Last updated: 2026-03-04
Mazda CX-5 vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Reliability Compared
Mazda CX-5
Volkswagen Tiguan
Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Volkswagen Tiguan? 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 68/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Volkswagen Tiguan, scoring 81/100 vs 68/100.
The Mazda CX-5 stands out as a more reliable choice compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan, with an impressive average reliability score of 93/100 versus the Tiguan's 68/100. The CX-5 also benefits from lower owner complaints at 5.6 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Tiguan's 9.3 per 10,000. Additionally, the CX-5 incurs lower estimated annual repair costs at $447, significantly less than the Tiguan's $730. With fewer recalls (11 over nine years versus the Tiguan's 35), the Mazda CX-5 clearly demonstrates superior reliability in the compact SUV segment.
Key Differences
- 1Mazda CX-5 costs $283 less per year to repair
- 2Mazda CX-5 has 24 fewer total recalls
- 3Mazda CX-5 scores 13 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Mazda CX-5 vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mazda CX-5 | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 81/100 | 68/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 11 | 35 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 5.6 | 9.3 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $447/yr | $730/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.3/yr | 0.9/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 8% | 12% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 8 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan both exhibit issues with their electrical systems and engines, with the CX-5 having more complaints related to the engine at 263 compared to the Tiguan's 128. Notably, the CX-5 has a higher number of crash-linked complaints in areas such as air bags and vehicle speed control, with 11 complaints each, suggesting potential safety concerns. Conversely, the Tiguan shows a significant number of complaints in the electrical system at 176, though with fewer crash-linked incidents. Additionally, the Tiguan experiences more issues with the power train than the CX-5, but neither model shows crash-linked problems in this category.
| Component | Mazda CX-5 | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 1.5Low | 1.2Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.7Very Low | 1.7Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.6Very Low | 1.2Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.6Very Low | 1Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.3Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.2Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.2Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.1Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 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 |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —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 Volkswagen Tiguan?
How Does Mazda CX-5 vs Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Mazda CX-5 | Volkswagen Tiguan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 82/1003R / 25C | 73/1002R / 18C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2024 | 84/1001R / 53C | 75/1001R / 38C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2023 | 81/1002R / 96C | 73/1001R / 49C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2022 | 87/1000R / 50C | 61/1005R / 199C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2021 | 83/1000R / 129C | 67/1005R / 106C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2020 | 86/1000R / 94C | 69/1003R / 118C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2019 | 75/1002R / 229C | 65/1005R / 165C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2018 | 71/1003R / 310C | 57/10013R / 275C | Mazda CX-5 |
| 2026(predicted) | 73/100(predicted) | 74/100(predicted) | Volkswagen Tiguan |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored 87/100 and the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan scored 75/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-5 vs the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Mazda CX-5 vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Common Questions
- Is the Mazda CX-5 more reliable than the Volkswagen Tiguan?
- Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-5 or the Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The Volkswagen Tiguan has more recalls (35) 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 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-5 has a lower complaint rate at 5.6 per 10,000 sold versus 9.3 for the Volkswagen Tiguan. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda CX-5 or the Volkswagen Tiguan?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-5 is cheaper to maintain at $447/year versus $730/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan.
- Is the Mazda CX-5 or Volkswagen Tiguan safer?
- Both the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan 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
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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue