Last updated: 2026-07-26
Acura vs Mazda: Reliability Compared
Acura
5 models tracked
Mazda
7 models tracked
Comparing Acura and Mazda on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Both makes currently share an average reliability score of 75/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Acura More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Acura | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 467 | 480 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $577/yr | $500/yr |
Acura vs Mazda: The Verdict
Choosing between Acura and Mazda on reliability alone? It's a coin flip. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Acura averages 75/100 (5 models) and Mazda averages 75/100 (7 models).
On the cost front, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at $500/year versus $577/year. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where Acura and Mazda Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Acura | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Acura has a 12-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Acura vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Acura
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($577/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Mazda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($500/year avg)
- 6 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Acura and Mazda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Acura
Mazda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Acura or Mazda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $500/year compared to $577/year for Acura. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Acura Repair Cost Range
$440 – $801/yr
Average: $577/yr
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $500/yr
Acura vs Mazda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Acura | Mazda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 72/100 | 78/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(3 vs 5 models) | 77/100 | 70/100 | Acura |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Acura vs Mazda
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Acura | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 10%204 | 27%760 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%227 | 16%440 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%299 | 13%355 |
| POWER TRAIN | 13%252 | 11%307 |
| STEERING | 16%315 | 5%155 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%106 | 6%179 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 7%148 | 2%65 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%67 | 4%114 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%27 | 4%105 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%88 | 0%7 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Acura vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Acura owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 33 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mazda owners reported 200 crash-related, 15 fire-related, and 121 injury-related complaints. Acura has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Acura
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Mazda
200
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
121
Injury reports
Every Acura and Mazda Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Acura Models
Acura vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Acura's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Acura | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(3) | 81/100(6) | Tie |
| 2025 | 80/100(5) | 72/100(6) | Acura |
| 2024 | 77/100(5) | 69/100(6) | Acura |
| 2023 | 76/100(4) | 75/100(6) | Acura |
| 2022 | 74/100(2) | 79/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 74/100(2) | 74/100(5) | Tie |
| 2020 | 67/100(3) | 76/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 66/100(3) | 75/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 71/100(3) | 72/100(4) | Mazda |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Acura vs Mazda: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Acura and Mazda. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Acura or Mazda?
Make loyalty won't help you here — both lineups have reliable and unreliable models. Do your homework at the model level.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mazda CX-5 leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mazda costs less to maintain — $500/year vs $577/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Acura vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Acura more reliable than Mazda?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Acura or Mazda?
Which make has more recalls, Acura or Mazda?
What are the most reliable models from Acura and Mazda?
What are the least reliable models from Acura and Mazda?
What are the most common problems with Acura and Mazda vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Acura or Mazda?
How many Acura and Mazda models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Acura or Mazda?
Are Acura and Mazda getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Acura or Mazda?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Acura or Mazda?
Comparing Acura vs Mazda? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.