY. ACCORDING TO MY INTERNET SEARCH, THE V6'S FOR THIS MODEL WAS RECALLED, BUT NOT THE 4 CYLINDER VERSION I HAVE. I HAVE TO BELIEVE IT IS A SIMILAR PROBLEM. I JUST WANT IT TO GET FIXED AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. EITHER IT IS GOING TO GET STU…
TAKATA RECALL OUR CAR WAS IN A COLLISION IN 2011 AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE WONDERED WHY AS WE WERE TRAVELING ABOUT 35-40 MPH ON A HIGHWAY
EXPERIENCING SAME ISSUES WITH THE FRONT SUBFRAME/ENGINE CRADLE AS INDICATED IN THE 2001-2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE/FORD ESCAPE RECALL. THIS IS A 2006, WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE OF THE SUBFRAME RUSTING OUT AND BREAKING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE! THE RECALL SHOULD HA…
DRIVERS SIDE REAR SHOCK BROKE COMPLETELY AWAY FROM FRAME. (TOP SIDE). PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTING AWAY BADLY.
HEAR A LOUD BANGING SOUND FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL ON MY MAZDA TRIBUTE WHEN DRIVING APPROX 30 MILES AN HOUR ON SMOOTH ROAD. TOOK IT TO GET THE SHOCK CHECKED AND WAS SHOWN BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE REAR WHEEL WELL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE SHOCK WAS HANGING
THROTTLE STICKS AT IDLE UNTIL ENGINE WARMS UP
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Mazda Tribute.
Safety recalls
2006 Mazda Tribute recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Mazda Tribute. With 3 recalls, verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2006 Mazda Tribute buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Mazda Tribute reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 135 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2006 Mazda Tribute is a risky choice due to a high rate of unintended acceleration complaints. Only consider if a thorough inspection and recall check are performed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda Tribute?▾
#1: Unintended Acceleration (49 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (22 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Mazda Tribute?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Mazda Tribute?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Mazda Tribute, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 135 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Mazda Tribute. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING. With 3 recalls, verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2006 Mazda Tribute?▾
The 2006 Mazda Tribute is a risky choice due to a high rate of unintended acceleration complaints. Only consider if a thorough inspection and recall check are performed. Unintended acceleration can pose safety risks, and the high complaint count suggests a pattern that may affect reliability and resale value. Pay extra attention to Unintended Acceleration during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Mazda Tribute reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2006 Mazda Tribute based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.