Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Mazda CX-50?

The Chevrolet Equinox has more recalls (32) compared to the Mazda CX-50 (6). 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 Chevrolet Equinox or the Mazda CX-50?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Equinox has a lower complaint rate at 3.7 per 10,000 sold versus 27.4 for the Mazda CX-50. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox or Mazda CX-50 safer?

Both the Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-50 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: 2026-03-04

Chevrolet Equinox vs Mazda CX-50: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Chevrolet Equinox

Good

Mazda CX-50

Good

Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox and the Mazda CX-50? 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 Chevrolet Equinox currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-50 Generations Compare?

The Chevrolet Equinox is currently in its third generation, introduced in 2018, with a significant refresh in 2022. This generation has matured, suggesting that most early production issues have likely been addressed, making it a potentially reliable choice. The upcoming fourth generation set for 2025 may initially face first-year reliability challenges typical of new platforms. In contrast, the Mazda CX-50 is in its first generation, launched in 2023, with an update expected in 2025. As a newer model, the CX-50 might still be ironing out initial production kinks, which can affect reliability. Prospective buyers should weigh the established nature of the Equinox against the fresh design of the CX-50.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Equinox is more reliable than the Mazda CX-50, scoring 72/100 vs 67/100.

The Chevrolet Equinox demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 76/100 compared to the Mazda CX-50's 66/100. Despite having more recalls, the Equinox's owner complaint rate of 3.7 per 10,000 units is significantly lower than the CX-50's 27.4, suggesting fewer issues relative to its sales volume. Furthermore, independent repair cost estimates for the Equinox average $537 annually, providing a clearer picture of ongoing expenses compared to the unavailable data for the CX-50. Overall, the Equinox stands out as the more reliable choice, especially when considering complaint rates and cost predictability.

Key Differences

1Mazda CX-50 has 26 fewer total recalls
2Chevrolet Equinox has 23.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Chevrolet Equinox scores 5 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Chevrolet Equinox

—

1Mazda CX-50

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Chevrolet Equinox vs Mazda CX-50: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Equinox vs Mazda CX-50 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Chevrolet Equinox	Mazda CX-50
Reliability Score	72/100	67/100
Years Tracked	9	4
Total Recalls	32	6
Complaints per 10k Sold	3.7	27.4
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	3	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-50?

The Chevrolet Equinox exhibits a higher volume of complaints across various categories, with service brakes being notably problematic at 250 complaints, including 24 linked to crashes. Its electrical system and power train also see significant issues, though with fewer crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Mazda CX-50 has a much lower overall complaint count, with service brakes and power train as minor concerns, and only a few crash-linked incidents in the forward collision avoidance and suspension categories. While both vehicles face service brake issues, the Equinox's problems are more severe and frequently linked to accidents compared to the CX-50.

Chevrolet Equinox vs Mazda CX-50 common problem areas comparison
Component	Chevrolet Equinox	Mazda CX-50
SERVICE BRAKES	0.6Very Low	3.1Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.4Very Low	3.1Average
POWER TRAIN	0.4Very Low	2.9Low
STRUCTURE	—None	2.9Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.4Very Low	2.3Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	2Low
SUSPENSION	—None	2Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.1Very Low	1.7Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.3Very Low	0.6Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	0.6Very Low
WHEELS	—None	0.6Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.6Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.6Very Low
ENGINE	0.3Very Low	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.3Very Low	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet Equinox or Mazda CX-50?

Independent repair cost data indicates that the Chevrolet Equinox has an annual repair cost of $537, a repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year, and an 18% risk of major repairs. Unfortunately, specific data for the Mazda CX-50 is unavailable, making direct numerical comparisons challenging. However, the Equinox's repair frequency suggests relatively infrequent visits to the shop, potentially translating to less disruption for owners. The 18% major repair risk is a critical factor for long-term ownership cost considerations. For cost-conscious buyers, the Equinox provides a clear picture of expected maintenance costs, which can be crucial for budgeting. Without comparable data for the CX-50, the Equinox stands out as the more transparent option for those prioritizing predictable maintenance expenses.

How Does Chevrolet Equinox vs Mazda CX-50 Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Equinox vs Mazda CX-50 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Chevrolet Equinox	Mazda CX-50	Edge
2025	72/1005R / 288C	66/1003R / 21C	Chevrolet Equinox
2024	76/1002R / 143C	71/1001R / 26C	Chevrolet Equinox
2023	76/1003R / 70C	65/1002R / 49C	Chevrolet Equinox
2026(predicted)	75/100(predicted)	67/100(predicted)	Chevrolet Equinox

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox scored 76/100 and the 2024 Mazda CX-50 scored 71/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Equinox vs the Mazda CX-50?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Chevrolet Equinox is the better choice. With a higher reliability score of 76/100 and a modest estimated annual repair cost of $537, it offers peace of mind for budget-conscious buyers. The Equinox also has fewer owner complaints at 3.7 per 10,000 sold, despite a higher number of recalls. This suggests that while it may have had more recalls, these issues may not significantly impact everyday usability. On the other hand, if you value a car with fewer recalls and are willing to potentially deal with more owner complaints, consider the Mazda CX-50. Its total recalls are significantly lower at 6, but it has a higher complaint rate of 27.4 per 10,000 sold. This model might appeal to those who prioritize a newer design and are prepared to handle potential teething issues.

Chevrolet Equinox vs Mazda CX-50: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Equinox more reliable than the Mazda CX-50?: Based on our data, the Chevrolet Equinox is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Mazda CX-50?: The Chevrolet Equinox has more recalls (32) compared to the Mazda CX-50 (6). 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 Chevrolet Equinox or the Mazda CX-50?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Equinox has a lower complaint rate at 3.7 per 10,000 sold versus 27.4 for the Mazda CX-50. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox or Mazda CX-50 safer?: Both the Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-50 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 Chevrolet Equinox comparisons

Chevrolet Equinox vs GMC Terrain reliability Chevrolet Equinox vs Kia Sportage reliability Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Tucson reliability Chevrolet Equinox vs Volkswagen Tiguan reliability Chevrolet Equinox reliability by year Chevrolet Equinox years to avoid

More Mazda CX-50 comparisons

Mazda CX-50 vs Honda CR-V reliability Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota RAV4 reliability Mazda CX-50 vs Hyundai Tucson reliability Mazda CX-50 vs Nissan Rogue reliability Mazda CX-50 reliability by year Mazda CX-50 years to avoid

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