I have a 2005 Tribute with an occasionally sticky accelerator. Sometimes, when I shift (manual) the accelerator requires some umph to press down. However, if I let up on it slightly, it presses down without any problem. I took it to the dealer and he just replaced the unit. The problem has returned. It doesn't cause any problems as taking pressure off the pedal and pushing down on it again solves the problem.

Has anyone else encountered this issue?

YES!
There's a part in the plastic throttle body that needs cleaning ,it's the second time in 80K miles.
2005 Tribute/80K miles/4-cylinder

I have 51000 miles on my Tribute. Does it seem odd that you have had to replace this part twice already?

I have owned a Datsun 510, Subaru wagon, Previa van and never had a problem like this.

W

Not only it seems to stick,the gas pedal is hard to push down.

Mine had an extended warranty,so it cost nothing.

The dealer acted like no big deal,because the part was cheap.

Is your Tribute a 4-cylinder?

How much did they charge for this Repair?

Plastic parts,seals,and Gaskets are unstable,and they will Fail.

I have a 2005 4 cyl, FWD. If I had the second op to buy another Tribute, I would probably not. Yes, I do notice that the pedal can be hard to push down. Have you had any other brand car that did this? My husband has had a Honda civic, drove his Dad's 280Z around, several Mitzu Eclipses..and none had this problem. Since this is essentially a Ford Escape, I wonder if it has similar accelerator issues.

Well, it's done...pricey fix. My rep showed me the problem with the PLASTIC butterfly valve sticking on the side of the PLASTIC housing. PLASTIC! Had I known this I wonder whether is is a cosmetic fix? Or could the stickiness affect letting off the accelerator, a much worse problem...than, having to push the accelerator down a bit more to get going? What is the end point of not having fixed this? A dangerous situation? Or merely, an annoyance?

Removed and cleaned throttle plate with WD40 & Fogging oil!
Exercise throttle plate by hand.

Cost $0 /15min do it yourself!