Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Mazda Tribute owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle traveling on interstate highway of major metropolitan city when smoke from engine brought vehicle and traffic to standstill. Two fire trucks and police responded. Oil found sprayed on highway and throughout engine compartment, with total loss of engine oil. Vehicle taken to dealership service department for diagnosis. Per dealership report, oil leak found emanating from a large gaping hole on bottom of engine block (v6) where it appears cylinder rod #5 disconnected and went through the bottom of the engine block and ruptured the oil filter, releasing all engine oil content. Engine considered blown by dealership and given out of warranty, an $8500 engine replacement is required at the total expense of the owner given the vehicle is beyond the 36,000 mile engine warranty period, and therefore Mazda is not responsible. …
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 drive, it accelerated at full throttle. The contact called kinsel Ford (located at 3355 eastex fwy, beaumont, tx 77706, [phone]) and was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V357000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control). The dealer stated that if the failure was related to the recall, there would be no charge. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
My Mazda Tribute v 6, 3.0 all of a sudden stopped on the highway. I had it towed to my son's house, than to the Mazda dealership. It was at the dealership when I was told what had occurred. My coils had blown out and damaged my (PCM)computer. They said it would cost $2689. I could not afford the dealership's cost so I had it towed again to a private mechanic where he replaced the coils. I went on ebay and found a reasonably priced PCM where it was programmed keys included. My research has LED me into writing this letter. I found that Ford motors and their affiliates have known about this problem with the coils blowing out the PCM for quite some time and have never told the owners of their vehicles about this problem. If I had known I would have never purchased the vehicle.
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 of the road. The contact walked to sullivan Ford Lincoln inc (759 magee dr, brookhaven, ms 39601, [phone]), but they were unable to assist the contact. The vehicle was then towed to bill hood Mazda (333 n morrison blvd, hammond, la 70401, [phone]) where the vehicle was awaiting to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
I was unable to stop my vehicle in time to avoid a collision with another car. It felt to me that I had no control over the car because the engine was racing. I applied the brakes hard but the car would not stop. The traffic light had just changed and I was accelerating to go through the light. That is when the vehicle went out of my control. After the accident, I tried to drive my car away from the scene but the engine was racing and I could not control the car. That is when I realized that the vehicle is not drivable because the engine appears to be stuck with the throttle open. I tried to drive it but had to use the emergency brake to stop it.
When cold, gas pedal will not depress. Becomes firm and resistant to pressure. Have to slam on pedal, but receive no power from engine---happens alot when trying to turn corners, will not accelerate- can cause severe if not fatal accident if this occurs at the wrong time. Please force Mazda to issue recall for this part, could be related to throttle body as well
When cold, gas pedal will not depress. Becomes firm and resistant to pressure. Have to slam on pedal, but receive no power from engine---happens alot when trying to turn corners, will not accelerate- can cause severe if not fatal accident if this occurs at the wrong time. Please force Mazda to issue recall for this part, could be related to throttle body as well.
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 pleathera of seezed engines and thrown rods. Most vehicles has great body but blown engine.
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.
Mazda Tribute cruise control failure engine problems my name nageswar karri I have a Mazda Tribute, 2006 model. After 2500 miles,first time I tried cruise control for 2 minute then my car can not go forward on the free way in the middle of the freeway I try to pull over but I couldn't slowly I pull over left line. I have 3 years baby in my Tribute I was scared. I called Mazda 1800 number the answer is they can not do anything because Saturday, and I have full coverage 50,000 miles bumper to bumper and new SUV. Thank for chp officer stopped and he help me to call tow truck to nearest Mazda dealer. I don't understand what is the customer service for Mazda..they said 24 hours 7 days a week road side assistance?..where is the assistance that time 7:00 pm...I really get mad because I have 3 years daughter in my SUV... It is crazy....
Engine complaints in other Tribute years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Mazda Tribute?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Mazda Tribute, 16% of the model year's 130 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Mazda Tribute engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Mazda Tribute, though it has 2 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 2006 Mazda Tribute engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury and 2 deaths to engine & cooling 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.