Wheel & Tire complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
As I am driving the ABS and traction control lights come on and the car will start kicking like something is trying to in gage itself this has caused the transmission to go out so I have had it rebuilt thinking maybe the transmission was bad I have the car back now and the car is doing the same thing as it was doing before transition went out it has done it almost every time I drive it dry pavement city and or country roads worried to drive it now don't want to have to replace transmission again over 3000 dollars to repair any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
I'm driving down the road and when trying to ride in 5th gear since its a manual transmission it keeps popping out of 5th gear every time I'm driving down highway no matter what I'm doing I go to put in 5th gear and it pops back out every time unless I hold the gear shift in place....I just had bought this vehicle t swartz auto sales in harrisonburg va and I brought it to their attention for which they're not wanting to help on this issue even though I have just gotten it literally last week n only have put maybe 250 miles and not only that the first day I bought it brought it up home washed it up I then realized that the tires are dry rotted which I have attached pictures it has an inspection sticker stating its good til March 18 not sure how these tires even passed inspection I took to my regular mechanic and he advised me that they shouldn't have been passed. …
While driving to work I started to hear a banging sound from the back of my vehicle. It sounded like the back window was open & banging every time I hit a bump. I pulled over and made sure everything was shut. I proceeded to work but the banging persisted. When I got to work I checked the back compartment & removed my cargo incase that was culprit. On my drive home the banging still persisted. My husband looked at the vehicle and said that the shocks/struts were blown. I took it to the garage that night & it turns out that the passenger side rear wheel well was completely rusted through & there was no where for the shock to mount. When the mechanic pulled up my cargo mat in the back it is amazing that nothing fell out, the size of the hole from the rust is comparable to the size of a basketball. Welding is not even an option to repair this damage. …
Because of the rear end making loud noise and vibration upon contacting road bumps and holes vehicle taken to repair shop where inspection revealed significant deterioration of the metal forming the rear passenger side wheel well, oxidation (rust) to the extent of large hole exposing interior department. Replacement of the rear shocks did not correct the vibrations from road irregularities. Mechanic described the cause as a result of the wheel well loss of metal & change in shape enabling metal to metal contact. Structural integrity duration is of much concern.
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. …
rear passenger side wheel well ,shock tower mount ,and sub frame .shock tower mount broke fell off hit the cement , chipped my rim and crushed my break lines i took it to lafountaine mazda and they have done an estimate for repairs and damage
The right rear shock tower broke away from the body ,causing the vehicle to jerk hard right ,as I was driving on the highway at about 60 miles per hour,this almost caused an accident, I crossed into the middle lane cutting off the auto in that lane . Had it not been for the driving skills off the other driver and myself there would have been an accident. The shock then tore the inside of the tire up causing a flat. When I called Mazda they said it was not a safety issue and had no plans to recall the vehicle for this most common problem.this vehicle has a recall for rust on the front frame mount but not on the rust problems in the rear of the vehicles. I feel they used inferior metal in the entire automobile and should repair this very dangerous problem.
Related recalls (1)
Wheels › Hubcap/cover
Vehicle description: some 4x2 sport utility vehicles not equipped with an antilock braking system May have inadvertently been built with 4x4 rear hubs instead of 4x2 hubs. If the incorrect hubs are installed on a 4x2 vehicle, the rear wheels can loosen, or in some cases, separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear hubs and, if necessary, replace them.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Tribute years have wheel & tire problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (24), 2001 (14), 2004 (12), 2006 (9) and 2002 (8) model years. Wheel & Tire complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Mazda Tribute wheel & tire problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 00V260002 (hubcap/cover, Sep 12, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda Tribute wheel & tire problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tread/belt (8 mentions), followed by the rim (5).
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.