Mazda is highly regarded among reliable car brands, scoring well for longevity and safety, although it still trails behind competitors like Honda and Toyota in some areas. Enthusiasts often cite engaging driving experiences and user-focused features as reasons to choose Mazda vehicles.
Mazda’s performance in independent reliability scores:
- In 2025, Consumer Reports ranked Mazda 14th for overall reliability and just behind Toyota among mainstream brands.
- J.D. Power often ranks Mazda low for initial quality, but its long-term reliability rating is stronger.
Factors supporting Mazda reliability:
- Common problems are comparatively minor.
- Repair costs and frequency are lower than average.
- Longevity and owner retention is strong for Mazda vehicles.
Considerations against Mazda reliability:
- Mazda scores slightly lower than Toyota on most reliability metrics.
- Mazda reliability may vary in icy areas.
- The brand’s commitment to style and engagement may trump dependability on occasion.
This guide will assist you through the overwhelming process of picking a vehicle to purchase with a deep dive into Mazda’s reliability rating, ownership costs, problem areas, and the most reliable Mazda models.
This Article Contains:
- Mazda’s Reliability Scores: An Overview
- How Much Are Mazda’s Average Repair Costs?
- 5 Common Problems Impacting Reliability for Mazda Owners
- 5 Best Mazda Models for Exceptional Reliability
- Are Used Mazdas as Reliable as New Models?
- Mazda vs Toyota: Which is Better for You?
- Caring for Your Mazda to Improve Its Reliability
Mazda’s Reliability Scores: An Overview
Independent studies track year-by-year reliability using complaints and performance data. Here’s how Mazda compares.
The Consumer Reports 2025 Reliability Results:
- Mazda ranked 15th for overall reliability, but 6th for mainstream brands (excluding luxury vehicles)
- It came 3rd for used car reliability, which is a strong indicator of longevity.
- However, it ranked 18th for owner satisfaction.
Here’s a look at Consumer Reports results comparing Mazda to other brands often praised for dependability:
| Mazda | Toyota | Honda | |
| Overall | 14th | 9th | 5th |
| Mainstream | 6th | 5th | 2nd |
| Used Car | 3rd | 2nd | 4th |
| Owner Satisfaction | 18th | 13th | 14th |
J.D. Power:
- Mazda has ranked near the bottom of the top 30 in the Initial Quality Survey (IQS — quantifying problems within three months of ownership) since 2020, peaking at 15th in 2022.
Note: These results conflict with Mazda’s reputation, partly because J.D. Power weighs minor and major issues equally.
- However, for the Vehicle Dependability Survey (VDS — focused on the three-year problem count), Mazda placed 7th and 3rd, respectively, in 2024 and 2025.
Conflicting scores can be confusing, but you can consider multiple factors to identify a reliable car.
Next up, let’s compare the ongoing cost of owning a Mazda.
How Much Are Mazda’s Average Repair Costs?
The average annual repair cost for Mazda models is $462, compared to $652 across all car models — below average, though not the lowest. Mazda’s repair frequency is typical, occurring about once every 2.5 years. However, the likelihood of a serious repair is lower than the 12% industry average, at 10%.
Here’s how Mazda compares with Toyota and Honda, where overall costs and frequency are similar:
| Mazda | Toyota | Honda | |
| Average Annual Repair Cost | $462 | $441 | $428 |
| Average Repair Frequency | 1 per 2.5 years | 1 per 3.3 years | 1 per 3.3 years |
| Severe Repair Rate | 10% | 12% | 10% |
So, what are the problems that Mazda owners typically seek repairs for?
5 Common Problems Impacting Reliability for Mazda Owners
Below, we’ll share five problems often seen in Mazda vehicles:
1. Brake Wear in Cold Climates
Multiple Mazda technical service bulletins (TSBs) note premature brake pad or caliper support wear, along with squeaking and corrosion, on vehicles in road-salt regions.
2. Interior Rattles and Road Noise
Rattling and wind noise are common Mazda complaints. While often just a nuisance, they may indicate cost-cutting in interior construction.
3. Stiff Steering
On some models, such as the Mazda CX-3, CX-70, and Mazda3, drivers may experience stiff or heavy steering. Heavy steering can be an intentional feature, but stiff steering that comes on suddenly or inconsistently may signal a steering column or shaft issue.
4. Oil Leaks & Oil Consumption
Some recalls and large-scale legal cases involve oil leaks or unexplained low oil in Mazda cars, especially 2021–2022 models with the 2.5-liter turbo engine. Affected models include:
- Mazda CX-5
- Mazda CX-9
- Mazda CX-30
- Mazda3
- Mazda6
5. Radio & Infotainment
Mazda faced a U.S. class-action for glitchy Connect infotainment systems covering 2014–2023 models, prompting Mazda to reimburse repair costs and extend warranties.
So, do issues like these mean Mazda is not a reliable car brand?
No, all cars have issues, no matter the model, and Mazda’s tend to be comparatively minor. Some issues are model-specific, so next we’ll review the Mazda models with the fewest reliability concerns.
5 Best Mazda Models for Exceptional Reliability
Here are our top picks for the most reliable Mazda models and which model years to look for:
1. Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 is a compact Mazda SUV offering a practical, efficient alternative to CX siblings like the Mazda CX-3. It was the first Mazda model to feature Skyactiv technology for improved fuel efficiency and is often compared to the Toyota Rav4, delivering similar performance with a sportier feel.
The best model years for Mazda CX-5 reliability are 2017 and newer, with several earning Top Safety Pick recognition from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
Problematic years include 2013–2016, particularly 2016, which saw complaints about window cracking, brake wear, and electrical issues.
2. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The MX-5 Miata (or Mazda Miata) is a lightweight two-seat sports car built since 1989, celebrated for balance, fun driving, and simplicity.
While all Mazda Miata model years are popular, the 2013 model had no recalls and very few complaints, and the 4th generation (2016–present) is also praised for reliability.
Higher complaint rates appeared in 1996 and 1999 MX-5 Miata models, mainly for brake slipping and stalling, though overall issues remain low.
3. Mazda CX-9
This Mazda SUV (midsize crossover) was produced from 2007 to 2024, then replaced by the larger Mazda MX-90.
Second-generation CX-9s (2017–2020) earned strong ratings, with several achieving Top Safety Pick recognition from the IIHS.
The 2013 model had the most serious issues, including brake malfunctions, water pump failure, and engine problems.
4. Mazda3
The Mazda3, available as a hatchback or sedan, has been a consumer favorite in the Mazda inventory since 2003.
Most models from 2011 onward offer solid performance, with the 2020 model standing out for having very few complaints after five years.
The 2010 and 2014 models had the most issues, particularly with clutch malfunctions, wheels, brakes, and electronics.
5. Newer Models
Several newly released Mazda vehicles from the CX line show promise, although long-term reliability remains uncertain.
Here’s how a few new models are performing so far:
- Mazda CX-50: A compact crossover introduced in 2023, between the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-70 in size. The Mazda CX-50 hybrid has received acclaim and few serious complaints, though a 2025 recall addressed loose suspension parts.
- Mazda CX-70: A midsize SUV introduced for 2025, on the same platform as the Mazda CX‑90. It was an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick, but reliability predictions are mixed amidst four recalls for electrical issues.
- Mazda CX-90: This large crossover SUV debuted in 2024, including options like the CX-90 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), gas, and diesel. Early reports and two recalls raise questions about current reliability.
This might make you wonder: Is a newer Mazda model really better?
Are Used Mazdas as Reliable as New Models?
Mazda vehicles are some of the best used cars around, placed 3rd by Consumer Reports behind Lexus and Toyota.
Here’s some more information on used Mazda car longevity:
- iSeeCars ranked Mazda 9th for longest-lasting cars, with a 3.6% chance of reaching 250K miles (Toyota 17.6%, Honda 10.8%). Excluding luxury brands, Mazda rises to 5th.
- For iSeeCars’ ranking of vehicles that owners keep for 15+ years, Mazda ranks 5th (6.3% chance), or 4th when excluding luxury brands. Toyota was 1st with 9.8%.
- In a CarEdge depreciation study, Mazda held top-5 resale value at 3-, 5-, and 7-year intervals.
Of course, maximum long term dependability depends on proper care. That’s why working with a mobile mechanic service like Autonation Mobile Service is such a smart investment!
Finally, let’s compare Mazda with Toyota, often seen as the most reliable car brand.
Mazda vs Toyota: Which is Better for You?
Toyota slightly outranks the Mazda brand in most reliability metrics, but Mazda’s scores remain strong. Both are excellent choices; the right one depends on whether you prioritize practicality or style and innovation.
Toyota delivers on dependability, longevity, and comfort. Meanwhile, the Mazda brand emphasizes exciting driving experiences and designs without compromising on factors like safety, long term dependability, performance, and fuel efficiency.
Caring for Your Mazda to Improve Its Reliability
Despite some quirks, Mazda’s reputation among enthusiasts is consistently positive. It remains one of the most reliable car brands, with strong reliability scores and impressive used-car longevity.
With proper maintenance, Mazda owners can enjoy thousands of miles of ownership. Staying on top of wear items like oil changes, brakes, filters, fluids, and tires helps extend the life of your Mazda vehicle.
Since warranties don’t require a Mazda dealership for routine service, but do require maintenance for warranty compliance, Autonation Mobile Service is your best bet for Mazda vehicle maintenance and repair.
Our certified technicians come to your driveway and back every service with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty. Schedule your service today to keep your Mazda car running smoothly and experience the very best of Mazda’s reliability.