Last updated: 2026-05-15
Honda vs Mazda: Reliability Compared
Honda
9 models tracked
Mazda
6 models tracked
Comparing Honda 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.
Both makes currently share an average reliability score of 73/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Honda More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 37 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2112 | 519 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $441/yr | $487/yr |
Honda vs Mazda: The Verdict
There's no meaningful reliability gap between Honda and Mazda. We scored 15 models between the two makes: Honda at 73/100 and Mazda at 73/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Honda is cheaper to maintain at $441/year versus $487/year. For buyers watching long-term costs, Honda's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Honda and Mazda Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 60/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 85/100Excellent | 71/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 71/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Honda's advantage in repair costs (+14 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Honda vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($441/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 70 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Mazda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($487/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Honda and Mazda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Honda
Mazda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Honda or Mazda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $487/year for Mazda. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $487/yr
Honda vs Mazda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Honda | Mazda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 75/100 | 77/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(5 vs 4 models) | 72/100 | 66/100 | Honda |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Honda vs Mazda
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,940 | 16%414 |
| STEERING | 19%3,186 | 6%148 |
| ENGINE | 9%1,566 | 26%665 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,640 | 12%322 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 10%1,663 | 4%114 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7%1,153 | 11%287 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 7%1,145 | 2%48 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%908 | 6%168 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%455 | 4%101 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Honda vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Honda owners reported 572 crash-related, 70 fire-related, and 515 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mazda owners reported 189 crash-related, 14 fire-related, and 116 injury-related complaints. Mazda 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.
Honda
572
Crash reports
70
Fire reports
515
Injury reports
Mazda
189
Crash reports
14
Fire reports
116
Injury reports
Every Honda and Mazda Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Honda Models
Honda vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Honda | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79/100(9) | 72/100(6) | Honda |
| 2024 | 78/100(9) | 69/100(6) | Honda |
| 2023 | 74/100(8) | 74/100(5) | Tie |
| 2022 | 74/100(8) | 79/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 75/100(8) | 73/100(4) | Honda |
| 2020 | 70/100(8) | 75/100(3) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 65/100(8) | 75/100(3) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 66/100(7) | 74/100(3) | Mazda |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Honda vs Mazda: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Honda and Mazda. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Honda or Mazda?
Since neither make has a meaningful reliability edge, focus on finding the right model in your budget and body style.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Honda HR-V leads both lineups with a score of 81/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Honda costs less to maintain — $441/year vs $487/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.
Honda vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Honda more reliable than Mazda?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Honda or Mazda?
Which make has more recalls, Honda or Mazda?
What are the most reliable models from Honda and Mazda?
What are the least reliable models from Honda and Mazda?
What are the most common problems with Honda and Mazda vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Honda or Mazda?
How many Honda and Mazda models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Honda or Mazda?
Are Honda and Mazda getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Honda or Mazda?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Honda or Mazda?
Comparing Honda 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.