Last updated: 2026-03-04

Mazda CX-50 vs Nissan Rogue: Reliability Compared

Mazda CX-50 reliability comparison

Mazda CX-50

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableNissan Rogue reliability comparison

Nissan Rogue

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Mazda CX-50 and the Nissan Rogue? 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 midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Nissan Rogue currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Mazda CX-50 and Nissan Rogue Generations Compare?

The Nissan Rogue's generation history isn't detailed here, but the Mazda CX-50, introduced as a first-generation model in 2023, is currently early in its lifecycle. It received a significant update in 2025. Being in its initial generation, the CX-50 may experience typical first-year issues as manufacturers iron out early production quirks. In contrast, without specific generational data for the Rogue, it's challenging to assess its exact position in its lifecycle. Generally, vehicles later in their generation cycle, like the Rogue might be, tend to have more refined reliability due to ongoing improvements over the years.

Verdict

The Nissan Rogue is more reliable than the Mazda CX-50, scoring 74/100 vs 67/100.

The Nissan Rogue demonstrates stronger reliability with an average score of 80/100 compared to the Mazda CX-50's 66/100. Despite having more recalls over a longer period, the Rogue maintains a lower owner complaint rate of 6.2 per 10,000 units, whereas the CX-50 has a significantly higher rate of 27.4. Additionally, the Rogue benefits from a known estimated annual repair cost of $467, offering potential buyers a clearer picture of long-term maintenance expenses. While both vehicles share common issues like brakes and electrical systems, the Rogue's superior reliability score and lower complaint rate make it the more dependable choice.

Key Differences

  1. 1Mazda CX-50 has 37 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Nissan Rogue has 21.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Nissan Rogue scores 7 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Mazda CX-50
—
2Nissan Rogue
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Mazda CX-50 vs Nissan Rogue: Which Is More Reliable?

Mazda CX-50 vs Nissan Rogue at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricMazda CX-50Nissan Rogue
Reliability Score67/10074/100
Years Tracked49
Total Recalls643
Complaints per 10k Sold27.46.2
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Year Wins03

What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda CX-50 and Nissan Rogue?

The Nissan Rogue exhibits a broader range of problem areas with significant complaint volumes in service brakes, electrical systems, and engine issues, with the service brakes category alone accounting for 15 crash-linked complaints. In contrast, the Mazda CX-50 has considerably fewer total complaints, with its most notable issues also in service brakes, though with only one crash-linked incident. Both models report problems in forward collision avoidance, but the Rogue has a higher total of complaints and crash-linked incidents in this category. Overall, the Rogue's complaint profile suggests more widespread reliability concerns, particularly in critical systems like service brakes and the power train, compared to the more limited scope of issues reported for the CX-50.

Mazda CX-50 vs Nissan Rogue common problem areas comparison
ComponentMazda CX-50Nissan Rogue
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3.1Average0.9Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES3.1Average0.8Very Low
POWER TRAIN2.9Low0.5Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.3Low0.7Very Low
STRUCTURE2.9Low—None
STEERING2Low0.2Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1.7Low0.5Very Low
SUSPENSION2Low—None
AIR BAGS0.6Very Low0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.6Very Low0.1Very Low
ENGINE—None0.7Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE0.6Very Low—None
WHEELS0.6Very Low—None
SEATS0.6Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None0.3Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None0.2Very Low
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)—None—None
FUEL SYSTEM—None—None
VISIBILITY—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-50 or Nissan Rogue?

Independent repair cost data suggests that the Nissan Rogue has an annual repair cost of $467, with an average of 0.3 repair visits per year and a 12% risk of major repairs. While specific data for the Mazda CX-50 isn't available, the Rogue's figures can set a benchmark for comparison. The Rogue's repair frequency suggests fewer trips to the shop, which may translate to less downtime. Over five years, the Rogue's repair costs could amount to approximately $2,335. For cost-conscious buyers, the Nissan Rogue appears to be a reliable choice due to its moderate repair costs and relatively low repair frequency. The 12% risk of major repairs is a crucial factor, as unexpected major repairs can significantly impact ownership costs. Without comparable data for the Mazda CX-50, the Rogue offers a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of maintenance and repair expenses.

How Does Mazda CX-50 vs Nissan Rogue Reliability Compare by Year?

Mazda CX-50 vs Nissan Rogue year-by-year reliability scores
YearMazda CX-50Nissan RogueEdge
202566/1003R / 21C84/1001R / 103CNissan Rogue
202471/1001R / 26C79/1002R / 116CNissan Rogue
202365/1002R / 49C68/1005R / 519CNissan Rogue
2026(predicted)67/100(predicted)77/100(predicted)Nissan Rogue

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mazda CX-50 scored 71/100 and the 2025 Nissan Rogue scored 84/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-50 vs the Nissan Rogue?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Nissan Rogue is the better choice for you. With a higher reliability score of 80/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $467, the Rogue offers peace of mind and budget-friendly maintenance. Although it has more recalls, the lower rate of owner complaints at 6.2 per 10,000 sold suggests that most issues are being proactively addressed. The Rogue's lower repair frequency and major repair risk of 12% further bolster its appeal for those seeking dependable transportation. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a vehicle with fewer recalls, the Mazda CX-50 might catch your interest. Despite its lower reliability score of 66/100, the CX-50 has only 6 recalls, which indicates fewer widespread issues. However, with a high complaint rate of 27.4 per 10,000 sold, you may encounter more frequent minor issues. This option might suit you if you value a different feature set or design, but are prepared for potentially higher maintenance interactions.

Mazda CX-50 vs Nissan Rogue: Common Questions

Is the Mazda CX-50 more reliable than the Nissan Rogue?
Based on our data, the Nissan Rogue is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-50 or the Nissan Rogue?
The Nissan Rogue has more recalls (43) 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 Mazda CX-50 or the Nissan Rogue?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Rogue has a lower complaint rate at 6.2 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 Mazda CX-50 or Nissan Rogue safer?
Both the Mazda CX-50 and Nissan Rogue 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

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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