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Jeep Wrangler vs Mazda Tribute

For 2005–2011 models, the Mazda Tribute has 68.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 92.2 for the Jeep Wrangler. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.

Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2011), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.

Jeep Wrangler

92.2 complaints per 10,000 sold

1.4× the Mazda Tribute’s rate

Complaints
6,104
Sold
661,960
Recall campaigns
15
Open NHTSA investigations
5

Most complaints: 2006–2009. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 55,000 mi

  2. Tie rods, linkage, shaft and column

    Typically around 6,600 mi · repair $270–$510

  3. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 65,437 mi

  4. Tank, lines and filler

    Typically around 45,000 mi

  5. Shocks and struts

    Typically around 17,000 mi · repair $280–$1,440

Estimate costs for a specific Jeep Wrangler →

Mazda Tribute

68.2 complaints per 10,000 sold

26% fewer than the Jeep Wrangler

Complaints
681
Sold
99,870
Recall campaigns
5
Open NHTSA investigations
0

Most complaints: 2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2006–2007 and 2011. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Body and panel corrosion

    Typically around 126,000 mi

  2. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 80,000 mi

  3. Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion

    Typically around 126,250 mi

  4. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 113,867 mi

  5. Electric power steering motor and module

    Typically around 110,500 mi · repair $750–$2,230

Estimate costs for a specific Mazda Tribute →

Common questions

Which has fewer problems, the Jeep Wrangler or the Mazda Tribute?

For 2005–2011 models, the Mazda Tribute has 68.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Jeep Wrangler has 92.2, counting the same model years for both.

What is the most common problem on the Jeep Wrangler?

The most-reported problem on the Jeep Wrangler is body control and other modules, typically around 55,000 miles.

What is the most common problem on the Mazda Tribute?

The most-reported problem on the Mazda Tribute is body and panel corrosion, typically around 126,000 miles.

Which Jeep Wrangler and Mazda Tribute years have the most complaints?

Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Jeep Wrangler: 2006–2009; Mazda Tribute: 2008 and 2010.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.