The Lemon Index
200520071st generation
Worse than average · most complaints: speed control
Better years to buy
24 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–27 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2006 Toyota RAV4 1452006 Honda CR-V 332006 Ford Escape 95
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2006 Mazda Tribute
- Rust / frame corrosion14 complaintsmostly at 98,000–140,000 miles (158,000–225,000 km)
- Engine stalling9 complaintsmostly at 77,000–151,000 miles (124,000–243,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda Tribute (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 2,500 and 47,000 miles (4,000–76,000 km) (the middle half of the 20 complaints, of all 24 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 15E045000 (suspension), 12V357000 (engine) and 05V525000 (visibility) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Mazda sent dealers 108 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “No start/loss of engine timings/scraping noise at crankshaft pulley/possible engine damage”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mazda's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 24 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 47K miles (4K to 76K km) on the car (20 of all 24 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Gas pedal frequently sticks on 2006 Mazda Tribute.
2006 Mazda Tribute owner · NHTSA complaint 10264060
More owner reports
Dt*: the contact stated without warning the vehicle stalled while decelerating at 40 mph. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem.
NHTSA complaint 10150780
Problems Mazda told dealers about
Mazda sent dealers 108 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- No start/loss of engine timings/scraping noise at crankshaft pulley/possible engine damage
- Engine stalls on engagement/stopping
- The engine is stalling when stopping or engaging into drive or reverse
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Suspension · recall issued 2015
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.
- Engine · recall issued 2012 3.0L engines only
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.
- Visibility · recall issued 2005
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,200–$3,150 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Mazda Tribute year. 2006 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2006 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mazda-tribute/?y=2006" title="Mazda Tribute reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="376" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mazda-tribute/2006/">Lemon Index</a> (2006 Mazda Tribute reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2006 Mazda Tribute reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew about one and a half times the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 142; 100 is average, lower is better). The Mazda Tribute year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2004.
What are the most common 2006 Mazda Tribute problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (25%), engine (17%) and tires (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have?
3 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Mazda Tribute get?
19 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2006 Mazda Tribute problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 2,500 and 47,000 miles (4,000–76,000 km) (the middle half of the 20 complaints, of all 24 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2006 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2006 Mazda Tribute cost in fuel a year?
About $2,200 to $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2006 Mazda Tribute have?
2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mazda Tribute year is better than the 2006?
Nearby, the 2004 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (somewhat fewer complaints than the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works