Last updated: 2026-10-10
Honda vs Mazda: Reliability Compared
Honda
9 models tracked
Mazda
7 models tracked
Mazda edges out Honda on reliability, but the two are effectively tied. Mazda draws fewer complaints per car sold, while Honda costs less to repair. Both brands stand good, so the model and year you pick matter more than the badge.
Is Honda More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 74/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 38 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2118 | 480 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $441/yr | $500/yr |
Honda vs Mazda: The Verdict
On overall reliability, Mazda leads, but only by a hair. Owners file fewer complaints per 1,000 cars sold (1.6 against 1.9), the complaints are less severe, and recall impact is lighter.
Honda wins on cost. Independent repair-cost data puts it at $441 a year, against $500 for Mazda. Honda's SUVs also rate stronger as a group. Problems spread across systems about evenly for both brands, though Mazda's lean toward the engine, while Honda's cluster in steering and the electrical system.
Where Honda and Mazda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 74/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Honda's advantage in repair costs (+12 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Honda vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 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
- 69 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 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 $500/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: $500/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) | 77/100 | 78/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(5 vs 5 models) | 73/100 | 70/100 | Honda |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Honda vs Mazda
| Component | Honda | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,940 | 16%440 |
| STEERING | 19%3,164 | 5%150 |
| ENGINE | 9%1,523 | 27%760 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 10%1,664 | 4%110 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%1,404 | 12%333 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7%1,149 | 11%307 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 7%1,142 | 2%43 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | 6%179 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%410 | 4%105 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Honda vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Honda and Mazda Model Ranked
Honda Models
Honda vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Honda | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84/100(9) | 81/100(6) | Honda |
| 2025 | 79/100(9) | 72/100(6) | Honda |
| 2024 | 78/100(9) | 69/100(6) | Honda |
| 2023 | 74/100(8) | 75/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 74/100(8) | 79/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 75/100(8) | 74/100(5) | Honda |
| 2020 | 70/100(8) | 76/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 65/100(8) | 75/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 66/100(7) | 72/100(4) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy Honda vs Mazda?
If you want the lowest upkeep, lean to Honda SUVs. Target a 2021 HR-V and avoid the 2019, where the instrument display goes blank in cold weather, and the 2023, where rear hatch glass can shatter with no impact. Skip a 2025 Prologue. Its owner complaints describe clicking front axles and a "Service High Voltage System" warning that dealers often say Honda cannot fix yet. The 2024 is the Prologue year to favor. Civic and Accord are solid sedan choices.
If you want fewer complaints and a cleaner recall history, lean to Mazda. A 2022 CX-5 is the best used buy in its lineup. Avoid the 2018, where cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust and bring smoke and fumes into the cabin. The Mazda 3 and 5 sedans both rate good. Treat the CX-90 with care. The 2024 has steering wheel binding on highway curves, and the plug-in hybrid has had sudden power loss. Newer CX-90 years have little time on the road, so a clean record proves little.
The Bottom Line: Honda or Mazda?
Pick Mazda if fewer complaints and lighter recall impact matter most, and Honda if cheaper upkeep wins for you. Honda's lower yearly repair cost adds up to about $295 over five years. The HR-V and CX-5 both rate excellent, and the CX-5 is the stronger bet when you buy a 2022. Inspect any used CX-90 or Prologue closely.
Honda vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Honda more reliable than Mazda?
Which brand has more recalls, Honda or Mazda?
Which is cheaper to repair, Honda or Mazda?
What are the most common problems with Honda and Mazda?
Which used Mazda or Honda model should I avoid?
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 score Honda 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.