Last updated: 2026-03-04

Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5: Reliability Compared

Honda CR-V reliability comparison

Honda CR-V

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableMazda CX-5 reliability comparison

Mazda CX-5

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

Choosing between the Honda CR-V 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 74/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 Generations Compare?

The Honda CR-V is currently in its sixth generation, which began in 2023, suggesting it's early in its generation cycle. Early models in a new generation can sometimes face first-year issues as manufacturers work out initial bugs. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 is in its second generation, which started in 2017 and received a facelift in 2022. This mature platform is more likely to have well-sorted reliability as any initial issues have likely been addressed over time. For buyers focused on reliability, the CX-5's established design could offer more peace of mind compared to the newer CR-V platform.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Honda CR-V, scoring 81/100 vs 74/100.

The Mazda CX-5 demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 93/100 compared to the Honda CR-V's 89/100. It also has a lower rate of owner complaints at 5.6 per 10,000 sold versus the CR-V's 8, and significantly fewer recalls, with 11 over nine years compared to the CR-V's 46. Although the CR-V has a slightly lower estimated annual repair cost at $407 compared to the CX-5's $447, the Mazda's overall reliability metrics and recall history make it the more reliable choice. Both models have common issues in engine and electrical systems, but the CX-5's lower complaint rate and recall frequency are key differentiators.

Key Differences

  1. 1Honda CR-V costs $40 less per year to repair
  2. 2Mazda CX-5 has 35 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Mazda CX-5 scores 7 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Honda CR-V
—
4Mazda CX-5
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5: Which Is More Reliable?

Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHonda CR-VMazda CX-5
Reliability Score74/10081/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls4611
Complaints per 10k Sold85.6
Annual Repair Cost$407/yr$447/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk9%8%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins08

What Are the Common Problems With the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5?

The Honda CR-V shows a higher volume of complaints overall, particularly in the steering and forward collision avoidance systems, with 1159 and 656 complaints respectively, and a notable number of crash-linked incidents in these areas. The Mazda CX-5, with a significantly lower total complaint count, has its highest issue concentration in the engine category, though only one incident is crash-linked. Both models report issues with the electrical system, but the CR-V's steering and forward collision systems present a more prominent safety concern due to higher crash-linked complaints. Additionally, the Mazda CX-5's vehicle speed control and air bags have a relatively higher proportion of crash-linked complaints, indicating potential safety vulnerabilities.

Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 common problem areas comparison
ComponentHonda CR-VMazda CX-5
ENGINE0.8Very Low1.5Low
STEERING1.8Low0.1Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.9Very Low0.7Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1Very Low0.1Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.3Very Low0.6Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.2Very Low0.6Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM0.6Very Low0.1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.4Very Low0.3Very Low
AIR BAGS0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.3Very Low—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE—None0.2Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE—None—None
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)—None—None
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.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 have similar repair frequencies at 0.3 visits per year. However, the Honda CR-V has a slightly lower annual repair cost of $407 compared to the Mazda CX-5's $447. While this means a modest savings of $40 per year, adding up to $200 over five years, it’s also important to consider the major repair risk, which is slightly lower for the CX-5 at 8% compared to the CR-V's 9%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Honda CR-V offers a slight edge in terms of annual repair savings, but the Mazda CX-5's lower risk of significant repairs could provide peace of mind in the long run. Overall, both vehicles are closely matched, but the CR-V may be the better value if minimizing yearly expenses is the priority.

How Does Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 Reliability Compare by Year?

Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 year-by-year reliability scores
YearHonda CR-VMazda CX-5Edge
202580/1006R / 201C82/1003R / 25CMazda CX-5
202477/1004R / 406C84/1001R / 53CMazda CX-5
202372/1007R / 578C81/1002R / 96CMazda CX-5
202276/1005R / 242C87/1000R / 50CMazda CX-5
202177/1003R / 241C83/1000R / 129CMazda CX-5
202074/10010R / 358C86/1000R / 94CMazda CX-5
201969/1007R / 996C75/1002R / 229CMazda CX-5
201865/1004R / 1960C71/1003R / 310CMazda CX-5
2026(predicted)76/100(predicted)73/100(predicted)Honda CR-V

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Honda CR-V scored 80/100 and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored 87/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Honda CR-V vs the Mazda CX-5?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer recalls, the Mazda CX-5 could be your ideal choice. With a reliability score of 93/100, it surpasses the Honda CR-V and has significantly fewer recalls (11 compared to 46). This suggests a more dependable experience over time. Additionally, the CX-5 has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (5.6), indicating higher customer satisfaction. On the other hand, if you are looking to manage repair costs more effectively, the Honda CR-V might be better suited for you. Its estimated annual repair cost is lower at $407 compared to the CX-5's $447. While it has a slightly higher major repair risk at 9%, the repair frequency remains the same at 0.3 per year. Consider the CR-V if keeping maintenance expenses down is a top priority.

Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5: Common Questions

Is the Honda CR-V 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 74/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Honda CR-V or the Mazda CX-5?
The Honda CR-V has more recalls (46) 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 Honda CR-V or the Mazda CX-5?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-5 has a lower complaint rate at 5.6 per 10,000 sold versus 8 for the Honda CR-V. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda CR-V or the Mazda CX-5?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Honda CR-V is cheaper to maintain at $407/year versus $447/year for the Mazda CX-5.
Is the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 safer?
Both the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 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.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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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