Last updated: 2026-05-15

Ford Edge vs Mazda CX-90: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Ford Edge 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. The Ford Edge currently leads with an average score of 67/100 compared to 51/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

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

As of 2026, the Mazda CX-90 is in its first generation, which began in 2024. Being early in its lifecycle, it may still be ironing out initial production issues, a common occurrence with new platforms. On the other hand, the Ford Edge is in its second generation, which started in 2015 and continued until 2024. This generation had a significant facelift in 2019, suggesting that most initial issues would have been addressed, making it a more mature and potentially reliable option. Typically, vehicles in the later stages of their generation cycle, like the Ford Edge, are seen as more refined due to accumulated improvements over time.

Verdict

The Ford Edge is more reliable than the Mazda CX-90, scoring 67/100 vs 51/100.

The Ford Edge demonstrates a superior reliability profile compared to the Mazda CX-90, with a significantly higher average reliability score of 67/100 versus the CX-90's 51/100. The Edge also benefits from a much lower owner complaint rate of 9.4 per 10,000 sold, in stark contrast to the CX-90's 111.2 per 10,000. Although the Ford Edge has more recalls over seven years, its broader sales volume accounts for this, and the lower complaint rate suggests better overall reliability. Key differentiators include the Mazda's frequent issues with steering and forward collision avoidance systems, whereas the Ford Edge's problems are more concentrated in the powertrain and engine areas.

Key Differences

  1. 1Ford Edge has 101.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Mazda CX-90 has 19 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Ford Edge scores 16 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Ford Edge
1Mazda CX-90
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

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

Ford Edge vs Mazda CX-90 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricFord EdgeMazda CX-90
Reliability Score67/10051/100
Years Tracked73
Total Recalls3213
Complaints per 10k Sold9.4111.2
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2024 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins10

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

The Mazda CX-90 and Ford Edge present different reliability challenges, with the Ford Edge experiencing a significantly higher volume of complaints, totaling 1,964 compared to the CX-90's 280. The Ford Edge is particularly plagued by power train issues, accounting for 683 complaints, including 8 crash-linked incidents, which is substantially higher than the CX-90's 21 complaints in the same category. While the Mazda CX-90's most frequent issue involves steering, with 80 complaints and 5 crash-linked, the Ford Edge does not exhibit a similar concentration in this area. Both models have notable electrical system complaints, but the Edge's broader spectrum of issues, especially in power train and engine, highlights more widespread reliability concerns.

Ford Edge vs Mazda CX-90 common problem areas comparison
ComponentFord EdgeMazda CX-90
STEERING0.1Very Low31.8High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.5Very Low17.5High
POWER TRAIN3.3Average8.3Above Avg
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENone11.5Above Avg
ENGINE2Low6.8Average
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.1Very Low6.4Average
VISIBILITY/WIPERNone4Average
SERVICE BRAKES0.2Very Low2.8Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMNone2Low
STRUCTURE0.1Very Low1.6Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.6Very Low0.8Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.9Very LowNone
BACK OVER PREVENTION0.2Very LowNone
SEAT BELTS0.1Very LowNone
AIR BAGS0.1Very LowNone
VISIBILITYNoneNone
SEATSNoneNone
SUSPENSIONNoneNone
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNoneNone
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESNoneNone
LANE DEPARTURENoneNone
FUEL SYSTEMNoneNone

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

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

Ford Edge vs Mazda CX-90 year-by-year reliability scores
YearFord EdgeMazda CX-90Edge
202476/1002R / 38C38/10011R / 259CFord Edge

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Ford Edge scored 76/100 and the 2024 Mazda CX-90 scored 38/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

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

If you prioritize reliability and fewer owner complaints, the Ford Edge might be your best choice. With a reliability score of 67/100 and only 9.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, it presents a more dependable option. Despite having 32 recalls, the Edge's issues are less frequent and less severe, focusing primarily on the power train and engine. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a vehicle with potentially fewer recalls, consider the Mazda CX-90. Although its reliability score is lower at 51/100, and owner complaints are significantly higher at 111.2 per 10,000 sold, the CX-90 has faced fewer recalls (13 in total). However, be cautious about its prevalent issues with steering, electrical systems, and forward collision avoidance. Ultimately, if reliability and fewer complaints are your top priorities, go with the Ford Edge. If recall frequency concerns you more, and you can manage potential issues, the Mazda CX-90 could be suitable.

Ford Edge vs Mazda CX-90: Common Questions

Is the Ford Edge more reliable than the Mazda CX-90?
Based on our data, the Ford Edge is more reliable with an average score of 67/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Edge or the Mazda CX-90?
The Ford Edge has more recalls (32) 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 Edge or the Mazda CX-90?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Ford Edge has a lower complaint rate at 9.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 111.2 for the Mazda CX-90. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Ford Edge or Mazda CX-90 safer?
Both the Ford Edge 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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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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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