Are Mazdas Reliable?

• Mazda has evolved from a cork manufacturer to a major car producer, gaining a reputation for stylish, detailed vehicles.
• Recent models have boosted Mazda's reliability profile, though it's still behind some top brands in certain aspects. Factors like average repair costs, safety ratings, fuel efficiency, and awards contribute to Mazda's reliability standing.
• Mazdas face challenges like brake and clutch issues, engine failure, and transmission problems in certain models.

Mazdas aren’t as known for their reliability as other brands such as Honda and Toyota. However, Mazda has most recently begun building a reputation for dependability, which is evident in the attention to detail in styling and appearance. Mazda also ranks in the middle of the pack regarding the cost of ownership, dependability, fuel efficiency and safety ratings, and average annual repair costs. 

Buying a vehicle with the creature comforts and features you want can help you feel satisfied with your purchase. Still, longevity is often something many car owners seek above anything else. Your car enables you to accomplish a variety of tasks in daily life, from commuting to work to visiting friends and family. If you’re looking for a reliable vehicle, researching different models from the following angles can help you make a more informed decision:  

• J.D. Power dependability rewards 
• FuelEconomy.gov’s fuel efficiency ratings
• Safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Average repair costs reported by RepairPal
• Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) 5-Year Cost to Own

You can use these resources to research individual models and the brand overall. For instance, RepairPal rates vehicle automakers based on average repair costs and also breaks down those repairs and reliability ratings into separate models. Some models may receive recognition from J.D. Power, for example, elevating the brand as a whole. 

The following factors can help you determine how reliable Mazdas are based on how they compare to other automotive manufacturers. You can also use the ratings from these sources to assess the reliability of practically any brand, including MINI Cooper reliability. 

1. Average repair costs

According to RepairPal, Mazda ranks fifth out of 32 car brands, with a four-out-of-five-star rating. The average annual repair cost is $462, translating to 0.4 visits to the shop. Ten percent of those visits can result in severe repairs. Mazda has a total of 154 recalls, the most common of which is overheating of the ignition electrical switch. 

2. Dependability

J.D. Power recognized the 2019 MX-5 as the most dependable compact sporty car. The 2022 CX-30 earned an award for the best car resale value among small SUVs. 

3. Fuel efficiency

The entire Mazda lineup does respectably well in terms of fuel efficiency:

• 2023 Mazda3: 28 city and 37 highway miles-per-gallon (MPG) down to 23 city and 31 highway MPG
• 2023 Mazda CX-5: Turbo models achieve 22 city and 27 MPG, while naturally aspirated models squeeze out 24 city and 30 highway MPG
• 2023 Mazda MX-5: Manual transmissions lose a single highway MPG to the automatic transmissions with 26 city and 34 highway MPG
  
  

Mazda continues to develop alternative-fueled vehicles, including electric vehicles. The CX-90 platform offers a 56 MPGe rating. 

4. Safety features and ratings

The NHTSA and IIHS had a lot of good things to say about many Mazda models. The 2023 Mazda Mazda3, 2023 Mazda CX-30, and 2023 Mazda CX-5 earned a five-out-of-five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2023 Mazda MX-5 has yet to be rated.  

The 2023 Mazda3 won the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with “Good” ratings in all categories. The 2024 Mazda CX-30 earned “Good” ratings in all categories and a Top Safety Pick+ award in 2023. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 also won a Top Safety Pick award, with the 2024 Mazda CX-5 rating “Good” in all categories. 

5. Cost of ownership 

Two Mazda models earned praise from KBB for a low cost of ownership, the same recognized by J.D. Power. The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata won third in the sports car segment, with a five-year cost of ownership of $44,861. The 2023 CX-30 also won fourth in subcompact SUV/crossover with a $36,812 cost of ownership. 

Knowing the difference between a car title versus a registration will serve you well in your new car ownership journey. The following identified Mazda problems and common issues can also help if you’re looking for a new or used car and want to incorporate Mazda into your short list of candidates. 

1. Brakes

Unfortunately, several Mazda models suffer from brake issues. From failure of the brake power unit to the brake booster, brake problems are rampant. However, these elements may be relatively easy and cost-effective to replace if you know what you’re doing.  

2. Clutch

Premature wear of the clutch can cause driveability issues and eventual failure if left unchecked. Problems arose with faulty pins and bearings and release levers. Mazda redesigned its clutch assembly in 2014, which seems to have fixed the issue. 

3. Premature engine failure

Replacing an engine can set you back several thousand dollars. Several Mazda engines suffer from various issues, including misfires from failed ignition coils, variable valve timing issues, and failed cooling fan modules. The engine monitoring unit and water pump can also fail, leading to stalling and premature failure. Oil leaks can also drastically decrease the lifespan of any engine. 

4. Takata airbags

Along with several other brands, Mazda fell victim to one of the most extensive automotive recalls in history. While most Takata airbags have been at least identified if not replaced, affected Mazda models include the CX-7, CX-9, Mazda6, and RX-8. 

5. Transmission failure

RepairPal notes that several Mazda owners have reported problems with their transmissions, from hard shifts to slips. Hard driving habits can prematurely wear out transmissions. While replacing the transmission isn’t typically as costly as purchasing a new engine, it can be an expensive repair to budget for.  

Mazda may not produce some of the most environmentally friendly cars, but several reliable models call the brand home. Read on to find out if the Mazda you’re considering ranks among the cream of the crop. 

MX-5 Miata

The Miata remains one of Mazda’s most beloved models, alongside the RX-7. The Miata maintains a reliable reputation based on the small platform it inhabits, with matching minor maintenance and repair costs. Even more staggering is that the Miata is technically categorized as a sports car, which isn’t historically synonymous with reliability. 

CX-9

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 boasts low average annual maintenance costs and no recalls. Compare this to the 2009 model year, which experienced seven recalls. RepairPal gave the model four out of five stars, ranking it first out of 14 full-size SUVs.  

CX-5

Another model with no recalls and low maintenance costs is the 2022 CX-5. This Mazda model stumbled the most in 2015 with fuel leaks, steering assembly issues, faulty rear liftgates, and malfunctioning windshield sensors. 

Mazda3

The Mazda3 hatchback ranks high across several model years, including 2010 and 2018. The 2016 and 2019 models, however, were the worst years. Indeed, the NHTSA warned drivers to stop driving the 2016 model until they completed the appropriate safety recalls.

You can pay your car payment with a credit card in most instances, but you typically want to avoid taking out a loan on the following least reliable Mazda models: 

• 2004 Mazda RX-8
• 2009 Mazda CX-7 and Mazda6
• Mazda 626

If you’re in the market for a used car, avoid these Mazdas like the automotive plague. 

Mazda maintains an average reliability rating upheld by more recent models. While Mazda’s lineup may be smaller than most large automotive brands, the models hold their own in their respective segments. Continued efforts by the brand further bolster its reliable reputation and put it on the path to challenge giants like Honda and Toyota in the coming years.