MazdaTribute2005Overview/mazda/tribute/2005/base/

2005 Mazda Tribute

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2005 Tribute.

Body SUV

The 2005 Mazda Tribute is an SUV from the model’s 2000–2011 run that generated 383 owner complaints and four recalls, with vehicle speed control standing out as the most frequently reported concern. That complaint count sits below the 581-complaint peak recorded for 2001 yet far exceeds the four-complaint low logged for 2007, positioning the 2005 model in the upper range of reported issues across the Tribute’s lifecycle. For researchers, this means the year offers a comparatively rich body of owner feedback for studying the model’s dominant problem areas without reaching the series maximum.

Model year201120102009200820062005200420032002

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 40R · 590 CCA battery, OE oil filter AJTM14302. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 40R · 590 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filterAJTM14302 alt LF0514302B
Engine air filterYF0913Z40
Fuel filterAJ0313480
Spark plugZZC218110A alt L84518110
Front wiper bladesEF9167330 alt EF9267330
Serpentine beltAJ0415908 alt ZZC018381A
ThermostatAJ5715171A alt LF0315165A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length173.2 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height69.3 in
Wheelbase103.1 in
Curb weight2985 lb
Track (front / rear)60.6 / 59.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Tribute of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.2–8.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.20 sec — 2001 LX V-6
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2001LX V-6 3.0L V68.20 sec16.40 sec200 hpAWD
2001ES V-6 3.0L V68.40 sec16.70 sec200 hpAWD
2001ES V-6 3.0L V68.70 sec16.40 sec200 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.0-10.0
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.5 Pints
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-90 · GL-4
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity4.9-5.1
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) BearingsSOHC: 30-36 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel BoltsSOHC: 14-22 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts59 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts13 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts40 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts7.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts15 ft-lbs
Main BearingsSOHC: 75-85 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub222 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub221 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Spark Plug Gap0.049-0.053 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Gap0.052-0.055 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Ignition TimingTurbo: 10, Non-Turbo: 8 degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity2.10 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.30-7.70 oz
Standard BCI Group Number40R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance590 cca
Standard BCI Group Number40R

Service checks

Pressure Test18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature188-193 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)39
RPM39 @ Idle rpm
Engine Oil Pressure20 psi @ Idle, 40 psi @ 2000 rpm psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle111 ft-lbs
Rotor Runout Limit0.004 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.97 in / 0.45 in / 0.88 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.95 in / 0.43 in / 0.86 in
Drum Nominal Diameter9 in
Drum Discard at-or-over9.06

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
3Loosen bolts 360 degrees360 degrees
430.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
590 degrees90 degrees
690 degrees90 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 75,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level)
Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection)
Every 30,000 miAxle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Body Fasteners (torque) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System Heat Shield (inspect) · Frame Fasteners (torque)
Every 37,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miEmission Control System (inspect)
Every 75,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2005 Mazda Tribute presents a concerning anomaly within the provided federal record, as consumer complaints surged to 383 after declining steadily from the 2001 peak through 2004. While recalls decreased to 4 and investigations dropped to zero, the complaint volume nearly doubled compared to the 2004 model year's 182 reports. Primary grievances center on Vehicle Speed Control, Suspension, and Structure, though the data does not specify the root cause of these failures. This spike contrasts sharply with the subsequent 2006 and 2007 models, which saw complaints plummet to 135 and 4 respectively, indicating the 2005 model falls at a late high point in the issue arc before stabilization. Given the unexplained resurgence in reported issues despite fewer official recalls, this model year carries higher risk than its immediate predecessors. Consequently, the 2005 Tribute is not the optimal choice within this generation, and buyers should prioritize the 2004 or 2006 model years instead.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
137
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
383
Owner complaints
16 involved a crash · 4 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 383 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Vehicle Speed Control66
Suspension56
Structure48
Suspension,Structure47
Power Train16
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12
Suspension,Structure,Unknown Or Other9
Electrical System8

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

15E045000Suspension:Front:Wheel BearingReported 03/06/2015

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda… Remedy: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer…

12V357000Engine And Engine CoolingReported 27/07/2012

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector… Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 137 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SA-029-262026-04-21Power TrainThis Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are…
09-038-242024-08-08Electrical SystemIn accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing…
SA-011-24b2024-07-29Unknown Or OtherMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all…
SA-011-24a2024-06-07Unknown Or OtherMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all…
SA-011-242024-02-12SteeringMazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Tribute. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2005 Tribute have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.