Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge Hornet vs Mazda CX-5: Reliability Compared
Dodge Hornet
Mazda CX-5
Choosing between the Dodge Hornet and the Mazda CX-5? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mazda CX-5 currently leads with an average score of 81/100 compared to 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Dodge Hornet, scoring 81/100 vs 59/100.
Key Differences
- 1Mazda CX-5 scores 22 points higher in reliability
- 2Mazda CX-5 has 16.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Mazda CX-5 has 2 fewer total recalls
Category Scoreboard
Dodge Hornet vs Mazda CX-5: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Dodge Hornet | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 59/100 | 81/100 |
| Years Tracked | 3 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 13 | 11 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 21.7 | 5.6 |
| Year Wins | 0 | 3 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Hornet and Mazda CX-5?
| Component | Dodge Hornet | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | —None | 1.5Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | —None | 0.7Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | —None | 0.6Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | —None | 0.6Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| STEERING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Dodge Hornet vs Mazda CX-5 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Dodge Hornet | Mazda CX-5 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 64/1002R / 1C | 82/1003R / 25C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2024 | 54/1007R / 60C | 84/1001R / 53C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2023 | 59/1004R / 25C | 81/1002R / 96C | Mazda CX-5 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Dodge Hornet scored 64/100 and the 2024 Mazda CX-5 scored 84/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Dodge Hornet vs Mazda CX-5: Common Questions
- Is the Dodge Hornet more reliable than the Mazda CX-5?
- Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 59/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the Dodge Hornet or the Mazda CX-5?
- The Dodge Hornet has more recalls (13) compared to the Mazda CX-5 (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Dodge Hornet or the Mazda CX-5?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-5 has a lower complaint rate at 5.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 21.7 for the Dodge Hornet. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Dodge Hornet and Mazda CX-5? Run a VIN check 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.
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