Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Mazda: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Mazda
7 models tracked
Mazda comes out ahead of Chrysler on reliability, with a clear edge. It costs less to keep running and has the stronger record on complaint severity and recalls. Both brands rate good, and Chrysler is trending up, so the gap shows mostly in repair bills and specific model years.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Chrysler | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 480 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $500/yr |
Chrysler vs Mazda: The Verdict
The clear edge goes to Mazda. Both brands rate good, so neither is a bad bet, but Mazda wins on repair costs, complaint severity, and recall impact. Independent repair-cost data puts Chrysler at $642 a year against $500 for Mazda.
Recall totals are nearly level, so the difference lies in what owners report. Chrysler complaints include more fires, 33 versus 15, and they center on electrical and power train faults. Mazda complaints lean toward the engine. Problems spread across systems about evenly for both brands. Chrysler's recent trend is improving, while Mazda's is stable.
Where Chrysler and Mazda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 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% | 73/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Mazda has a 11-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Chrysler vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chrysler
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 3 of 3 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 33 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 Chrysler and Mazda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Mazda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Mazda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $500/year compared to $642/year for Chrysler. That's a difference of $142/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $500/yr
Chrysler vs Mazda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Mazda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 2 models) | 72/100 | 78/100 | Mazda |
Mazda wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Mazda
| Component | Chrysler | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 16%440 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 27%760 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 11%307 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 12%333 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 5%150 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 6%179 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 4%105 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%5 | 4%110 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Mazda Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Chrysler vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 81/100(6) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 72/100(6) | Chrysler |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 69/100(6) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 75/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 79/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 74/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 76/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 75/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 72/100(4) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Mazda?
If you want a minivan, Chrysler is the only choice here. Target a 2020 Voyager and skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. With a Pacifica, avoid the 2018, where owners report electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. The 2024 is the site's pick. On any Chrysler minivan, test the steering and ask about sudden stalls.
If you want an SUV or a sedan, lean Mazda. The CX-5 is the strongest model across both lineups, and a 2022 has few complaints and no recalls. Pass on the 2018, whose cracked cylinder heads bring burning smells and cabin fumes. The Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 also rate good, and they beat the Chrysler 300 in the sedan matchup. Be careful with the CX-90. The 2024 draws steering binding and power loss complaints, and the newest years are too young to trust. Inspect any used one closely.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Mazda?
Unless you need a minivan, Mazda is the better buy. The CX-5 is the single strongest model in either lineup, and a 2022 is the best used pick. Over five years, Mazda's lower repair estimate saves about $710 compared with Chrysler. If a minivan is the goal, a 2020 Voyager is the Chrysler to look for, while the 2023 Voyager and 2018 Pacifica are the years to avoid.
Chrysler vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Mazda?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Mazda?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Mazda?
What problems do Chrysler vehicles have most often?
What problems do Mazda vehicles have most often?
Comparing Chrysler 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 Chrysler 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.