Last updated: 2026-03-04
Lexus NX vs Mazda CX-5: Reliability Compared
Lexus NX
Mazda CX-5
Choosing between the Lexus NX 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 78/100. 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 Lexus NX, scoring 81/100 vs 78/100.
Key Differences
- 1Mazda CX-5 has 36 fewer total recalls
- 2Mazda CX-5 scores 3 points higher in reliability
- 3Mazda CX-5 has 0.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Lexus NX vs Mazda CX-5: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Lexus NX | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 78/100 | 81/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 47 | 11 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.3 | 5.6 |
| Year Wins | 2 | 6 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Lexus NX and Mazda CX-5?
| Component | Lexus NX | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | —None | 1.5Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.5Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.4Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.1Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.2Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| STRUCTURE | 0.2Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| STEERING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —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.
How Does Lexus NX vs Mazda CX-5 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Lexus NX | Mazda CX-5 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 77/1007R / 13C | 82/1003R / 25C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2024 | 77/10014R / 129C | 84/1001R / 53C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2023 | 77/10010R / 27C | 81/1002R / 96C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2022 | 75/10013R / 19C | 87/1000R / 50C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2021 | 82/1000R / 30C | 83/1000R / 129C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2020 | 82/1000R / 26C | 86/1000R / 94C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2019 | 77/1002R / 41C | 75/1002R / 229C | Lexus NX |
| 2018 | 79/1001R / 36C | 71/1003R / 310C | Lexus NX |
| 2026(predicted) | 77/100(predicted) | 73/100(predicted) | Lexus NX |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2021 Lexus NX scored 82/100 and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored 87/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Lexus NX vs Mazda CX-5: Common Questions
- Is the Lexus NX 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 78/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Lexus NX or the Mazda CX-5?
- The Lexus NX has more recalls (47) 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 Lexus NX 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 6.3 for the Lexus NX. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Lexus NX 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
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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