Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mazda vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Mazda
7 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Mazda edges out Subaru on used-car reliability, mainly because its complaints are less severe. The lead is slight, and Subaru wins among SUVs. Mazda's problems also spread across more systems, while Subaru's recent trend is improving and Mazda's is stable.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 14 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 480 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $500/yr | $605/yr |
Mazda vs Subaru: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Mazda, not a wide one. It wins on complaint severity, with far fewer fires in owner complaints: 15 against 74 for Subaru. It also spreads its problems across more systems, while about a third of Subaru complaints involve visibility and wipers. Repair costs and recall impact come out even.
The split is by body style. Mazda is stronger in sedans. Subaru is stronger in SUVs, because every Subaru SUV rates good while the CX-90 rates only mixed.
Where Mazda and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 72/100Good | 73/100Good |
| 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% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Mazda vs Subaru: 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
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($605/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 8 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 74 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Mazda and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Mazda
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $500/year compared to $605/year for Subaru. That's a difference of $105/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $500/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Mazda vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mazda | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 3 models) | 78/100 | 74/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(5 vs 5 models) | 70/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Subaru
| Component | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%87 | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%440 | 23%1,805 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%333 | 16%1,248 |
| ENGINE | 27%760 | 3%272 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%307 | 5%405 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%3 | 6%461 |
| STEERING | 5%150 | 2%191 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%105 | 3%223 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%179 | 2%132 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%110 | 1%67 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mazda vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Subaru Model Ranked
Mazda Models
Subaru Models
Mazda vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Mazda's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
| Model Year | Mazda | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(6) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 75/100(6) | 75/100(8) | Tie |
| 2022 | 79/100(5) | 74/100(7) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 74/100(5) | 72/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 76/100(4) | 68/100(7) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 75/100(4) | 63/100(7) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 72/100(4) | 67/100(6) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Mazda vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Mazda and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Mazda vs Subaru?
If you want a sedan, lean Mazda. The Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 both rate good, and Mazda is the stronger sedan brand here. On the Subaru side, the Legacy rates good, but skip the 2019 and 2020 model years. Cracking windshields and phantom touchscreen presses are its main complaints. The 2024 is the safer pick.
If you want an SUV, Subaru is the steadier brand overall. Target the Forester, Crosstrek, or Outback, which all rate good. With the Ascent, choose a 2024 and avoid 2019, since battery drain and a shuddering CVT come up. The best single SUV is still Mazda's CX-5. Buy a 2022, which has few complaints and no recalls, and skip 2018 for its cracked cylinder heads. Inspect any used CX-90 closely, especially the 2024.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Subaru?
Choose Mazda for a sedan or for the lowest running costs, and choose Subaru for a broader field of dependable SUVs. The single strongest model across both lineups is the Mazda CX-5, the only one rated excellent. Mazda also averages $500 a year in estimated repairs against $605 for Subaru. That gap is $105 a year, or about $525 over five years.
Mazda vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Subaru?
Which has more recalls, Mazda or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mazda or Subaru?
What is the most common Subaru problem?
What is the best used Mazda to buy?
Comparing Mazda vs Subaru? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Mazda and Subaru 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.