Last updated: 2026-05-15
Mazda vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Mazda
6 models tracked
Subaru
6 models tracked
Comparing Mazda and Subaru 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 72/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 519 | 1362 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $487/yr | $613/yr |
Mazda vs Subaru: The Verdict
Between these two, Mazda comes out ahead on reliability, though specific model choice matters more than the overall gap. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Mazda averages 73/100 (6 models) and Subaru averages 72/100 (6 models).
On the cost front, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at $487/year versus $613/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $630 in savings. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where Mazda and Subaru Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 71/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 78/100Good |
Where they diverge most: complaint severity. Mazda has a 5-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Mazda vs Subaru: 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
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($613/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 6 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 60 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 $487/year compared to $613/year for Subaru. That's a difference of $126/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $487/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $613/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 2 models) | 77/100 | 74/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(4 vs 4 models) | 66/100 | 71/100 | Subaru |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Subaru
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%63 | 36%2,344 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%414 | 22%1,442 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%322 | 15%968 |
| ENGINE | 26%665 | 4%247 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%287 | 4%276 |
| STEERING | 6%148 | 3%203 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%101 | 3%198 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%168 | 2%100 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%114 | 1%85 |
| VISIBILITY | — | 3%185 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mazda vs Subaru 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. Subaru owners reported 250 crash-related, 60 fire-related, and 131 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
Subaru
250
Crash reports
60
Fire reports
131
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Subaru Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mazda Models
Mazda vs Subaru 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. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100.
| Model Year | Mazda | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 79/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 74/100(5) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 79/100(4) | 74/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 73/100(4) | 72/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 75/100(3) | 68/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 75/100(3) | 63/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 74/100(3) | 66/100(5) | Mazda |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
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:
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Subaru?
Mazda comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
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 $613/year.
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 Subaru: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Mazda or Subaru?
Which make has more recalls, Mazda or Subaru?
What are the most reliable models from Mazda and Subaru?
What are the least reliable models from Mazda and Subaru?
What are the most common problems with Mazda and Subaru vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Mazda or Subaru?
How many Mazda and Subaru models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mazda or Subaru?
Are Mazda and Subaru getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mazda or Subaru?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mazda or Subaru?
Comparing Mazda vs Subaru? 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.