Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mazda 3 vs Toyota GR86: Reliability Compared
Mazda 3
Toyota GR86
Choosing between the Mazda 3 and the Toyota GR86? 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 sedans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota GR86 currently leads with an average score of 79/100 compared to 78/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Toyota GR86 is more reliable than the Mazda 3, scoring 79/100 vs 78/100.
Key Differences
- 1Toyota GR86 has 8 fewer total recalls
- 2Mazda 3 has 4.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Toyota GR86 scores 1 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Mazda 3 vs Toyota GR86: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mazda 3 | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 78/100 | 79/100 |
| Years Tracked | 8 | 5 |
| Total Recalls | 11 | 3 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 1.3 | 5.7 |
| Year Wins | 3 (1 tied) | 1 (1 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda 3 and Toyota GR86?
| Component | Mazda 3 | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 0.3Very Low | 2.2Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | 1.1Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.1Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.6Very Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | —None |
| POWER TRAIN | —None | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Mazda 3 vs Toyota GR86 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Mazda 3 | Toyota GR86 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84/1000R / 0C | 88/1000R / 0C | Toyota GR86 |
| 2025 | 79/1001R / 20C | 79/1000R / 3C | Tie |
| 2024 | 78/1002R / 22C | 77/1001R / 3C | Mazda 3 |
| 2023 | 78/1001R / 19C | 77/1001R / 9C | Mazda 3 |
| 2022 | 78/1001R / 26C | 76/1001R / 21C | Mazda 3 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mazda 3 scored 78/100 and the 2024 Toyota GR86 scored 77/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Mazda 3 vs Toyota GR86: Common Questions
- Is the Mazda 3 more reliable than the Toyota GR86?
- Based on our data, the Toyota GR86 is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 78/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Mazda 3 or the Toyota GR86?
- The Mazda 3 has more recalls (11) compared to the Toyota GR86 (3). 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 Mazda 3 or the Toyota GR86?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda 3 has a lower complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 5.7 for the Toyota GR86. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Mazda 3 and Toyota GR86? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Mazda 3 and Toyota GR86
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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