Last updated: 2026-07-26
Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla: Reliability Compared
Mazda CX-5
Toyota Corolla
Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Toyota Corolla? 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 83/100 compared to 81/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Corolla Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Toyota Corolla, scoring 83/100 vs 81/100.
The Toyota Corolla and Mazda CX-5 exhibit comparable reliability, with the Corolla achieving a slight edge with an average reliability score of 94 compared to the CX-5's 93. Both models have an identical owner complaint rate of 5.6 per 10,000 units sold, but the Corolla's higher recall count of 44 contrasts with the CX-5's more modest 11. The Corolla also presents a lower estimated annual repair cost at $362, compared to the CX-5's $447. Overall, while both vehicles are reliable choices, the Corolla's lower repair costs and slightly higher reliability score make it a marginally better option for those prioritizing long-term dependability.
Key Differences
- 1Toyota Corolla costs $85 less per year to repair
- 2Mazda CX-5 has 33 fewer total recalls
- 3Mazda CX-5 scores 2 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mazda CX-5 | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 83/100 | 81/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 11 | 44 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 5.6 | 5.6 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $447/yr | $362/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.3/yr | 0.3/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 8% | 7% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 4 (2 tied) | 3 (2 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Corolla?
The Toyota Corolla and Mazda CX-5 show distinct problem profiles, with both models having notable differences in their complaint distributions. The Corolla’s airbag issues stand out with 145 complaints, 62 of which are crash-linked, indicating a significant safety concern. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 has a higher frequency of engine complaints at 263, though with fewer crash links, suggesting a reliability rather than safety issue. Both models share concerns in the electrical and power train categories, but the Corolla has a higher incidence of crash-linked steering and airbag problems, whereas the CX-5 shows a unique concern with vehicle speed control, recording 33 complaints, 11 of which are crash-linked.
| Component | Mazda CX-5 | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 1.5Low | 0.8Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.6Very Low | 0.8Very Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.7Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.6Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.3Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —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 Toyota Corolla?
How Does Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Mazda CX-5 | Toyota Corolla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 94/1000R / 0C | 94/1000R / 0C | Tie |
| 2025 | 82/1003R / 25C | 84/1002R / 37C | Toyota Corolla |
| 2024 | 84/1001R / 53C | 81/1008R / 97C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2023 | 81/1002R / 96C | 73/10015R / 243C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2022 | 87/1000R / 50C | 82/1002R / 120C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2021 | 83/1000R / 129C | 83/1001R / 160C | Tie |
| 2020 | 86/1000R / 94C | 74/1007R / 290C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2019 | 75/1002R / 229C | 77/1006R / 190C | Toyota Corolla |
| 2018 | 71/1003R / 310C | 80/1003R / 137C | Toyota Corolla |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Mazda CX-5 scored 94/100 and the 2026 Toyota Corolla scored 94/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-5 vs the Toyota Corolla?
Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota Corolla: Common Questions
- Is the Mazda CX-5 more reliable than the Toyota Corolla?
- Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 81/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota Corolla?
- The Toyota Corolla has more recalls (44) 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 Toyota Corolla?
- Both models log a similar rate of 5.6 complaints per 10,000 vehicles sold. Check individual year pages for component-level breakdowns.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda CX-5 or the Toyota Corolla?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Toyota Corolla is cheaper to maintain at $362/year versus $447/year for the Mazda CX-5.
- Is the Mazda CX-5 or Toyota Corolla safer?
- Both the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Corolla 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.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Corolla? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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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