Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mazda vs Nissan: Reliability Compared
Mazda
7 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Nissan edges out Mazda on reliability, but only slightly. Fewer complaints per car sold and an improving trend give it the lead. Both brands rate good, and the gap shows up mostly in SUVs, while Mazda is stronger in sedans.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 14 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 480 | 531 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $500/yr | $523/yr |
Mazda vs Nissan: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Nissan. Owners filed 1 complaint per 1,000 cars sold, against 1.6 for Mazda, and Nissan's recent trend is improving while Mazda's is stable. Complaint severity, recall impact, and how widely problems spread across systems come out even. Independent repair-cost data also favors Nissan on cost.
The split is by body style. Nissan is stronger among SUVs. Mazda is stronger among sedans. The problems also differ. Engine trouble tops the Mazda complaint list, while electrical trouble tops Nissan's.
Where Mazda and Nissan Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 72/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Mazda vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Nissan
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($523/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 41 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Mazda and Nissan Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Mazda
Nissan
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $500/year compared to $523/year for Nissan. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $500/yr
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $748/yr
Average: $523/yr
Mazda vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mazda | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 5 models) | 78/100 | 75/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(5 vs 6 models) | 70/100 | 77/100 | Nissan |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Nissan
| Component | Mazda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%440 | 23%1,283 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%333 | 17%929 |
| ENGINE | 27%760 | 8%436 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%307 | 11%609 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%179 | 11%590 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%110 | 6%342 |
| STEERING | 5%150 | 5%272 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%105 | 4%205 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mazda vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Nissan
331
Crash reports
41
Fire reports
268
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Nissan Model Ranked
Mazda Models
Nissan Models
Mazda vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Mazda's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Nissan's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
| Model Year | Mazda | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(6) | 83/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 80/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 79/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 75/100(6) | 77/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 79/100(5) | 77/100(8) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 74/100(5) | 77/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 76/100(4) | 73/100(11) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 75/100(4) | 73/100(10) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 72/100(4) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Mazda vs Nissan: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Mazda and Nissan. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Mazda vs Nissan?
If you want a sedan, lean Mazda. The 3 and the 5 both rate good, and Mazda's sedans come out ahead of Nissan's as a group. If you want a compact SUV, the CX-5 is the top Mazda. Target the 2022 and skip the 2018, where cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust and put smoke and fumes in the cabin. Treat any used CX-90 with care. The 2024 draws complaints about a steering wheel that binds in highway curves, and the 2025 and 2026 years have had too little time on the road to trust.
If you want an SUV or a truck, lean Nissan. The Frontier rates excellent, and the Ariya does too, but buy the 2024 and avoid the 2023, which owners say can lose drive power with a "Service EV System" warning. Skip the Leaf unless you can verify the battery. The 2019 and 2020 draw the most complaints, and the 2021 is the year to favor.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Nissan?
Pick the CX-5 if you want the strongest single model across both lineups, and aim for a 2022. Choose Nissan for SUVs and trucks, and Mazda for sedans. The cost gap is small. Independent repair-cost data averages $500 a year for Mazda and $523 for Nissan, about $115 more over five years. The Nissan Leaf runs about $748 a year, so budget for that one.
Mazda vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Nissan?
Which brand has more recalls, Mazda or Nissan?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mazda or Nissan?
What problems do Mazda and Nissan owners report most?
Comparing Mazda vs Nissan? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Mazda comparisons
How we score Mazda and Nissan 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.