Last updated: 2026-10-10
Dodge vs Mazda: Reliability Compared
Dodge
6 models tracked
Mazda
7 models tracked
Mazda edges out Dodge on reliability, mainly through lower repair costs and lighter recall impact. Both brands hold a good standing, so the gap is slight. Dodge's weak spot is the Hornet, while Mazda's is the early CX-90.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 480 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $500/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Mazda: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Mazda. Independent repair-cost data puts its average at $500 a year, against $642 for Dodge. Mazda also comes out stronger on recall impact and in sedans. Complaint severity is even, and so is the spread of problems across systems. SUVs are also even.
Mazda does draw more owner complaints per 1,000 sold, at 1.6 against 1.4, and its most reported area is the engine. Dodge's is the electrical system. Neither brand's trend is moving, so you are choosing on specific models, not direction.
Where Dodge and Mazda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Mazda scores 6 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Dodge vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Dodge
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 ($642/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 24 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 Dodge and Mazda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Mazda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Mazda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $500/year compared to $642/year for Dodge. That's a difference of $142/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $500/yr
Dodge vs Mazda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Mazda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 74/100 | 78/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(3 vs 5 models) | 69/100 | 70/100 | Mazda |
Mazda wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Mazda
| Component | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%553 | 16%440 |
| ENGINE | 6%121 | 27%760 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%212 | 12%333 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%194 | 11%307 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%93 | 6%179 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 4%105 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10%196 | 1%30 |
| STEERING | 4%69 | 5%150 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%109 | 3%90 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%6 | 4%110 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Dodge vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Mazda Model Ranked
Dodge Models
Dodge vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
Both makes are trending stable in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Dodge | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 81/100(6) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 72/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 69/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 75/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 79/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 74/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 77/100(5) | 76/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 73/100(5) | 75/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 70/100(5) | 72/100(4) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Dodge vs Mazda: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Mazda. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Dodge vs Mazda?
If you want a minivan, Dodge is your only choice here. Target a 2020 Grand-Caravan and skip 2018 and 2019, which carry far more complaints and recalls. Check that the sliding door locks work with the fob, button, and handles. The Durango and Journey also rate good. Avoid the Hornet unless you find a 2023, and pass on the 2024, which has the heaviest recall and complaint load.
If you want a sedan or a low repair bill, lean to Mazda. The 3 and 5 both rate good, and Mazda is stronger in sedans. For an SUV, look for a 2022 CX-5 and skip 2018, where cracked cylinder heads cause oil leaks and fumes in the cabin. Be careful with the CX-90. The 2024 has steering and plug-in hybrid power-loss complaints, and the 2025 and 2026 are too new to trust. Inspect any used one closely.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Mazda?
For most shoppers, Mazda is the better pick, and the CX-5 is the strongest single model across both lineups. Its lower repair costs add up to about $710 saved over five years compared with the Dodge average. Choose Dodge when you need a minivan, and then buy a 2020 Grand-Caravan. Whichever brand you pick, the model year matters more than the badge.
Dodge vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Mazda?
Which brand is cheaper to repair, Dodge or Mazda?
Which brand has more recalls, Dodge or Mazda?
What is the best Dodge or Mazda model to buy used?
What problems do Dodge and Mazda owners report most?
Comparing Dodge 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 Dodge 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.