Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mazda vs Volvo: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mazda
7 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Mazda comes out ahead of Volvo on used-car reliability, with a clear edge. Lower repair costs and lighter recall impact drive it. Both brands hold a good standing, and Volvo draws fewer owner complaints per car sold, so the gap is real but not one-sided.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Mazda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 14 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 480 | 136 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $500/yr | $831/yr |
Mazda vs Volvo: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Mazda. Repair costs show the biggest gap: about $500 a year against about $831 for Volvo. Recall impact also favors Mazda, even though Volvo has more recalls on record across fewer models. Mazda's problems spread across several systems, while Volvo's pile up in the electrical system.
Complaint severity is even. Crashes, fires, and injuries do not separate the two brands. Mazda does draw more complaints per 1,000 sold, so Volvo is not weaker on every measure. By body style, Mazda is stronger in sedans, and SUVs are even.
Where Mazda and Volvo Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 72/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Mazda has a 11-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Mazda vs Volvo: 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
Volvo
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($831/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Mazda and Volvo Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Mazda
Volvo
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, Mazda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $500/year compared to $831/year for Volvo. That's a difference of $331/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Mazda Repair Cost Range
$433 – $581/yr
Average: $500/yr
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
Mazda vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mazda | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 78/100 | 70/100 | Mazda |
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 70/100 | 69/100 | Mazda |
Mazda wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Volvo
| Component | Mazda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 27%760 | 2%13 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%440 | 35%180 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%333 | 13%70 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%307 | 5%26 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%179 | 12%62 |
| STEERING | 5%150 | 5%28 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%110 | 2%8 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%105 | 1%4 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%87 | 4%21 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%90 | 3%18 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mazda vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Volvo Model Ranked
Mazda Models
Mazda vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
Mazda's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
Interestingly, both Mazda and Volvo show stable reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Mazda | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(6) | 75/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 74/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 69/100(4) | Tie |
| 2023 | 75/100(6) | 65/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 79/100(5) | 70/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 74/100(5) | 66/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 76/100(4) | 71/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 75/100(4) | 69/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 72/100(4) | 71/100(3) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Mazda vs Volvo?
If you want the lowest running costs, shop Mazda. The CX-5 is the one to target, and a 2022 is the best used buy. Skip the 2018, where cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust. Sedan shoppers can look at the 3 or the 5, both rated good. Be careful with the CX-90. The 2024 has steering wheel binding in highway curves, and the plug-in hybrid can lose power suddenly. Newer years look clean only because they are new.
If you want a luxury SUV and can absorb higher repair bills, Volvo makes sense. The XC60 is the pick, and the 2021 is the year to look for. Test it for engine shutoffs at stops, since owners report it failing to restart after auto stop/start engages. Approach the XC40 with more caution, because it trails most compact SUVs on the site. The 2020 is the year to favor. The 2021 and 2023 bring electrical shutdowns and a rearview camera that drops out in reverse.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Volvo?
For most used-car shoppers, Mazda is the safer and cheaper bet, and the CX-5 is the strongest single model across both lineups. Volvo costs about $331 more a year to repair, roughly $1,655 over five years. Pick Volvo only if you want a luxury SUV, and then aim for the XC60 from 2021.
Mazda vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Volvo?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mazda or Volvo?
Which brand has more recalls, Mazda or Volvo?
What are the most common problems on Mazda and Volvo?
Which Mazda or Volvo model is the best used buy?
Comparing Mazda vs Volvo? 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 Volvo 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.