Is the Ford Bronco more reliable than the Mazda CX-90?

They're very close — both average 51/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.

Which has more recalls, the Ford Bronco or the Mazda CX-90?

The Ford Bronco has more recalls (126) compared to the Mazda CX-90 (13). 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 Ford Bronco or the Mazda CX-90?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Ford Bronco has a lower complaint rate at 29.4 per 10,000 sold versus 111.2 for the Mazda CX-90. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Ford Bronco or Mazda CX-90 safer?

Both the Ford Bronco and Mazda CX-90 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Bronco vs Mazda CX-90: Reliability Compared

Ford Bronco

Mixed

Mazda CX-90

Mixed

Choosing between the Ford Bronco and the Mazda CX-90? 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 midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 51/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ford Bronco and Mazda CX-90 Generations Compare?

The Ford Bronco is currently in its sixth generation, last redesigned in 2021, with a notable facelift in 2023 that introduced the Raptor trim. As it is relatively early in its generation cycle, potential buyers should be aware that newer platforms can sometimes experience first-year issues as manufacturers address initial production quirks. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 is in its inaugural generation (2024), making it even newer. First-generation models often undergo refinement over time, so it's wise to consider potential early-stage reliability challenges. For those prioritizing reliability, the mature sixth-generation Bronco may offer more reassurance as it enters its third model year.

Verdict

The Ford Bronco and Mazda CX-90 are evenly matched with a reliability score of 51/100.

The Mazda CX-90 edges out the Ford Bronco in reliability with a slightly higher average reliability score of 51/100 compared to the Bronco's 49/100. However, the CX-90 has a notably higher owner complaint rate of 111.2 per 10,000 sold, while the Bronco reports 29.4 per 10,000. The Bronco's significant recall history of 126 recalls over six years, compared to just 13 for the CX-90 in three years, suggests a more persistent issue with quality control. While the Bronco's estimated annual repair cost of $784 provides some predictability, the CX-90's recall performance and slightly better reliability score make it a marginally more reliable choice overall.

Key Differences

1Mazda CX-90 has 113 fewer total recalls
2Ford Bronco has 81.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1Ford Bronco

—

1Mazda CX-90

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Ford Bronco vs Mazda CX-90: Which Is More Reliable?

Ford Bronco vs Mazda CX-90 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Ford Bronco	Mazda CX-90
Reliability Score	51/100	51/100
Years Tracked	6	3
Total Recalls	126	13
Complaints per 10k Sold	29.4	111.2
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	1	1

What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Bronco and Mazda CX-90?

The Ford Bronco exhibits a broader range of problems with a significant number of complaints across multiple categories, notably in the electrical system, power train, and service brakes, with the latter having the highest number of crash-linked issues at 11. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 has fewer overall complaints, with steering being its most reported issue, including 5 crash-linked incidents. While both vehicles have concerns with the electrical system, the Ford Bronco's issues are more pronounced, as evidenced by a higher complaint count and crash-linked incidents. The Mazda CX-90's problems are concentrated in fewer categories, indicating more specific reliability challenges compared to the Bronco's widespread issues.

Ford Bronco vs Mazda CX-90 common problem areas comparison
Component	Ford Bronco	Mazda CX-90
STEERING	0.8Very Low	31.8High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	5Average	17.5High
POWER TRAIN	4.2Average	8.3Above Avg
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	11.5Above Avg
ENGINE	2.6Low	6.8Average
VISIBILITY/WIPER	2.5Low	4Average
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	6.4Average
SERVICE BRAKES	3Low	2.8Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2.3Low	0.8Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	2Low
STRUCTURE	0.3Very Low	1.6Low
FUEL SYSTEM	1.8Low	—None
SUSPENSION	1.3Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.4Very Low	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	0.3Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.2Very Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.1Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY	0.1Very Low	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Bronco or Mazda CX-90?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Ford Bronco has an estimated annual repair cost of $784, with a repair frequency of 0.4 visits per year. For a cost-conscious buyer, this translates to about one visit every two and a half years, which suggests a relatively low frequency of repairs. Unfortunately, data for the Mazda CX-90 is not available, making a direct cost comparison challenging. However, the low repair frequency of the Bronco and the absence of a known significant risk of major repairs suggest that it may offer better value for those concerned about maintenance expenses over time. Over five years, the Bronco's predictable costs could equate to approximately $3,920.

How Does Ford Bronco vs Mazda CX-90 Reliability Compare by Year?

Ford Bronco vs Mazda CX-90 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Ford Bronco	Mazda CX-90	Edge
2025	61/10016R / 30C	63/1002R / 21C	Mazda CX-90
2024	58/10018R / 104C	38/10011R / 259C	Ford Bronco
2026(predicted)	56/100(predicted)	51/100(predicted)	Ford Bronco

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Ford Bronco scored 61/100 and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 scored 63/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ford Bronco vs the Mazda CX-90?

If you prioritize fewer recalls and potentially fewer trips to the dealership, the Mazda CX-90 might be your better choice. With only 13 total recalls compared to the Ford Bronco's 126, the CX-90 offers a more stable record in this regard. However, if you are concerned about owner satisfaction, note that the CX-90 has a higher rate of owner complaints at 111.2 per 10,000 sold, which could indicate more frequent minor issues. On the other hand, if you are focused on controlling annual maintenance expenses, the Ford Bronco presents a clearer picture with an estimated annual repair cost of $784 and a repair frequency of 0.4 times per year. This predictability in maintenance costs might appeal to budget-conscious buyers. However, be aware that the Bronco's recurring issues with the electrical system and power train are noteworthy concerns. Ultimately, if you value fewer recalls and potential dealership visits, the Mazda CX-90 is worth considering. If predictable maintenance costs are more important, the Ford Bronco might be the better fit for your needs.

Ford Bronco vs Mazda CX-90: Common Questions

Is the Ford Bronco more reliable than the Mazda CX-90?: They're very close — both average 51/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Bronco or the Mazda CX-90?: The Ford Bronco has more recalls (126) compared to the Mazda CX-90 (13). 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 Ford Bronco or the Mazda CX-90?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Ford Bronco has a lower complaint rate at 29.4 per 10,000 sold versus 111.2 for the Mazda CX-90. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Ford Bronco or Mazda CX-90 safer?: Both the Ford Bronco and Mazda CX-90 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

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More Mazda CX-90 comparisons

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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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