Last updated: 2026-05-15
Mazda vs Toyota: Reliability Compared
Mazda
6 models tracked
Toyota
16 models tracked
Comparing Mazda and Toyota on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Toyota currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 73/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Toyota?
| Metric | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 16 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 519 | 690 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $487/yr | $473/yr |
Mazda vs Toyota: The Verdict
The numbers favor Toyota here, but Mazda isn't far behind. We scored 22 models between the two makes: Mazda at 73/100 and Toyota at 75/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at $473/year versus $487/year.
Where Mazda and Toyota Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 71/100Good | 78/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 77/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Toyota's advantage in repair costs (+7 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Mazda vs Toyota: 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
Toyota
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($473/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 16 of 16 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 93 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Mazda and Toyota Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Mazda
Toyota
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda or Toyota?
Based on independent repair cost data, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at an average of $473/year compared to $487/year for Mazda. 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: $487/yr
Toyota Repair Cost Range
$362 – $606/yr
Average: $473/yr
Mazda vs Toyota Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mazda | Toyota | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 5 models) | 77/100 | 77/100 | Tie |
| SUVs(4 vs 7 models) | 66/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
Toyota wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Toyota
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 11%287 | 17%1,593 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%322 | 14%1,321 |
| ENGINE | 26%665 | 10%965 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%414 | 13%1,214 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%101 | 9%890 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%168 | 8%792 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%16 | 8%740 |
| STEERING | 6%148 | 6%555 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%114 | 1%59 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Mazda vs Toyota 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. Toyota owners reported 672 crash-related, 93 fire-related, and 611 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
Toyota
672
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
611
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Toyota Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Mazda Models
Toyota Models
Mazda vs Toyota 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. Toyota's reliability is improving — recent model years average 77/100.
| Model Year | Mazda | Toyota | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 78/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 75/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2023 | 74/100(5) | 75/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2022 | 79/100(4) | 75/100(13) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 73/100(4) | 76/100(11) | Toyota |
| 2020 | 75/100(3) | 73/100(10) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 75/100(3) | 70/100(9) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 74/100(3) | 71/100(9) | Mazda |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Mazda vs Toyota: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Mazda and Toyota. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Toyota?
Toyota has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Toyota Crown leads both lineups with a score of 84/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Toyota costs less to maintain — $473/year vs $487/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 Toyota: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Toyota?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Mazda or Toyota?
Which make has more recalls, Mazda or Toyota?
What are the most reliable models from Mazda and Toyota?
What are the least reliable models from Mazda and Toyota?
What are the most common problems with Mazda and Toyota vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Mazda or Toyota?
How many Mazda and Toyota models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Mazda or Toyota?
Are Mazda and Toyota getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Mazda or Toyota?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Mazda or Toyota?
Comparing Mazda vs Toyota? 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.