Is the Chevrolet Traverse more reliable than the Mazda CX-90?

Based on our data, the Chevrolet Traverse is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Mazda CX-90?

The Chevrolet Traverse has more recalls (19) compared to the Mazda CX-90 (13). 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 Traverse or the Mazda CX-90?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Traverse has a lower complaint rate at 7.2 per 10,000 sold versus 111.2 for the Mazda CX-90. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Chevrolet Traverse or Mazda CX-90 safer?

Both the Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-90 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 Traverse vs Mazda CX-90: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Chevrolet Traverse

Good

Mazda CX-90

Mixed

Choosing between the Chevrolet Traverse and the Mazda CX-90? 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 Chevrolet Traverse currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 51/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-90 Generations Compare?

The Chevrolet Traverse is currently in its third generation, having been completely redesigned for the 2024 model year. This places it early in its generation cycle, where first-year models can sometimes experience initial teething issues as they settle into production. Previously, it underwent a significant facelift in 2022 during its second generation, which ran from 2018 to 2024, indicating a well-sorted platform by its later years. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 is in its first generation, introduced for the 2024 model year. Being a new platform, it might face initial reliability challenges as Mazda refines it over time. Buyers should consider that newer models like the CX-90 might not have the same established reliability as more mature platforms like the Traverse's second generation.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Traverse is more reliable than the Mazda CX-90, scoring 69/100 vs 51/100.

The Chevrolet Traverse demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Mazda CX-90, as indicated by its higher average reliability score of 68/100 versus 51/100 for the CX-90. The Traverse also boasts a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 7.2 per 10,000 sold, contrasting sharply with the CX-90's 111.2. While both vehicles have experienced recalls, the Traverse's 19 recalls over nine years are more spread out compared to the CX-90's 13 recalls in just three years. Additionally, the Traverse offers a more predictable annual repair cost estimate of $656, providing a clearer picture for potential maintenance expenses.

Key Differences

1Chevrolet Traverse has 104.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Chevrolet Traverse scores 18 points higher in reliability
3Mazda CX-90 has 6 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

2Chevrolet Traverse

—

1Mazda CX-90

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Chevrolet Traverse vs Mazda CX-90: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Traverse vs Mazda CX-90 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Chevrolet Traverse	Mazda CX-90
Reliability Score	69/100	51/100
Years Tracked	9	3
Total Recalls	19	13
Complaints per 10k Sold	7.2	111.2
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	2	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-90?

The Chevrolet Traverse reports a higher volume of complaints, particularly in the power train and electrical system categories, with 431 and 222 complaints respectively, and notable crash-linked incidents in both areas. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 experiences fewer overall issues, but steering stands out as a significant concern with 80 complaints and 5 linked to crashes. Both models share issues with electrical systems and power trains, though the severity and frequency differ. Notably, the Traverse has a broader range of complaints across multiple components, including service brakes, which also have a higher crash-linked count compared to the CX-90.

Chevrolet Traverse vs Mazda CX-90 common problem areas comparison
Component	Chevrolet Traverse	Mazda CX-90
STEERING	0.2Very Low	31.8High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.1Low	17.5High
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	11.5Above Avg
POWER TRAIN	2.2Low	8.3Above Avg
ENGINE	0.6Very Low	6.8Average
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	6.4Average
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	4Average
SERVICE BRAKES	0.7Very Low	2.8Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	2Low
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	1.6Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.6Very Low	0.8Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	0.2Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.1Very Low	—None
SUSPENSION	0.1Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	—None
SEATS	—None	—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet Traverse or Mazda CX-90?

The Chevrolet Traverse incurs an annual repair cost of $656, with an average of 0.4 repair visits per year and an 18% chance of needing a major repair. This translates to a relatively moderate frequency of repairs and a notable risk of significant repairs. Without specific data for the Mazda CX-90, it's challenging to make a direct financial comparison. However, the Traverse's repair frequency and major repair risk provide a basis for evaluating maintenance predictability. For cost-conscious buyers, the Traverse offers a clear picture of potential expenses, making it a pragmatic choice if the CX-90's costs prove higher or less predictable.

How Does Chevrolet Traverse vs Mazda CX-90 Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Traverse vs Mazda CX-90 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Chevrolet Traverse	Mazda CX-90	Edge
2025	75/1000R / 132C	63/1002R / 21C	Chevrolet Traverse
2024	73/1000R / 107C	38/10011R / 259C	Chevrolet Traverse
2026(predicted)	73/100(predicted)	51/100(predicted)	Chevrolet Traverse

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse scored 75/100 and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 scored 63/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Traverse vs the Mazda CX-90?

If you prioritize reliability and lower repair frequency, the Chevrolet Traverse is the better choice. With a reliability score of 68/100 and just 7.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, it offers a more dependable experience. The estimated annual repair cost of $656 and a repair frequency of 0.4 times per year further underscore its reliability. However, be aware of potential issues with the power train, electrical system, and brakes. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a vehicle with fewer recalls, consider the Mazda CX-90. Although its reliability score is lower at 51/100, it has only 13 total recalls compared to the Traverse's 19. However, it does have a significantly higher complaint rate of 111.2 per 10,000 sold, which might indicate frequent smaller issues. Choose this if recalls are your primary concern, but be prepared for possible steering and electrical system problems.

Chevrolet Traverse vs Mazda CX-90: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Traverse more reliable than the Mazda CX-90?: Based on our data, the Chevrolet Traverse is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Mazda CX-90?: The Chevrolet Traverse has more recalls (19) compared to the Mazda CX-90 (13). 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 Traverse or the Mazda CX-90?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Traverse has a lower complaint rate at 7.2 per 10,000 sold versus 111.2 for the Mazda CX-90. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse or Mazda CX-90 safer?: Both the Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-90 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.

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More Mazda CX-90 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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