2006 Mazda Tribute
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Driver Assistance & Speed Control
Driver Assistance & Speed Control leads by volume: 49 of 130 complaints (38%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Engine include more deaths (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 377 in 2005 to 130 in 2006.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2008 | vs. 2006 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–3,450 | 2,600–3,650 | 2,300–3,300 | 1,950–3,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 18–22 | 17–24 | 19–27 | 19–32 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–20 / 22–25 | 16–21 / 20–27 | 17–28 / 21–27 | 17–34 / 22–30 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 404–494 | 370–523 | 329–468 | 278–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 157 | 377 | 130 | 202 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 4 | 3 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 15 | 16 | 9 | 6 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 15 | 13 | 4 | 12 | |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
Driver Assistance & Speed Control: 49 of 130 NHTSA complaints (38%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Mazda Tribute get?
EPA rates it 19–27 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2006 Mazda Tribute?
EPA estimates $2,300–$3,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (7)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 21 mpg | 27 mpg (high) | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 18 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 19 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 17 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 2.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 28 mpg (high) | 26 mpg | 27 mpg (high) | $2,300 (low) | 329 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 21 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 13 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 49 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING · Campaign 15E045000 · Jun 3, 2015
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES · Campaign 12V357000 · Jul 27, 2012
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR · Campaign 05V525000 · Nov 17, 2005
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Consequence: 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 VISIBILITY.
Remedy: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.