Last updated: 2026-07-26
Dodge vs Mazda: Reliability Compared
Dodge
6 models tracked
Mazda
7 models tracked
Comparing Dodge 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 75/100 compared to 73/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
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
Mazda edges out Dodge on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 6 Dodge and 7 Mazda models, Mazda averages 75/100 to 73/100 — a 2-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at $500/year versus $642/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $710 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Mazda advantage.
Where Dodge and Mazda Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| 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
- 22 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
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Dodge | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%526 | 16%440 |
| ENGINE | 6%116 | 27%760 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%233 | 13%355 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%192 | 11%307 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 4%105 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%85 | 6%179 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10%194 | 1%27 |
| STEERING | 4%66 | 5%155 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%104 | 3%73 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 4%114 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Dodge vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Dodge owners reported 97 crash-related, 22 fire-related, and 98 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mazda owners reported 200 crash-related, 15 fire-related, and 121 injury-related complaints. Dodge 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.
Dodge
97
Crash reports
22
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Mazda
200
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
121
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Mazda Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Dodge Models
Dodge vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
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 |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
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:
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Mazda?
Mazda comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mazda CX-5 leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mazda costs less to maintain — $500/year vs $642/year.
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.
Dodge vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Mazda?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Dodge or Mazda?
Which make has more recalls, Dodge or Mazda?
What are the most reliable models from Dodge and Mazda?
What are the least reliable models from Dodge and Mazda?
What are the most common problems with Dodge and Mazda vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Dodge or Mazda?
How many Dodge and Mazda models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Dodge or Mazda?
Are Dodge and Mazda getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Dodge or Mazda?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Dodge or Mazda?
Comparing Dodge 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.