Last updated: 2026-04-20
Mazda Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked
Mazda offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years. Most Mazda models fall within the "Good" range, making them a reasonable choice for buyers who prioritize dependability.
Mazda Best Year Score Comparison
Each bar shows the best single model year score for that Mazda model. Longer bars indicate higher peak reliability.
Mazda Model Rankings
Scores below are averaged across all tracked model years. The “Best Year” column shows which year scored highest.
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mazda CX-5 | 2022 | 81/100 | Excellent | 11 | 8.3 | 4.5 | $447/yr |
| 2 | Mazda 3 | 2025 | 77/100 | Good | 11 | 7.6 | 4 | $433/yr |
| 3 | Mazda 5 | 2022 | 76/100 | Good | 44 | — | 4 | $581/yr |
| 4 | Mazda CX-50 | 2024 | 67/100 | Good | 6 | 64.0 | 3 | |
| 5 | Mazda CX-30 | 2025 | 66/100 | Good | 10 | 5.8 | 2 | |
| 6 | Mazda CX-90 | 2025 | 51/100 | Mixed | 13 | 114.2 | 2 |
Mazda Models
Mazda CX-5
3rd gen (2026–present)
The Mazda CX-5, covering model years 2018 to 2026, maintains an average reliability score of 93/100, categorized as excellent according to the Auto Reliability Index. Data indicates common issues with engine oil leaks and electrical system malfunctions, particularly in earlier models, while later versions show improved complaint rates, with the 2025 model reporting only 1.8 complaints per 10,000 sold.
Mazda 3
4th gen (2019–2023)
The Mazda 3, covering model years 2018 through 2026, holds an average reliability score of 78/100, indicating a generally good reliability performance. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and excessive engine oil consumption, particularly in the 2019 and 2021 models, while the 2026 model shows improved reliability with no recalls or complaints.
Data shows the Mazda 5 maintains a good reliability score, averaging 77/100 from 2018 to 2026, with a notable improvement in 2026 scoring 88/100. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the electrical system and engine, especially in earlier years, while repair costs are slightly above the compact car average at $581 annually.
Mazda CX-50
1st gen (2023–2024), facelifted 2025
The Mazda CX-50, covering model years 2023 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 91/100, indicating an excellent reliability reputation. Data shows that while the 2023 model year experienced issues with service brakes and electrical systems, subsequent years, particularly 2024 and 2026, show significant improvement with scores of 100/100 and fewer complaints.
Mazda CX-30
1st gen (2020–2024)
The Mazda CX-30, covering model years 2020 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 67/100, categorized as "Good" based on Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and excessive oil consumption, particularly in the 2021 and 2022 models, while the 2026 model shows improvement with a score of 72/100 and no complaints.
Mazda CX-90
1st gen (2024–2023)
The Mazda CX-90, covering model years 2024 to 2026, shows a varied reliability profile with an overall average score of 67/100. The 2024 model year reports significant issues, particularly with steering, electrical systems, and forward collision avoidance, leading to a low score of 9/100 and 11 recalls.
Common Mazda Problems
Top complaint categories across all Mazda models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.
Mazda by Category
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Mazda cars reliable?
- Mazda vehicles have an average reliability score of 73/100 ("Good") across 6 models and 8 years in our database. Mazda offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years.
- What is the most reliable Mazda?
- Based on our data, the highest-scoring Mazda model-year is the 2022 Mazda CX-5 at 87/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full Mazda reliability rankings for the latest data.
- How much does it cost to maintain a Mazda?
- Annual repair costs for Mazda models range from $433 to $581 based on independent reliability data. Costs vary significantly by model and year.
- Which Mazda models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these Mazda models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2018 CX-5 (71/100), 2021 3 (70/100), 2021 CX-30 (60/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
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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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