Last updated: 2026-05-15
Mazda vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mazda
6 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Comparing Mazda and Tesla 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 52/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Mazda | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 101 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 519 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Mazda vs Tesla: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Mazda pulls well ahead of Tesla on reliability. Across 6 Mazda and 5 Tesla models, Mazda averages 73/100 to 52/100 — a 21-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Where Mazda and Tesla Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 71/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 57/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Mazda scores 31 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Mazda vs Tesla: 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
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Mazda and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Mazda
Tesla
Mazda vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mazda | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 77/100 | 47/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(4 vs 2 models) | 66/100 | 56/100 | Mazda |
Mazda wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Tesla
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mazda | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%114 | 25%2,734 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%414 | 12%1,331 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%322 | 13%1,412 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4%100 | 14%1,504 |
| STEERING | 6%148 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%168 | 8%898 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%31 | 6%708 |
| ENGINE | 26%665 | 0%9 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%101 | 4%426 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%287 | 2%238 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mazda vs Tesla 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. Tesla owners reported 1,306 crash-related, 73 fire-related, and 868 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
Tesla
1,306
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
868
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Tesla Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mazda Models
Mazda vs Tesla 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. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 60/100.
| Model Year | Mazda | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 64/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 56/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2023 | 74/100(5) | 47/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 79/100(4) | 54/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 73/100(4) | 43/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 75/100(3) | 47/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 75/100(3) | 50/100(3) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 74/100(3) | 48/100(3) | Mazda |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Tesla?
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.
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 Tesla: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Tesla?
Which make has more recalls, Mazda or Tesla?
What are the most reliable models from Mazda and Tesla?
What are the least reliable models from Mazda and Tesla?
What are the most common problems with Mazda and Tesla vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Mazda or Tesla?
How many Mazda and Tesla models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mazda or Tesla?
Are Mazda and Tesla getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mazda or Tesla?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mazda or Tesla?
Comparing Mazda vs Tesla? 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.