Is the Mazda 5 more reliable than the Volkswagen Jetta?

They're very close — both average 76/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.

Which has more recalls, the Mazda 5 or the Volkswagen Jetta?

The Mazda 5 has more recalls (44) compared to the Volkswagen Jetta (25). 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 Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta has fewer owner complaints (760) versus 1314 for the Mazda 5. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda 5 or the Volkswagen Jetta?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda 5 is cheaper to maintain at $581/year versus $609/year for the Volkswagen Jetta.

Is the Mazda 5 or Volkswagen Jetta safer?

Both the Mazda 5 and Volkswagen Jetta 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.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Mazda 5 vs Volkswagen Jetta: Reliability Compared

Mazda 5

Good

Volkswagen Jetta

Good

Choosing between the Mazda 5 and the Volkswagen Jetta? 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. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 76/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Mazda 5 and Volkswagen Jetta Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Volkswagen Jetta is in its seventh generation (A7), which was last redesigned in 2018 and received a facelift in 2022. Being late in its generation cycle, the Jetta's platform is likely well-sorted, with many initial issues addressed through updates. This maturity often translates to improved reliability compared to earlier production years of a new generation, where teething problems are more common. In contrast, the Mazda 5 lacks detailed generation history, making it challenging to pinpoint its position in its lifecycle. Typically, vehicles in later stages of their generation benefit from refinements and enhancements, contributing to better reliability. However, without specific generation data, it's harder to assess the Mazda 5's current status accurately.

Verdict

The Mazda 5 and Volkswagen Jetta are evenly matched with a reliability score of 76/100.

The Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 5 both score an average reliability score of 76/100, indicating similar overall reliability. However, the Jetta has a lower owner complaint rate at 3.4 per 10,000 sold compared to the Mazda 5's higher raw total of 1,314 complaints, though sales data for normalization is unavailable. The Jetta also has fewer recalls, with 25 compared to the Mazda 5's 44, suggesting a more stable production history. While both vehicles have comparable annual repair costs, with the Jetta at $609 and the Mazda 5 at $581, the Jetta's lower complaint rate and recall frequency give it a slight edge in reliability.

Key Differences

1Mazda 5 costs $28 less per year to repair
2Volkswagen Jetta has 19 fewer total recalls
3Volkswagen Jetta needs 0.1 fewer repairs per year

Category Scoreboard

1Mazda 5

—

2Volkswagen Jetta

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Mazda 5 vs Volkswagen Jetta: Which Is More Reliable?

Mazda 5 vs Volkswagen Jetta at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mazda 5	Volkswagen Jetta
Reliability Score	76/100	76/100
Years Tracked	9	9
Total Recalls	44	25
Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume	1314	760
Annual Repair Cost	$581/yr	$609/yr
Repair Frequency	0.4/yr	0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk	10%	10%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	3 (1 tied)	4 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda 5 and Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda 5 exhibit distinct problem profiles, with notable differences in specific components. The Jetta has significant concerns with its power train and electrical system, both having over 160 complaints, though relatively few are crash-linked. In contrast, the Mazda 5 shows a higher total number of complaints, with the engine and electrical system being major areas of concern, particularly the latter's 10 crash-linked incidents. Additionally, the Mazda 5 has a pronounced issue with air bags, reflected in 50 complaints and 16 crash-linked cases, indicating a potentially severe safety concern that is not as prevalent in the Jetta.

Mazda 5 vs Volkswagen Jetta common problem areas comparison
Component	Mazda 5	Volkswagen Jetta
ENGINE	299	84
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	178	168
POWER TRAIN	141	171
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	161	85
SERVICE BRAKES	69	59
AIR BAGS	50	23
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	45	9
STEERING	28	20
STRUCTURE	24	18
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	37	—
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	9	24
FUEL SYSTEM	22	2
SUSPENSION	12	11
VISIBILITY/WIPER	19	—
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	14	—
SEATS	4	—
LANE DEPARTURE	—	2
SEAT BELTS	—	2

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 Volkswagen Jetta?

According to independent repair cost data, the Volkswagen Jetta incurs an annual repair cost of $609, slightly higher than the Mazda 5, which stands at $581. Over five years, this results in a $140 difference, favoring the Mazda 5. However, the Jetta has a lower repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year compared to the Mazda 5's 0.4 visits, suggesting fewer trips to the mechanic. Both vehicles share a 10% risk of major repairs, indicating similar reliability in that regard. For cost-conscious buyers, the Mazda 5 offers better value due to its lower annual repair costs, despite a slightly higher frequency of repairs. The Jetta, while more expensive, may appeal to those prioritizing fewer repair visits.

How Does Mazda 5 vs Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Compare by Year?

Mazda 5 vs Volkswagen Jetta year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mazda 5	Volkswagen Jetta	Edge
2025	75/1005R / 42C	81/1000R / 11C	Volkswagen Jetta
2024	75/1005R / 70C	82/1000R / 26C	Volkswagen Jetta
2023	78/1003R / 68C	81/1000R / 34C	Volkswagen Jetta
2022	83/1001R / 79C	77/1001R / 33C	Mazda 5
2021	78/1003R / 180C	74/1004R / 62C	Mazda 5
2020	75/1005R / 127C	75/1006R / 48C	Tie
2019	72/10012R / 325C	58/10011R / 519C	Mazda 5
2018	72/10010R / 423C	79/1003R / 27C	Volkswagen Jetta
2026(predicted)	76/100(predicted)	81/100(predicted)	Volkswagen Jetta

Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Mazda 5 scored 83/100 and the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mazda 5 vs the Volkswagen Jetta?

If you prefer a vehicle with lower running costs, the Mazda 5 might be the better choice for you. With an estimated annual repair cost of $581, it edges out the Volkswagen Jetta's $609. Although the Mazda 5 has a slightly higher repair frequency at 0.4 times per year compared to the Jetta's 0.3, the major repair risk remains the same at 10% for both vehicles. Despite having more total recalls (44), the Mazda 5's top issues align closely with the Jetta, focusing on the engine and electrical systems. On the other hand, if you value fewer recalls and owner complaints per vehicle sold, the Volkswagen Jetta could be more appealing. With 25 total recalls and a lower complaint rate of 3.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold, it offers a more reassuring track record in these areas. Consider the Jetta if you prioritize a car that has historically required less manufacturer intervention and has received fewer overall complaints from owners.

Mazda 5 vs Volkswagen Jetta: Common Questions

Is the Mazda 5 more reliable than the Volkswagen Jetta?: They're very close — both average 76/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda 5 or the Volkswagen Jetta?: The Mazda 5 has more recalls (44) compared to the Volkswagen Jetta (25). 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 Volkswagen Jetta?: The Volkswagen Jetta has fewer owner complaints (760) versus 1314 for the Mazda 5. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda 5 or the Volkswagen Jetta?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda 5 is cheaper to maintain at $581/year versus $609/year for the Volkswagen Jetta.
Is the Mazda 5 or Volkswagen Jetta safer?: Both the Mazda 5 and Volkswagen Jetta 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.

More Mazda 5 comparisons

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More Volkswagen Jetta comparisons

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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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