Is the Mazda CX-50 more reliable than the Toyota Venza?

Based on our data, the Toyota Venza is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-50 or the Toyota Venza?

The Mazda CX-50 has more recalls (6) compared to the Toyota Venza (5). 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 Toyota Venza?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Venza has a lower complaint rate at 0.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 27.4 for the Mazda CX-50. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Mazda CX-50 or Toyota Venza safer?

Both the Mazda CX-50 and Toyota Venza 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: 2026-05-15

Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota Venza: Reliability Compared

Mazda CX-50

Good

More Reliable

Toyota Venza

Excellent

Choosing between the Mazda CX-50 and the Toyota Venza? 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 Toyota Venza currently leads with an average score of 80/100 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 Toyota Venza Generations Compare?

The Mazda CX-50 is currently in its first generation, having debuted for the 2023 model year. As it's early in its lifecycle, potential buyers should be aware that newer platforms can sometimes experience first-year issues as manufacturers work out initial kinks. A facelift is planned for 2025, which may address any early concerns and enhance its reliability. Conversely, the Toyota Venza is in its second generation, which began in 2021. This generation has already undergone a refresh in 2022 and a carryover in 2023, suggesting that it's a more mature platform with potential reliability improvements over time. The Venza's history of updates might indicate a well-sorted vehicle, benefiting from lessons learned in earlier models.

Verdict

The Toyota Venza is more reliable than the Mazda CX-50, scoring 80/100 vs 67/100.

The Toyota Venza demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 91/100 compared to the Mazda CX-50's 66/100. The Venza also has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 0.2 per 10,000 sold, versus the CX-50's 27.4, and it faces fewer common issues, primarily in exterior lighting and fuel systems. While both vehicles have a similar recall history, the estimated annual repair cost for the Venza is $444, providing a clearer picture of its long-term dependability advantages over the CX-50, which lacks specific cost data. Overall, the Venza stands out as the more reliable midsize SUV option.

Key Differences

1Toyota Venza has 27.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Toyota Venza scores 13 points higher in reliability
3Toyota Venza has 1 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

0Mazda CX-50

—

3Toyota Venza

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota Venza: Which Is More Reliable?

Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota Venza at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mazda CX-50	Toyota Venza
Reliability Score	67/100	80/100
Years Tracked	4	4
Total Recalls	6	5
Complaints per 10k Sold	27.4	0.2
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2024 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	0	2

What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda CX-50 and Toyota Venza?

The Mazda CX-50 exhibits a broader range of reliability issues with 96 complaints spread across several categories, including notable concerns in service brakes, power train, and electrical systems, with multiple crash-linked incidents in service brakes, electrical systems, suspension, and forward collision avoidance. In contrast, the Toyota Venza has significantly fewer complaints, totaling nine, primarily focused on exterior lighting and the fuel/propulsion system, with no crash-linked incidents reported. The CX-50's diverse problem profile, particularly in safety-critical areas like brakes and collision avoidance, indicates a higher severity level compared to the Venza's more limited and less severe issues. This suggests that while the Venza's problems are fewer and less severe, the CX-50 may require more attention to its safety and reliability aspects.

Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota Venza common problem areas comparison
Component	Mazda CX-50	Toyota Venza
SERVICE BRAKES	3.1Average	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3.1Average	—None
STRUCTURE	2.9Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	2.9Low	—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2.3Low	—None
SUSPENSION	2Low	—None
STEERING	2Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	1.7Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.6Very Low	—None
WHEELS	0.6Very Low	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	0.6Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.6Very Low	—None
SEATS	0.6Very Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—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-50 or Toyota Venza?

The Toyota Venza has an annual repair cost of $444, with an estimated repair frequency of 0.5 visits per year and a 10% risk of major repairs, according to industry estimates. While the Mazda CX-50 lacks specific data in these areas, the provided figures for the Venza can help guide cost-conscious buyers. Over five years, the Venza's repair costs would amount to approximately $2,220. The Venza’s moderate repair frequency and major repair risk suggest it could be a reliable choice for those prioritizing predictable maintenance expenses. Without concrete data for the CX-50, the Venza emerges as a potentially better value for those wary of unexpected repair costs.

How Does Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota Venza Reliability Compare by Year?

Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota Venza year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mazda CX-50	Toyota Venza	Edge
2024	71/1001R / 26C	80/1002R / 0C	Toyota Venza
2023	65/1002R / 49C	80/1002R / 0C	Toyota Venza

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mazda CX-50 scored 71/100 and the 2024 Toyota Venza scored 80/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-50 vs the Toyota Venza?

If you prioritize reliability and low running costs, the Toyota Venza is the better choice. With a high reliability score of 91/100, only 0.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, and an estimated annual repair cost of $444, the Venza offers peace of mind and affordability over time. It also has fewer recalls and a low repair frequency of 0.5 times per year, making it an ideal option for those who want minimal hassle. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the unique features and design of the Mazda CX-50, be prepared for a few more potential issues. With a reliability score of 66/100 and 27.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, this model may require more attention, particularly with service brakes and the power train. While specific repair costs are not available, the CX-50 might appeal to those willing to trade some reliability for style or specific features.

Mazda CX-50 vs Toyota Venza: Common Questions

Is the Mazda CX-50 more reliable than the Toyota Venza?: Based on our data, the Toyota Venza is more reliable with an average score of 80/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-50 or the Toyota Venza?: The Mazda CX-50 has more recalls (6) compared to the Toyota Venza (5). 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 Toyota Venza?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Toyota Venza has a lower complaint rate at 0.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 27.4 for the Mazda CX-50. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Mazda CX-50 or Toyota Venza safer?: Both the Mazda CX-50 and Toyota Venza 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 Mazda CX-50 comparisons

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More Toyota Venza comparisons

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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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