Last updated: 2026-05-15
Mazda vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mazda
6 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
9 models tracked
Comparing Mazda and Mercedes-Benz 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 73/100 compared to 58/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 58/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 210 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 519 | 634 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $487/yr | $807/yr |
Mazda vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
Mazda has a commanding reliability lead over Mercedes-Benz, and it shows across multiple metrics. We scored 15 models between the two makes: Mazda at 73/100 and Mercedes-Benz at 58/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at $487/year versus $807/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1600 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Mazda's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Mazda and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 60/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 71/100Good | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 52/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Mazda's advantage in recall impact (+28 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Mazda vs Mercedes-Benz: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Mercedes-Benz
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (58/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($807/year avg)
- 7 of 9 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 79 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Mazda and Mercedes-Benz Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda or Mercedes-Benz?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $487/year compared to $807/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $320/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $487/yr
Mazda vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 6 models) | 77/100 | 54/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(4 vs 2 models) | 66/100 | 68/100 | Mercedes-Benz |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Mercedes-Benz
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%414 | 23%826 |
| ENGINE | 26%665 | 15%552 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%322 | 16%559 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%287 | 11%381 |
| STEERING | 6%148 | 7%245 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%168 | 5%172 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%101 | 3%112 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%68 | 4%142 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%114 | 2%79 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 2%48 | 3%124 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mazda vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Mazda owners reported 189 crash-related, 14 fire-related, and 116 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Mercedes-Benz owners reported 234 crash-related, 79 fire-related, and 237 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.
Mazda
189
Crash reports
14
Fire reports
116
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
234
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
237
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mazda Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Mazda vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Mazda's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
| Model Year | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 72/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 61/100(8) | Mazda |
| 2023 | 74/100(5) | 62/100(7) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 79/100(4) | 57/100(8) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 73/100(4) | 56/100(7) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 75/100(3) | 56/100(7) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 75/100(3) | 56/100(7) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 74/100(3) | 56/100(6) | Mazda |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Mercedes-Benz?
Mazda is the clear reliability pick here, and the data backs it up across most metrics.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Mazda CX-5 leads both lineups with a score of 81/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Mazda costs less to maintain — $487/year vs $807/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1600 in savings.
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.
Mazda vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Mazda or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has more recalls, Mazda or Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most reliable models from Mazda and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the least reliable models from Mazda and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most common problems with Mazda and Mercedes-Benz vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Mazda or Mercedes-Benz?
How many Mazda and Mercedes-Benz models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mazda or Mercedes-Benz?
Are Mazda and Mercedes-Benz getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mazda or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mazda or Mercedes-Benz?
Comparing Mazda vs Mercedes-Benz? 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.