Last updated: 2026-03-04
Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Sentra: Reliability Compared
Mazda CX-5
Nissan Sentra
Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan Sentra? 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 77/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Sentra Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Nissan Sentra, scoring 81/100 vs 77/100.
The Mazda CX-5 outperforms the Nissan Sentra in reliability with a higher average score of 93/100 compared to 84/100. Despite having a higher rate of owner complaints at 5.6 per 10,000 sold versus Sentra's 2.8, the CX-5 benefits from fewer recalls, with only 11 compared to the Sentra's 20. Additionally, the CX-5 has a lower estimated annual repair cost at $447 versus the Sentra's $491, making it a more reliable choice overall. However, potential buyers should consider the Sentra's lower complaint rate if recall frequency is less of a concern.
Key Differences
- 1Mazda CX-5 costs $44 less per year to repair
- 2Mazda CX-5 has 9 fewer total recalls
- 3Mazda CX-5 scores 4 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Sentra: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mazda CX-5 | Nissan Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 81/100 | 77/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 11 | 20 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 5.6 | 2.8 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $447/yr | $491/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.3/yr | 0.2/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 8% | 12% |
| Year Wins | 6 (1 tied) | 1 (1 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Sentra?
The Nissan Sentra and Mazda CX-5 exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Sentra showing significant issues in the electrical system and steering, both of which have a notable number of crash-linked complaints, particularly steering at 17 incidents. Conversely, the Mazda CX-5's most reported problem area is the engine, albeit with only one crash-linked instance, while its vehicle speed control and air bags categories present more safety concerns, with 11 crash-linked complaints each. Both vehicles share issues with their power train and service brakes, but the CX-5's concerns with vehicle speed control and air bags suggest a greater emphasis on safety-related complaints. The Sentra's exterior lighting issues also present a relatively high number of crash-linked complaints compared to the CX-5's structure and air bags.
| Component | Mazda CX-5 | Nissan Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 1.5Low | 0.1Very Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.7Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.6Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.6Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.3Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda CX-5 or Nissan Sentra?
How Does Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Sentra Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Mazda CX-5 | Nissan Sentra | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 82/1003R / 25C | 78/1003R / 15C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2024 | 84/1001R / 53C | 79/1003R / 23C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2023 | 81/1002R / 96C | 80/1001R / 14C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2022 | 87/1000R / 50C | 77/1002R / 72C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2021 | 83/1000R / 129C | 76/1003R / 119C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2020 | 86/1000R / 94C | 71/1004R / 193C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2019 | 75/1002R / 229C | 75/1002R / 212C | Tie |
| 2018 | 71/1003R / 310C | 77/1002R / 181C | Nissan Sentra |
| 2026(predicted) | 73/100(predicted) | 79/100(predicted) | Nissan Sentra |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored 87/100 and the 2023 Nissan Sentra scored 80/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-5 vs the Nissan Sentra?
Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Sentra: Common Questions
- Is the Mazda CX-5 more reliable than the Nissan Sentra?
- Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 77/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-5 or the Nissan Sentra?
- The Nissan Sentra has more recalls (20) 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 Mazda CX-5 or the Nissan Sentra?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Sentra has a lower complaint rate at 2.8 per 10,000 sold versus 5.6 for the Mazda CX-5. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda CX-5 or the Nissan Sentra?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-5 is cheaper to maintain at $447/year versus $491/year for the Nissan Sentra.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Mazda CX-5 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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