Summary:
Mazda has established itself as a prominent and well-known car-maker globally, with a reputation for making fun sports cars. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda as the fourth most reliable brand in the United States, although few Mazda models receive J.D. Power dependability awards. While Mazda has had some reliability issues with certain models like the RX-8 and CX-7, overall, Mazda cars can be trusted to last with proper care and maintenance.
Mazda started producing cars way back in 1931 and officially started exporting them to the United States in 1960. Over those years, so many brilliant models have been produced, helping Mazda establish itself as one of the more prominent and well-known car-makers across the globe.
Sporting models such as the famous Miata, iconic RX-7, and MPS-tuned Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 have provided Mazda with a reputation for making some fun sports cars. That essence of fun has been trickled down into their more generic range of cars, meaning even the most basic and underpowered offerings should still prove to be great fun to drive.
While the awesome driving characteristics of Mazdas are well documented, today we ask the question, do they make reliable cars? Find out their strong points, weak points, and models to avoid by reading below.
Information has been gathered from Mazda, reviews, and press releases, alongside sources such as Consumer Reports, Car Survey, and J.D. Power, to bring you this data on just how reliable Mazda’s cars really are.
Does Mazda Make Reliable Cars?
Japanese cars are usually a byword for quality and dependability, but does that reputation lie on the shoulders of a few brands, like Toyota for example? Does Mazda deserve to be categorized as a reliable brand, just because of its Japanese roots?
Consumer Reports seemingly thinks Mazda can stand on its own two feet, as in 2022 they established the brand as the fourth most reliable in the United States. As impressive as this is, Mazda managed to come second in the year previous, only losing out to Toyota, who topped the charts in both years.
Despite this, very few Mazda models find themselves recognized with J.D. Power dependability awards, which would suggest more dependable models exist on the market. An exception can be made only for the Miata, which frequently impresses in the sports car sector of the market.
In Which Areas Do Mazdas Frequently Disappoint?
A quick look through Mazda’s back-catalog will quickly reveal the fact, that they do not get it right every time. Sadly for the company, some of its greatest hits have been plagued by some serious reliability concerns, which no doubt left a lasting and damaging impression on the brand for many owners.
Common Problems:
– Mazda has famously pushed rotary engine technology for decades, and in many cases, it proved reliable. The last production model to feature such an engine was the RX-8, which was plagued with catastrophic engine failure concerns, high oil consumption, and ludicrously low fuel economy.
– Some owners, particularly owners of the first-generation CX-5, have complained of issues with electronics and infotainment issues. Technology concerns will surely put off many buyers, and leave a lasting negative impression on the brand.
– Oil leaks are also well documented on Mazda models, particularly on aging examples with VVT (variable valve timing) engines. Of course, any car can suffer from oil leaks, but it would appear certain Mazdas are prone to them, which could detract from their appeal on the used car market.
Most Reliable Mazdas, Ranked:
According to some of the most trusted sources online, in addition to genuine owner reviews, these models below are some of the most reliable Mazda cars from recent years. Time and time again, they have proved more than dependable, have minimal common issues, and clearly have been built to a standard, rather than a cost.
– 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Reliability Rating: 86/100. Problems Owners Report: No major issues to report, although minor niggles such as a blowing exhaust and troublesome USB sockets have dampened the owner experience for some.
– 2014 Mazda 2: Reliability Rating: 87/100. Problems Owners Report: It’s next to impossible to find any genuine gripes that owners have with their beloved Mazda 2’s, suggesting that this really does deserve its reputation, as the most reliable small car anywhere.
– 2022 Mazda 3 Sedan: Reliability Rating: 77/100. Problems Owners Report: Seeing as this is a brand-new model, very few owners have taken to the internet to complain about serious concerns – which is promising. Squeaky plastics and minor oversights from the factory, such as a rear light connector not being plugged in properly, are the biggest gripes documented for new models on Car Survey.
Least Reliable Mazdas, Ranked:
– 2009 Mazda 6: Reliability Rating: 79/100. Problems Owners Report: Failing clutches, loose interior and exterior fixtures, poor build quality, and even complaints about the paint quality are all concerns that have been well documented on the previous generation Mazda 6.
– 2009 Mazda CX-7: Reliability Rating: 72/100. Problems Owners Report: The brakes wear quickly, emissions issues keep cropping up, and clutches wear out impossibly fast. None of these issues will be cheap, and will no doubt deter many customers from shopping with Mazda again in the near future.
– 2004 Mazda RX-8: Reliability Rating: N/A. Problems Owners Report: Aside from the well-documented rotary engine issues, consumers have complained about $1,000+ moonroof fixes, multiple warning lights always appearing, trim pieces constantly working loose, and more. It would appear that the RX-8 is best avoided!
How Well Do Mazdas Last?
Despite the highlighted models with a patchy past above, it would appear that Mazda makes cars that can be trusted, and not just in the short term either. Mazda has been keen to highlight some of their high mileage heroes, proving that they can last indefinitely if given the proper care.
It’s not just about the Miata though, in recent years Mazda has produced a series of impressively capable cars, all of which should prove perfectly durable and dependable. If maintenance schedules are adhered to, and repairs kept on top of, there is no reason why a Mazda wouldn’t last you for many years, and many hundreds and thousands of miles.