Last updated: 2026-10-10
GMC vs Mazda: Reliability Compared
GMC
5 models tracked
Mazda
7 models tracked
Mazda edges out GMC on reliability, with lower repair costs, fewer recalls, and less severe owner complaints. Both brands stand good, so the gap is slight. GMC draws fewer complaints per vehicle sold, and its recent trend is improving while Mazda's is stable.
Is GMC More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | GMC | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 71/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 29 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1164 | 480 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $647/yr | $500/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
GMC vs Mazda: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Mazda. It is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, and recall impact, and the two brands are even on how widely problems spread across systems. Mazda's yearly repair bill runs lower, and its recall count is smaller. GMC logged more fires in owner complaints, 34 against 15.
GMC has its own points. Owners file fewer complaints per vehicle sold, and its trend is improving. Engine trouble is the top complaint area for both brands, so neither lineup is free of it. The specific model and year matter more than the badge, because each lineup has years worth avoiding.
Where GMC and Mazda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | GMC | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 66/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Mazda outscores by 6 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
GMC vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
GMC
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (71/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 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 GMC and Mazda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
GMC
Mazda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC or Mazda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $500/year compared to $647/year for GMC. That's a difference of $147/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $500/yr
GMC vs Mazda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | GMC | Mazda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 5 models) | 70/100 | 70/100 | Tie |
Common Problems: GMC vs Mazda
| Component | GMC | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 27%1,443 | 27%760 |
| POWER TRAIN | 22%1,163 | 11%307 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%742 | 16%440 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%388 | 12%333 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%408 | 6%179 |
| STEERING | 5%280 | 5%150 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%241 | 0%2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3%174 | 1%30 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%72 | 4%105 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%34 | 4%110 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
GMC vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
GMC
129
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
144
Injury reports
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every GMC and Mazda Model Ranked
GMC Models
GMC vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
GMC's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | GMC | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100(5) | 81/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2025 | 76/100(5) | 72/100(6) | GMC |
| 2024 | 75/100(5) | 69/100(6) | GMC |
| 2023 | 67/100(5) | 75/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 67/100(5) | 79/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 66/100(5) | 74/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 68/100(5) | 76/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 69/100(4) | 75/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 68/100(5) | 72/100(4) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
GMC vs Mazda: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between GMC and Mazda. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy GMC vs Mazda?
If you want a compact SUV with low running costs, lean Mazda and target the CX-5, ideally a 2022. Skip the 2018, where cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust. Be careful with the CX-90. The 2024 has steering that binds in long highway curves, and the 2025 and 2026 have had too little time on the road to prove anything.
If you need a truck, GMC is the better fit, since Mazda's tracked lineup has none. The Canyon is rated good and its repair costs match other midsize trucks. Pick a 2024, skip the 2023, and watch for 8-speed automatic shudder in any year. For a full-size SUV, the Yukon 2020 is the safer buy and the 2021 is the year to avoid. Ask whether the lifters and camshaft have been checked, because that failure can bring ticking, misfires, and sudden power loss, often with no warning light.
The Bottom Line: GMC or Mazda?
Choose Mazda if you want lower-risk, lower-cost ownership. The CX-5 is the strongest model across both lineups, and a 2022 is the best buy. Mazda's average repair cost runs $147 a year less than GMC's, about $735 over five years. Choose GMC when you need a truck or a large SUV, and stick to the Canyon 2024 or the Yukon 2020.
GMC vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is GMC more reliable than Mazda?
Which brand has more recalls, GMC or Mazda?
Is GMC or Mazda cheaper to repair?
What are the most common problems on GMC and Mazda vehicles?
Is the Mazda CX-90 a reliable used buy?
Comparing GMC vs Mazda? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More GMC comparisons
How we score GMC 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.