Is the Mazda CX-5 more reliable than the Nissan Murano?

Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 79/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-5 or the Nissan Murano?

The Mazda CX-5 has more recalls (11) compared to the Nissan Murano (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-5 or the Nissan Murano?

The Nissan Murano has fewer owner complaints (134) versus 986 for the Mazda CX-5. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda CX-5 or the Nissan Murano?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-5 is cheaper to maintain at $447/year versus $507/year for the Nissan Murano.

Is the Mazda CX-5 or Nissan Murano safer?

Both the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Murano 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-5 vs Nissan Murano: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Mazda CX-5

Excellent

Nissan Murano

Good

Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan Murano? 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 79/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Murano Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mazda CX-5 is in its third generation (KI), having been redesigned for the 2026 model year. The previous second generation (KF) ran from 2017 to 2025, with a significant facelift in 2022. This transition to a new platform might suggest potential first-year issues, as newer platforms often do. In contrast, the Nissan Murano is in its fourth generation (Z53), introduced in 2025. Its third generation (Z52) lasted from 2015 to 2024, with a minor update in 2020. The Murano's recent redesign similarly places it early in its generation cycle, where early production issues can sometimes occur. Both models have recently undergone significant updates, indicating a period of adjustment in terms of reliability.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Nissan Murano, scoring 81/100 vs 79/100.

In terms of reliability, the Mazda CX-5 slightly outperforms the Nissan Murano, with an average reliability score of 81 out of 100 compared to the Murano's 79. The CX-5 has a lower complaint rate at 5.6 per 10,000 units sold, while the Murano's complaint data lacks normalization for sales volume. The Mazda also benefits from a lower estimated annual repair cost of $447 against the Murano's $507. Despite having more recalls, the Mazda's performance in owner satisfaction and cost efficiency makes it the more reliable choice overall.

Key Differences

1Mazda CX-5 costs $60 less per year to repair
2Nissan Murano has 6 fewer total recalls
3Mazda CX-5 has 6% lower major repair risk

Category Scoreboard

4Mazda CX-5

—

1Nissan Murano

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Murano: Which Is More Reliable?

Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Murano at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mazda CX-5	Nissan Murano
Reliability Score	81/100	79/100
Years Tracked	9	8
Total Recalls	11	5
Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume	986	134
Annual Repair Cost	$447/yr	$507/yr
Repair Frequency	0.3/yr	0.5/yr
Major Repair Risk	8%	14%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	4	3

What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Murano?

The Mazda CX-5 exhibits a higher volume of total complaints compared to the Nissan Murano, with significant issues in engine performance and electrical system reliability, including crash-linked incidents in both categories. Notably, the CX-5 has a pronounced number of complaints related to vehicle speed control and air bags, each with a substantial proportion linked to crashes. In contrast, the Nissan Murano's complaints are fewer and less severe, with forward collision avoidance and general categories like "unknown or other" being the most reported issues, and fewer crash-linked incidents overall. This suggests the CX-5 may have more critical reliability concerns, particularly in areas impacting safety and drivability.

Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Murano common problem areas comparison
Component	Mazda CX-5	Nissan Murano
ENGINE	263	—
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	123	8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	99	24
POWER TRAIN	98	6
SERVICE BRAKES	54	9
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	18	21
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	33	4
AIR BAGS	27	5
STRUCTURE	27	—
FUEL SYSTEM	24	—
STEERING	17	4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	13	4
VISIBILITY/WIPER	10	4
SUSPENSION	6	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	5	—
SEATS	2	—
EQUIPMENT	—	2
LANE DEPARTURE	—	2
SEAT BELTS	—	2

Raw complaint counts aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports. Counts vary with sales volume.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda CX-5 or Nissan Murano?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Mazda CX-5 is more cost-effective for maintenance and repairs than the Nissan Murano. With an annual repair cost of $447 compared to the Murano's $507, the CX-5 saves owners approximately $60 annually, translating to $300 over five years. Additionally, the CX-5's repair frequency is lower at 0.3 visits per year, compared to the Murano's 0.5 visits. The major repair risk is also significantly lower for the CX-5, at 8% versus the Murano's 14%. For budget-conscious buyers, the Mazda CX-5 offers better value through reduced costs and lower risk of major repairs.

How Does Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Murano Reliability Compare by Year?

Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Murano year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mazda CX-5	Nissan Murano	Edge
2025	82/1003R / 25C	74/1002R / 14C	Mazda CX-5
2023	81/1002R / 96C	82/1000R / 6C	Nissan Murano
2022	87/1000R / 50C	82/1000R / 5C	Mazda CX-5
2021	83/1000R / 129C	82/1000R / 14C	Mazda CX-5
2020	86/1000R / 94C	74/1002R / 41C	Mazda CX-5
2019	75/1002R / 229C	77/1001R / 39C	Nissan Murano
2018	71/1003R / 310C	82/1000R / 14C	Nissan Murano
2026(predicted)	73/100(predicted)	79/100(predicted)	Nissan Murano

Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored 87/100 and the 2023 Nissan Murano scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-5 vs the Nissan Murano?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Mazda CX-5 might be the better option for you. With a higher reliability score of 81/100, lower estimated annual repair costs at $447, and a lower repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, it promises a more dependable experience. Additionally, its major repair risk is just 8%, making it a solid choice for those who want peace of mind. On the other hand, if you're concerned about recalls and prefer fewer of them, the Nissan Murano could be more suitable. Although it has a slightly lower reliability score of 79/100, it has faced only 5 recalls compared to the CX-5's 11. However, you should be prepared for a higher estimated annual repair cost of $507 and a major repair risk of 14%. Ultimately, choose the CX-5 for reliability and cost-effectiveness, or the Murano if fewer recalls are a top priority for you.

Mazda CX-5 vs Nissan Murano: Common Questions

Is the Mazda CX-5 more reliable than the Nissan Murano?: Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 79/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-5 or the Nissan Murano?: The Mazda CX-5 has more recalls (11) compared to the Nissan Murano (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-5 or the Nissan Murano?: The Nissan Murano has fewer owner complaints (134) versus 986 for the Mazda CX-5. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda CX-5 or the Nissan Murano?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-5 is cheaper to maintain at $447/year versus $507/year for the Nissan Murano.
Is the Mazda CX-5 or Nissan Murano safer?: Both the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Murano 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-5 comparisons

Mazda CX-5 vs Hyundai Tucson reliability Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 reliability Mazda CX-5 vs KIA Sportage reliability Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V reliability Mazda CX-5 reliability by year Mazda CX-5 years to avoid

More Nissan Murano comparisons

Nissan Murano vs Honda CR-V reliability Nissan Murano vs Hyundai Tucson reliability Nissan Murano vs Subaru Forester reliability Nissan Murano vs Chevrolet Equinox reliability Nissan Murano reliability by year Nissan Murano years to avoid

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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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