Last updated: 2026-07-26

Buick Envista vs Mazda CX-30: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Buick Envista and the Mazda CX-30? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Buick Envista currently leads with an average score of 79/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Buick Envista and Mazda CX-30 Generations Compare?

The Mazda CX-30 entered its first generation in 2020 and continued through 2024. By the end of its generation, the CX-30 had matured, benefiting from several years of production, which typically leads to improved reliability as initial issues are ironed out. The CX-30 received a mid-cycle refresh in 2022, enhancing its features and addressing early feedback, further boosting its dependability. In contrast, the Buick Envista is in its first generation, which began in 2024. As a relatively new model, it might encounter typical first-year issues as manufacturers work through initial production challenges. Buyers should consider that older platforms like the CX-30's often offer more reliability due to their refined nature over time.

Verdict

The Buick Envista is more reliable than the Mazda CX-30, scoring 79/100 vs 67/100.

The Buick Envista presents a stronger reliability profile with an average score of 79/100 compared to the Mazda CX-30's 67/100. While both vehicles have similar issue areas, the Envista has experienced only one recall over three years, significantly fewer than the CX-30's ten recalls over seven years. Although the CX-30 has a slightly lower owner complaint rate at 5.7 per 10,000 sold versus the Envista's 7.1, the recall history and higher overall reliability score give the Envista a notable edge in long-term dependability.

Key Differences

  1. 1Buick Envista scores 12 points higher in reliability
  2. 2Buick Envista has 9 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Mazda CX-30 has 1.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

2Buick Envista
1Mazda CX-30
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Buick Envista vs Mazda CX-30: Which Is More Reliable?

Buick Envista vs Mazda CX-30 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricBuick EnvistaMazda CX-30
Reliability Score79/10067/100
Years Tracked37
Total Recalls110
Complaints per 10k Sold7.15.7
Year Wins30

What Are the Common Problems With the Buick Envista and Mazda CX-30?

The Mazda CX-30 has a higher total complaint count compared to the Buick Envista, with significant issues in the engine and service brakes categories, the latter being notably linked to crashes in 40% of its complaints. The CX-30 also reports a higher number of crash-linked issues in air bags and forward collision avoidance systems, suggesting potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Buick Envista's most prevalent problem is with the electrical system, accounting for over 40% of its complaints, though it has fewer crash-linked issues overall. Both vehicles show similarities in the "unknown or other" category, but the CX-30's broader range of problem areas might indicate a more complex reliability profile.

Buick Envista vs Mazda CX-30 common problem areas comparison
ComponentBuick EnvistaMazda CX-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.9Low0.8Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.2Low0.7Very Low
ENGINE0.4Very Low1.2Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.4Very Low0.4Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.3Very Low0.3Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.2Very Low0.3Very Low
STEERING0.3Very Low0.1Very Low
AIR BAGSNone0.3Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.2Very LowNone
VISIBILITY0.2Very LowNone
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENone0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNone0.2Very Low
SUSPENSIONNone0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURENone0.1Very Low
STRUCTURENone0.1Very Low
WHEELSNone0.1Very Low
SEATSNone0.1Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Buick Envista vs Mazda CX-30 Reliability Compare by Year?

Buick Envista vs Mazda CX-30 year-by-year reliability scores
YearBuick EnvistaMazda CX-30Edge
202682/1000R / 3C72/1000R / 0CBuick Envista
202580/1000R / 28C68/1001R / 22CBuick Envista
202475/1001R / 49C68/1002R / 23CBuick Envista

Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Buick Envista scored 82/100 and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 scored 72/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Buick Envista vs the Mazda CX-30?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer recalls, the Buick Envista might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 79/100 and only one recall, it demonstrates a strong track record in terms of dependability. Despite having slightly higher owner complaints at 7.1 per 10,000 sold, the Envista's minimal recall history suggests that issues are less severe and likely easier to address. On the other hand, if your focus is on a vehicle with fewer owner complaints, you may consider the Mazda CX-30. Despite its lower reliability score of 67/100 and a higher number of recalls (10 total), it has fewer owner complaints at 5.7 per 10,000 sold. This could indicate that while it may encounter issues, they might be less bothersome to owners. Ultimately, if reliability and fewer manufacturer recalls are your top priorities, the Buick Envista is recommended. However, if you value a car with fewer reported complaints from other owners, the Mazda CX-30 could be worth considering.

Buick Envista vs Mazda CX-30: Common Questions

Is the Buick Envista more reliable than the Mazda CX-30?
Based on our data, the Buick Envista is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Buick Envista or the Mazda CX-30?
The Mazda CX-30 has more recalls (10) compared to the Buick Envista (1). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Buick Envista or the Mazda CX-30?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-30 has a lower complaint rate at 5.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 7.1 for the Buick Envista. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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