Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chevrolet vs Mazda: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet
17 models tracked
Mazda
7 models tracked
Mazda has a slight reliability edge over Chevrolet, mainly on lower repair costs and lighter recall activity. Both brands stand as good overall. Chevrolet spreads its problems across more systems and fields a much larger lineup, so the right model matters more than the badge.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 17 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 806 | 480 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $641/yr | $500/yr |
Chevrolet vs Mazda: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Mazda, and it is only slight. Mazda is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, and recall impact. Estimated repairs run about $500 a year for Mazda against $641 for Chevrolet.
Chevrolet takes one category: its problems are spread across more systems. Mazda's complaints lean on the engine, which makes up 27% of the total. Chevrolet's biggest area is the power train at 24%. Both brands stand as good, so the specific model and year you pick will count for more than the badge.
Where Chevrolet and Mazda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Chevrolet vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($641/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 15 of 17 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 140 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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 Chevrolet and Mazda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chevrolet
Mazda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet or Mazda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $500/year compared to $641/year for Chevrolet. That's a difference of $141/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $641/yr
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $500/yr
Chevrolet vs Mazda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chevrolet | Mazda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(10 vs 5 models) | 70/100 | 70/100 | Tie |
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 76/100 | 78/100 | Mazda |
Mazda wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Mazda
| Component | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,913 | 11%307 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,193 | 16%440 |
| ENGINE | 14%1,789 | 27%760 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,214 | 12%333 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%1,048 | 6%179 |
| STEERING | 7%825 | 5%150 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%323 | 3%87 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%259 | 4%105 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%341 | 0%4 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%157 | 4%110 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chevrolet vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chevrolet
451
Crash reports
140
Fire reports
436
Injury reports
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Mazda Model Ranked
Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Chevrolet | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(11) | 81/100(6) | Tie |
| 2025 | 77/100(14) | 72/100(6) | Chevrolet |
| 2024 | 73/100(15) | 69/100(6) | Chevrolet |
| 2023 | 73/100(12) | 75/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 73/100(12) | 79/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 69/100(12) | 74/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 72/100(12) | 76/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 69/100(13) | 75/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 69/100(12) | 72/100(4) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Chevrolet vs Mazda: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chevrolet and Mazda. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Chevrolet vs Mazda?
If you want the lowest running costs and the least drama, shop Mazda. Target the CX-5, and favor the 2022 model year, which has few complaints and no recalls. Skip the 2018 CX-5, where cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust. The 3 and 5 sedans also rate good. Inspect any used CX-90 closely. The 2024 has steering binding in highway curves, and its plug-in hybrid can lose power suddenly.
If you want a truck or a wider choice of body styles, Chevrolet has more to offer. The Silverado-EV and Trax rate excellent, and the Colorado rates good. For the Silverado-EV, pick 2024 and check the rear door sensors and the front trunk latch. Be careful with the Bolt and Blazer-EV, which both rate mixed. The Blazer-EV is known for power loss after a "Service high voltage system" warning and for unexpected hard braking.
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Mazda?
Buy Mazda if you want the safer overall bet and lower bills. Buy Chevrolet if you want a specific model that rates well, such as the Silverado-EV, the strongest single model across both lineups. Chevrolet's estimated repair cost runs $141 a year higher than Mazda's, which adds up to about $705 over five years. Avoid the 2018 CX-5, the early CX-90, the Bolt, and the Blazer-EV.
Chevrolet vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Mazda?
Which brand has more recalls, Chevrolet or Mazda?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chevrolet or Mazda?
What goes wrong most often on Mazdas?
What goes wrong most often on Chevrolets?
Comparing Chevrolet vs Mazda? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Chevrolet 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.