Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi vs Mazda: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Audi
10 models tracked
Mazda
7 models tracked
Mazda comes out ahead of Audi on reliability, with a clear edge built on lower repair costs and far fewer recalls. Both brands hold a good standing overall. Audi's recent trend is improving, Mazda's is stable, and the two are even on how severe complaints get.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 168 | 480 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $500/yr |
Audi vs Mazda: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Mazda. Independent repair-cost data puts Mazda near $500 a year against about $930 for Audi, and federal recall records show 101 recalls against 332. Complaint severity is even, and so is the way problems spread across systems.
The weak spots differ. Audi's trouble is mostly electrical, at 41% of complaints. Mazda's is the engine, at 27%. Audi is improving, which counts in its favor, but it has not closed the gap on cost or recalls.
Where Audi and Mazda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 77/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Mazda outscores by 14 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Audi vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Audi
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 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 (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 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 $500/year compared to $930/year for Audi. That's a difference of $430/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: $500/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 | 78/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(7 vs 5 models) | 67/100 | 70/100 | Mazda |
Mazda wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Audi vs Mazda
| Component | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%567 | 16%440 |
| ENGINE | 7%100 | 27%760 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 12%333 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%140 | 11%307 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 6%179 |
| STEERING | 6%76 | 5%150 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%36 | 4%110 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%26 | 4%105 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 1%32 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Audi vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Audi
61
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
44
Injury reports
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Audi and Mazda Model Ranked
Audi Models
Audi vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Audi | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(6) | 81/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2025 | 72/100(10) | 72/100(6) | Tie |
| 2024 | 67/100(8) | 69/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 75/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 79/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 74/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 76/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 75/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 72/100(4) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Audi vs Mazda?
If low running costs matter most, lean Mazda and target the CX-5. The 2022 is the best used buy, with few complaints and no recalls. Skip the 2018, where cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust and bring burning smells, smoke, and fumes into the cabin. Avoid early CX-90 years too. The 2024 has steering that binds in long highway curves, and the plug-in hybrid can lose power suddenly. Newer CX-90 years look clean only because they are new, so inspect any of them closely.
If you prefer an Audi, the A5, Q3, and A4 all rate good and are the safer places to start. The Q8 E-Tron 2024 has no owner complaints yet, but it carries two recalls and has a short track record. Skip the E-Tron if you can. Its main risk is a sudden warning to stop safely, then the motors shut down and the car needs a tow. If you still want one, favor the 2020 and be wary of the 2022, which has the heaviest recall load.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Mazda?
For most used-car shoppers, Mazda is the better bet, and the CX-5 is the strongest single model across both lineups. The cost gap is real: roughly $430 less per year, or about $2,150 over five years. Audi still has solid options in the A5, Q3, and A4. Whichever you pick, avoid the Audi E-Tron and early Mazda CX-90 years.
Audi vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Mazda?
Which brand has more recalls, Audi or Mazda?
Which is cheaper to repair, Audi or Mazda?
What goes wrong most often on Audis and Mazdas?
Which Audi and Mazda models should I avoid?
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 score Audi and Mazda models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.