Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Mazda Tribute owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Right rear frame has rusted out enough to cause brake and shock issues causing a perfectly good vehicle to become unsafe and dangerous for my family and others. The shock and brake line broke and the vehicle slid to a stop.
I purchased my 2005 Mazda Tribute brand new from martin Mazda, located in newark, de. My vehicle has never been in an accident and I just drive it back and forth to work. In January I started hearing a loud noise in the rear of my vehicle which started to get louder and louder. It sounded like something in the rear of the vehicle was bouncing/rattling around. On February 10, 2015 I took my car to nucar Mazda in new castle who has serviced my vehicle since 2005. [redacted] , Mazda service advisor informed me that the right rear subframe and wheelwell had rusted away and that it was unsafe for me to drive. The brake line had started to rust, as well. The shock attached t the vehicle had rusted away, as well. He explained that the rear could collapse. …
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 35 MPH I felt what appeared to be a flat tire. After checking the tire, there was nothing obvious showing. At speeds about 55 MPH the sensation of a flat tire ceased, however, as soon as I would slow down, it would return, along with a loud noise. I took the car in to Firestone tire. They discovered that the passenger side rear wheel well is completely rusted out. The strut housing is exposed and the wheel is at risk for literally separating from the vehicle. We were told that any small rear impact could cause the rear end of the vehicle to completely separate from the rest of the car. After having the vehicle checked by several different mechanics and body shops we were told that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and requires over $5800 in repairs. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that there was rust accumulation on the rear passenger side wheel well. As a result, the contact experienced rough driving and heard banging noises coming from the rear passenger side wheel. The contact drove to an independent mechanic who informed her of the rust. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall; therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 14V174000 (structure: frame and members), which was related to the 2001-2004 models. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000.
The rear wheel well is extremely rusted to the point of the shock being loose. Their is a recall for 01-04 but doesn't appear to offer same recall although numerous complaints from other owners with same issue. My wife recently noticed car made a lot of noise lately from rear wheel. When I investigated it, I noticed large rust issues all over rear wheel area and shock barely holding to frame. My wife's car has been garaged all its life. We bought it new off the show room. Doesn't make sense to have so much rust and now a huge safety concern. Undercarriage was even cleaned throughout winter months. We can't drive vehicle because it might fall apart on road and the car could lose control.
After hearing rattling from the rear passenger-side when going over potholes, I took my car in for shock/struts. I was told that the noise was not my shocks, but that the wheel well was rusted out. The shocks were OK, but there was nothing to attach them to. I was further told by the mechanic that he had never seen corrosion this bad on a 10yr old car with 50,000 miles. Advice was to find a body shop to fabricate a part. I've read that this is occurring with lots of Mazda tributes and Ford escape in different years. So why isn't Mazda/Ford making these repairs. This is a defect. I should have gotten a Honda: something I trust.
The car began making a loud banging noise from the right rear. Upon inspection by our mechanic it was diagnosed as a complete rusting through of the right rear well, causing the shock to no longer be attached to the frame. The shock was actually visible from the inside rear of the car. We were told the car was no longer safe to drive. Mazda was unwilling to do anything about the failure, in spite of my finding numerous other complaints related to the same failure on blogs. A frame shop had to install a new inner wheel house panel. Cost of the repair was $2000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mazda Tribute. The contact heard an abnormal noise, while driving the vehicle. The contact stated upon inspection it was discovered that the rear tire well had disconnected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician confirmed that the rear end tire well was detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,990. Updated 06/14/16 consumer stated the vehicle has been repaired updated 5/29/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mazda Tribute. While driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal banging/clacking noise and the vehicle swayed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (kings Ford inc., 9555 kings auto mall rd, cincinnati, ohio 45249) where it was diagnosed that the wheel well on the rear passenger side was rusted and referred the contact to a body shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and did not assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 157,000.
While driving, my passenger and I noticed a strange noise coming from the rear passenger wheel well. After inspecting it, we discovered that the entire wheel well was rusted out and that the suspension system was disconnected. Hence, the entire area is being cut out and rebuilt. After speaking with a representative from Mazda, my vehicle is out of any consideration of assistance from Mazda because of the age and mileage on the vehicle.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2005 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2005 Mazda Tribute, 6% of the model year's 377 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Mazda Tribute wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2005 Mazda Tribute, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Mazda Tribute wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 121,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.