Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mazda vs Toyota: Reliability Compared
Mazda
7 models tracked
Toyota
19 models tracked
Toyota edges out Mazda on reliability, though the two are effectively tied. Toyota has lower repair costs and fewer complaints per car sold. Mazda counters with a lighter recall burden, and both brands hold a good standing.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Toyota?
| Metric | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 19 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 14 | 25 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 480 | 616 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $500/yr | $482/yr |
Mazda vs Toyota: The Verdict
On overall reliability, Toyota leads, but the two brands are effectively tied. Toyota wins on repair costs, at about $482 a year against $500, and on complaints per 1,000 sold, 0.9 against 1.6. Its recent trend is improving, while Mazda's is stable.
Mazda holds its own elsewhere. Its recall impact is lighter, and complaint severity and the spread of problems across systems come out even. Sedans are even too. Toyota pulls ahead among SUVs, where its lineup is larger and has more excellent-rated models.
Where Mazda and Toyota Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 72/100Good | 77/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Toyota's advantage in repair costs (+5 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Mazda vs Toyota: 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
Toyota
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (76/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($482/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 19 of 19 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 $482/year compared to $500/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: $500/yr
Toyota Repair Cost Range
$362 – $642/yr
Average: $482/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 6 models) | 78/100 | 78/100 | Tie |
| SUVs(5 vs 9 models) | 70/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
Toyota wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Toyota
| Component | Mazda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 11%307 | 19%1,909 |
| ENGINE | 27%760 | 9%963 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%440 | 12%1,271 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%333 | 13%1,350 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%105 | 9%911 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%179 | 8%780 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0%4 | 8%796 |
| STEERING | 5%150 | 5%532 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%110 | 0%50 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mazda vs Toyota Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Toyota
699
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
633
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Toyota Model Ranked
Mazda Models
Toyota Models
Mazda vs Toyota Reliability Trend by Year
Mazda's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Toyota's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
| Model Year | Mazda | Toyota | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(6) | 86/100(13) | Toyota |
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 78/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 75/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2023 | 75/100(6) | 75/100(15) | Tie |
| 2022 | 79/100(5) | 76/100(16) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 74/100(5) | 76/100(14) | Toyota |
| 2020 | 76/100(4) | 73/100(13) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 75/100(4) | 70/100(12) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 72/100(4) | 71/100(12) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy Mazda vs Toyota?
If you want a compact SUV, the Mazda CX-5 is a strong pick. It is the only excellent-rated Mazda, and the 2022 is the best used buy, with few complaints and no recalls. Skip the 2018, where cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust and put smoke and fumes in the cabin. Approach the CX-90 with care. The 2024 draws complaints about a steering wheel that binds in sustained highway curves, and the plug-in hybrid can lose power suddenly. Inspect any used one closely.
If you want the widest choice, lean Toyota. The Corolla, Corolla Cross, 4Runner and Venza all rate excellent. The Crown sedan is also excellent, and the 2024 is the year to favor because it has had time to build a record. The 2026 is too new to judge. For a truck, the Tacoma is sound, and the 2021 is the one to target. Avoid 2018 and 2019, and watch for a transmission that shudders and hunts for gears at light throttle.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Toyota?
Choose Toyota if you want the broader selection and slightly lower running costs. Choose Mazda if a CX-5 fits your needs, since it is the brand's one excellent model and carries fewer recall worries. The strongest model across both lineups is the Toyota Crown, though its record is still short. The cost gap is small, about $18 a year, or roughly $90 over five years.
Mazda vs Toyota: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Toyota?
Which brand has more recalls, Mazda or Toyota?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mazda or Toyota?
What problems do Mazda and Toyota owners report most?
Which used Mazda CX-5 year should I avoid?
Comparing Mazda vs Toyota? 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 Toyota 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.