Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mazda vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mazda
7 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Mazda beats Tesla on reliability by a large margin, with fewer recalls, fewer complaints per car sold, and lower repair costs. Tesla's record is mixed across all five models. Its biggest complaint area is forward collision avoidance. Here is what that means if you are shopping used.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Mazda | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 14 | 102 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 480 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Mazda vs Tesla: The Verdict
The gap is large, and it runs in Mazda's favor on every measure we track. Owners filed 1.6 complaints per 1,000 cars sold for Mazda against 3.9 for Tesla. Federal recall records show 101 recalls for Mazda and 509 for Tesla. Mazda is also stronger on complaint severity, recall impact, repair costs, and how widely problems spread across systems.
Tesla's trend is improving, while Mazda's is stable. That is welcome, but every Tesla model still sits at a mixed standing. Mazda's weak spot is the CX-90, which has a rough early record.
Where Mazda and Tesla Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 72/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Mazda scores 32 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Mazda vs Tesla: 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
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 72 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) | 78/100 | 48/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(5 vs 2 models) | 70/100 | 56/100 | Mazda |
Mazda wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Tesla
| Component | Mazda | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%110 | 25%2,730 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%440 | 12%1,331 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%333 | 12%1,360 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%92 | 14%1,504 |
| STEERING | 5%150 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%179 | 8%895 |
| ENGINE | 27%760 | — |
| SUSPENSION | 1%32 | 6%683 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%105 | 4%416 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%307 | 2%173 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mazda vs Tesla Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Tesla
1,330
Crash reports
72
Fire reports
885
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Tesla Model Ranked
Mazda Models
Mazda vs Tesla Reliability Trend by Year
Mazda's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
| Model Year | Mazda | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(6) | 59/100(2) | Mazda |
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 64/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 56/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2023 | 75/100(6) | 47/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 79/100(5) | 54/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 74/100(5) | 43/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 76/100(4) | 47/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 75/100(4) | 50/100(3) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 72/100(4) | 48/100(3) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Mazda vs Tesla?
If you want the lowest chance of trouble, lean to Mazda and start with the CX-5. Aim for a 2022 and skip the 2018, where cracked cylinder heads can leak oil onto the exhaust. The 3 and 5 sedans, the CX-9, the CX-50, and the CX-30 all rate good. Be careful with the CX-90. Early years had steering that binds in long highway curves, and the plug-in hybrid can lose power suddenly. Inspect any used one closely.
If you still want a Tesla, go in knowing that no model rises above mixed. The Cybertruck ranks first in the lineup, but it is well below other trucks and has a short record. Trim that comes off and doors that do not latch show up in the 2024 year. For a sedan, the Model S is the weakest Tesla. Pick a 2019 and avoid a 2021. Ask about phantom braking, and check how the car behaves when parking.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Tesla?
For most used-car shoppers, Mazda is the safer buy, and the CX-5 is the strongest model across both lineups. Mazda's estimated repair cost averages $500 a year, and the data rates it cheaper to repair than Tesla. Choose a Tesla only if you want one for other reasons, and then read the model-year notes and have the car inspected before you pay.
Mazda vs Tesla: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Tesla?
Which brand has more recalls, Mazda or Tesla?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mazda or Tesla?
What problems do Tesla owners report most?
What is the most common Mazda problem?
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 score Mazda and Tesla 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.