Last updated: 2026-10-10
Infiniti vs Mazda: Reliability Compared
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Mazda
7 models tracked
Infiniti and Mazda tie on reliability. Infiniti draws fewer severe complaints, while Mazda costs less to repair each year. Infiniti rests on one model, the QX60. Mazda offers seven, and its CX-5 is the strongest pick of either lineup.
Is Infiniti More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Infiniti | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 13 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 182 | 480 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $639/yr | $500/yr |
Infiniti vs Mazda: The Verdict
Neither brand wins. Both stand as good, and the differences cancel out. Infiniti has the cleaner complaint record: owners file about half as many complaints per 1,000 sold, and far fewer involve crashes or injuries. Its problems also spread more evenly across systems. Mazda is cheaper to keep running, at about $500 a year against $639. Recall impact is even.
Remember that Infiniti's standing comes from a single model, the QX60, and its weak spot is a CVT that can shudder or hesitate. Mazda's record covers seven models and varies a lot, from an excellent CX-5 to a mixed CX-90.
Where Infiniti and Mazda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Infiniti | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Infiniti vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Infiniti
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 ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 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
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Infiniti or Mazda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $500/year compared to $639/year for Infiniti. That's a difference of $139/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $500/yr
Infiniti vs Mazda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Infiniti | Mazda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 5 models) | 75/100 | 70/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Infiniti vs Mazda
| Component | Infiniti | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 27%760 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 16%440 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 12%333 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 11%307 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 6%179 |
| STEERING | 1%2 | 5%150 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 4%110 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%2 | 4%105 |
| SEATS | 3%4 | 1%21 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 3%4 | 0%5 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Infiniti vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and Mazda Model Ranked
Infiniti Models
Infiniti vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Infiniti | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(1) | 81/100(6) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 76/100(1) | 72/100(6) | Infiniti |
| 2024 | 73/100(1) | 69/100(6) | Infiniti |
| 2023 | 72/100(1) | 75/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 73/100(1) | 79/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 81/100(1) | 74/100(5) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 74/100(1) | 76/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 71/100(1) | 75/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 72/100(1) | 72/100(4) | Tie |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Infiniti vs Mazda?
If you want a midsize SUV and care most about a quiet complaint history, lean to the QX60. Target the 2021 model year. Look hard at 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. Test drive for CVT shudder or hesitation, because it does not always respond to repair.
If you want the lowest running costs or more choice, lean to Mazda. The CX-5 is the one to buy, and 2022 is the best used year, with few complaints and no recalls. Skip the 2018 CX-5, where cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust. The 3 and 5 sedans, CX-9, CX-50, and CX-30 all rate good. Be wary of the CX-90. The 2024 has steering and hybrid power loss complaints, and the 2025 and 2026 years are too new to judge. Inspect any CX-90 closely.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or Mazda?
Pick by what matters to you, since the two brands tie. Choose Mazda if you want lower bills and more models to pick from. Choose the QX60 if you want fewer serious complaints and can accept CVT risk. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Mazda CX-5, ideally a 2022. Over five years, Mazda's lower repair costs add up to roughly $695 saved.
Infiniti vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than Mazda?
Which is cheaper to repair, Infiniti or Mazda?
Which brand has more recalls, Infiniti or Mazda?
What is the most common problem with the Infiniti QX60?
What are the common Mazda problems?
Comparing Infiniti 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 Infiniti 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.