Is the Mazda 5 more reliable than the Toyota GR86?

Based on our data, the Toyota GR86 is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Mazda 5 or the Toyota GR86?

The Mazda 5 has more recalls (44) 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 5 or the Toyota GR86?

The Toyota GR86 has fewer owner complaints (36) versus 1314 for the Mazda 5. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Mazda 5 vs Toyota GR86: Reliability Compared

Mazda 5

Good

More Reliable

Toyota GR86

Good

Choosing between the Mazda 5 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 77/100 compared to 76/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Mazda 5 and Toyota GR86 Generations Compare?

The Toyota GR86 is currently in its second generation, which was introduced in 2022. The first generation, spanning from 2013 to 2020, received a facelift in 2017, indicating a mature and well-sorted platform by its final years. The second generation is relatively new, and as with many newly redesigned models, it may experience typical first-year issues as manufacturers iron out initial kinks. In contrast, the Mazda 5 lacks detailed generation history, making it challenging to assess its platform's maturity and potential reliability. Generally, established platforms like the first-generation GR86 tend to offer more predictable reliability compared to newer iterations.

Verdict

The Toyota GR86 is more reliable than the Mazda 5, scoring 77/100 vs 76/100.

The Toyota GR86 slightly edges out the Mazda 5 in overall reliability, with a reliability score of 77 compared to the Mazda's 76. Despite having fewer recalls at 3 compared to the Mazda 5's 44 over a longer period, the GR86 also boasts a significantly lower complaint rate of 5.7 per 10,000 units sold. Although specific annual repair costs for the GR86 are unavailable, the Mazda 5's estimated annual repair cost is $581, which may indicate more frequent or costly repairs. The GR86's fewer issues in key areas and lower complaint rate make it the more reliable choice.

Key Differences

1Toyota GR86 has 41 fewer total recalls
2Toyota GR86 scores 1 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

0Mazda 5

—

2Toyota GR86

Reliability ScoreTotal Recalls

Mazda 5 vs Toyota GR86: Which Is More Reliable?

Mazda 5 vs Toyota GR86 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mazda 5	Toyota GR86
Reliability Score	76/100	77/100
Years Tracked	9	5
Total Recalls	44	3
Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume	1314	36
Year Wins	2	2

What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda 5 and Toyota GR86?

The Toyota GR86 has a relatively low number of total complaints, with the most significant issues arising in the engine category, accounting for 14 of the 36 complaints. In contrast, the Mazda 5 has a substantially higher complaint volume, particularly in the engine and electrical system categories, with 299 and 178 complaints, respectively. Notably, the Mazda 5 also has multiple crash-linked complaints across several categories, including electrical systems and air bags, highlighting potential safety concerns not evident in the GR86's profile. Overall, while both vehicles experience engine-related issues, the Mazda 5's broader range of problems and higher incidence of crash-linked complaints suggest more severe reliability challenges.

Mazda 5 vs Toyota GR86 common problem areas comparison
Component	Mazda 5	Toyota GR86
ENGINE	299	14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	178	—
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	161	3
POWER TRAIN	141	—
SERVICE BRAKES	69	—
AIR BAGS	50	—
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	45	—
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	37	—
STEERING	28	—
STRUCTURE	24	—
FUEL SYSTEM	22	—
VISIBILITY/WIPER	19	—
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	14	4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	9	7
SUSPENSION	12	—
SEATS	4	—

Raw complaint counts aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports. Counts vary with sales volume.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda 5 or Toyota GR86?

Industry estimates indicate that the Mazda 5 incurs an annual repair cost of $581, with an average of 0.4 repair visits per year and a 10% risk of major repairs. Although specific data for the Toyota GR86 is unavailable, the Mazda 5's consistent repair records and moderate costs suggest it could be a more predictable option for cost-conscious buyers. Over five years, owning a Mazda 5 might amount to approximately $2,905 in repair costs, excluding unexpected major repairs. Without detailed data on the GR86, the Mazda 5 offers a clearer picture of potential expenses, making it a sensible choice for those prioritizing budget predictability in vehicle maintenance.

How Does Mazda 5 vs Toyota GR86 Reliability Compare by Year?

Mazda 5 vs Toyota GR86 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mazda 5	Toyota GR86	Edge
2025	75/1005R / 42C	79/1000R / 3C	Toyota GR86
2024	75/1005R / 70C	77/1001R / 3C	Toyota GR86
2023	78/1003R / 68C	77/1001R / 9C	Mazda 5
2022	83/1001R / 79C	76/1001R / 21C	Mazda 5
2026(predicted)	76/100(predicted)	78/100(predicted)	Toyota GR86

Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Mazda 5 scored 83/100 and the 2025 Toyota GR86 scored 79/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mazda 5 vs the Toyota GR86?

If you prioritize reliability and a lower number of recalls, the Toyota GR86 is a stronger choice with a reliability score of 77/100 and only three recalls. This model has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold, at 5.7, which suggests a smoother ownership experience. While specific repair costs and frequencies aren't available, the overall data indicates fewer potential issues in the long run. On the other hand, if you're budget-conscious and prefer a model with established repair cost estimates, consider the Mazda 5. While it has a slightly lower reliability score of 76/100 and a higher number of recalls at 44, it offers a predictable annual repair cost of $581 and a manageable repair frequency of 0.4 times per year. However, keep in mind the higher major repair risk of 10%. Ultimately, choose the Toyota GR86 for better overall reliability, or opt for the Mazda 5 if predictable repair costs are your top concern.

Mazda 5 vs Toyota GR86: Common Questions

Is the Mazda 5 more reliable than the Toyota GR86?: Based on our data, the Toyota GR86 is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda 5 or the Toyota GR86?: The Mazda 5 has more recalls (44) 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 5 or the Toyota GR86?: The Toyota GR86 has fewer owner complaints (36) versus 1314 for the Mazda 5. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

More Mazda 5 comparisons

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More Toyota GR86 comparisons

Toyota GR86 vs Mazda 3 reliability Toyota GR86 vs Subaru Impreza reliability Toyota GR86 vs Volkswagen Beetle reliability Toyota GR86 vs Chevrolet Camaro reliability Toyota GR86 reliability by year Toyota GR86 years to avoid

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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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