Last updated: 2026-05-15
Audi vs Mazda: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Audi
9 models tracked
Mazda
6 models tracked
Comparing Audi 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.
Mazda currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 67/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 36 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 184 | 519 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $487/yr |
Audi vs Mazda: The Verdict
Mazda holds a modest reliability advantage over Audi — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: Audi scores 67/100 across 9 models, while Mazda comes in at 73/100 across 6 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at $487/year versus $930/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $2215 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for Mazda owners.
Where Audi and Mazda Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 71/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 75/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Mazda outscores by 13 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Audi vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Audi
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($930/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Mazda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($487/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Audi and Mazda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Audi
Mazda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi or Mazda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $487/year compared to $930/year for Audi. That's a difference of $443/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $487/yr
Audi vs Mazda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Audi | Mazda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 72/100 | 77/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(6 vs 4 models) | 66/100 | 66/100 | Tie |
Mazda wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Audi vs Mazda
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 40%532 | 16%414 |
| ENGINE | 8%100 | 26%665 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 12%322 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%131 | 11%287 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 6%168 |
| STEERING | 5%72 | 6%148 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%40 | 4%114 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%19 | 4%101 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 1%31 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Audi vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Audi owners reported 54 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 40 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mazda owners reported 189 crash-related, 14 fire-related, and 116 injury-related complaints. Audi 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.
Audi
54
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
40
Injury reports
Mazda
189
Crash reports
14
Fire reports
116
Injury reports
Every Audi and Mazda Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Audi Models
Audi vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 70/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Audi | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 72/100(9) | 72/100(6) | Tie |
| 2024 | 67/100(7) | 69/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 74/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 79/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 73/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 75/100(3) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 75/100(3) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 74/100(3) | Mazda |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Mazda?
The data favors Mazda, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mazda CX-5 leads both lineups with a score of 81/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mazda costs less to maintain — $487/year vs $930/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $2215 in savings.
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.
Audi vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Mazda?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Audi or Mazda?
Which make has more recalls, Audi or Mazda?
What are the most reliable models from Audi and Mazda?
What are the least reliable models from Audi and Mazda?
What are the most common problems with Audi and Mazda vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Audi or Mazda?
How many Audi and Mazda models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Audi or Mazda?
Are Audi and Mazda getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Audi or Mazda?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Audi or Mazda?
Comparing Audi 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.