general problems of the 2005 Mazda Tribute

Started hearing banging noises while driving. Finally realized it was coming from the passenger side rear wheel well, which was completely rusted. This caused the shock absorber to detach and bang on the car while driving. The car is in otherwise good condition, with no other rust problems. There was a recall for the same issue on the 2001-2004 models, but not 2005.

Passenger side rear wheel well completely rusted out, exposing and causing failure in the associated shock. The rear bumper now rattles over even the tiniest bit of uneven pavement and the car will sway in the back rear over larger bumps hit with that back wheel. First noticed going over uneven pavement after being parked for about 4 hours. Nothing prompted it other than a piece of uneven road may have been the final straw. This is apparently becoming a common problem in the 2005 Mazda Tributes and was addressed in a recall for 2001-2004 Tributes. Same problem, same area (passenger side rear wheel well) this is not safe!.

A noise in the left rear developed and the rear shock broke off. Upon inspection it was determined that excessive corrosion on the entire frame from behind the front seat area back rendered the vehicle unsafe to drive. I contacted Mazda corp and was tld that yes there were known cases of excessive corrosion on that er as well as Ford escapes due to defective metal used in manufacturing. I was told it was not my fault as I could not have prevented it. That there was nothing they could do as the vehicle was out of warrantee. The Mazda dealer who inspected the vehicle stated it was ne of the worst cases they had seen and not to drive it. I was forced to trade it in at a great loss because I need a vehicle.

As research has shown the 2001 - 2004 Tributes have recalls on the subframe of the vehicle, my 2005 has the same problem on the subframe and is so rusted out that it is ready to break apart. I believe this is the same part as the earlier models and my VIN has been left out of the recall, I would really be great full if we can have this matter resolved before it becomes a tragic matter while driving the vehicle. Thank you very much for your time. I remain. My vehicle will be going into the dealer tomorrow morning for a different recall matter at bay shore Mazda in long island n. Y. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 9176477868.

My Mazda 2005, has totally rusted out on the passenger back wheel well. The suspension is affected as well. The repairs are going to be very costly and I found out that the 01-04 models have done the same and there was a recall for the same exact issue. Mazda needs to extend the recall to include the 05 model as well. I am also filing a report with Mazda.

Went to get my annual inspection and was told that my right rear shock tower is rusted out.

I own a 2005 Mazda Tribute with 80,000 miles, new tires, new brakes, new spark plugs and pistons (installed in April ) cost=1200. 00 took my car in for an inspection in may and my mechanic told me there was considerable rust on the right wheel well and may not support the struts he advised me not to drive it and I took it to a body shop and they said d1500. + not including labor and they could not guarantee they could gt rid of the rust, not involved in an accident-my car runs good but I afraid to drive it. 75 retired and this is my only mode of transportation and I cannot afford another car. I noticed on line Mazda has recalled a lot of cars for this same problem-do they nor undercoat cars anymore.

I just wanted to add to the long list of Mazda Tribute 2005 owners with the right rear wheelhouse problem due to rust and corrosion causing the strut to disconnect from the frame. My vehicle currently has 116k miles. The left rear and front wheel house areas are in great shape. Its astonishing with the multitude of Mazda owners reporting this issue and the 100's of internet web sites documenting this issue that Mazda hasn't taken ownership of this problem and released a fix. I've read the Ford motor company did just so with the comparable 2005 escape line.

Right rear wheelhouse has completely rusted out at 146,000 miles, and the strut is disconnected from the frame. Mazda has denied any responsibility for this issue and offered no assistance despite the fact that there are hundreds of complaints of this very issue on the NHTSA website, and despite the fact that the 2001-2004 Tributes were recalled and repaired for corrsion issues. The mechanic and collision repair center said they have never seen rust this bad in the same area of makes of vehicles. The collision repair center also stated that this is a $4,000-$6,000 repair that the owner should not be stuck with as it is a manufacuture defect. They manufacutured the 2005 Ford escape frame in the same plant and they share the same problem. This occured while I was traveling down the highway at 70mph and the shock broke free right behind my sons carseat, the shock was touching the inner plastic . Luckly I pulled over to find out what the noise was. Mazda seems to have no concern for their customers safety. Customer beware. . . . And if you have a child at least put them on the drivers side for some safety. Lets all hope Mazda will stand up for their defective product. . . . . . . .

Entire right (passenger) rear wheel well rusted away, including the shock mount.