How reliable are Mazda cars?

Mazda vehicles are popular for their sharp and luxurious appearances, as well as for their lower cost. They have just about everything the regular driver is searching for when looking to purchasing a car. But the important question is, just how reliable is Mazda, and are there any problems you may need to watch out for?

Mazda vehicles are typically considered reliable cars because of their many safety features to prevent accidents, and their ability to protect passengers should a wreck happen. Some Mazda vehicle models receive more complaints about issues from owners than other models.

There are many different models and vehicles made by Mazda, and each one has different perks and abilities to offer. To decide which one might be the best fit for you, let’s get to know each Mazda vehicle first.

Mazda Models

Mazda makes a variety of cars including sedans and SUVs. The 2021 Mazda sedan line-up include the following: the 3 Sedan, starting at $20,650; the 3 hatchback, starting at $22,650; and the 6, starting at $24,475.

Mazda also sells three SUV models. The 2021 Mazda SUV line-up includes the following: the CX-30, starting at $30,050; the CX-5, starting at $25,370; and the CX-9, starting at $34,160.

There are several more models made by Mazda that are not included in these lists, including sports cars. However, these are a few of the most common and popular builds by Mazda.

Safety Features & Ratings

Every year, car manufacturers release their newest vehicles, each programmed with the newest safety features. Each advancement works toward safer roads for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians everywhere. Some may think they don’t need a vehicle with safety features and will be perfectly safe without them.

However, many others enjoy the extra sense of protection these features provide. No matter how safe a driver you are, you’re never 100% safe from an accident. Additional safety features are a wonderful gift we should all take advantage of. You never know, it just might save your life, or someone else’s someday.

Not all brands offer safety features that would be considered vital or universally useful for all drivers. Some brands include safety features that just make driving easier or more convenient. With Mazda’s vehicles, you’ll have safety features that will help you be a better, more alert driver, and that will actually help you feel safe and protected.

Each of Mazda’s vehicles was tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to determine how safe passengers are during different types of car wrecks. The institute then rates each vehicle on their “crashworthiness.”

Drivers can then use this information to make an informed purchase about which vehicle will protect their passengers and cargo. Vehicles that pass these tests will either receive the highest safety rating of Top Safety Pick+, or the next best rating of Top Safety Pick.

Each rating has certain standards vehicles must meet before achieving these rates. The Mazda vehicles from the last 10 years and their ratings are listed below.

Sedans

The 2021 Mazda 3 Sedan was built with blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, a 360-degree camera view when parking or backing up, traffic jam assistance to prevent fender benders in stop-and-go traffic, as well as rear-crossing alerts and support when pedestrians, vehicles, or objects are crossing behind you.

The Mazda 3 Sedan earned the Top Safety Pick+ for the 2021, 2020, and 2017-2014 models, and the Top Safety Pick for the 2019, 2018, and 2013-2011 models.

The 2021 Mazda 3 Hatchback also has a 360-degree camera view, traffic jam assist, blind spot monitoring, rear-crossing alerts and support, as well as smart brake support for when you need to make a hard stop.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ for the 2021, 2020, 2017, and 2014 models, while the 2019, 2018, and 2013-2011 models were given the Top Safety Pick.

The 2021 Mazda 6 has an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), braking assistance, a rearview camera, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, collision warning, and even an engine immobilizing anti-theft system to prevent a thief from stealing your car. The Mazda 6 earned the Top Safety Pick+ in the years 2021-2019, and 2017-2014, and the Top Safety Pick for the 2018 model.

SUV’s

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 was made with traffic jam assistance, parking sensors to prevent any bumps, a 360-degree camera view, as well as rear-crossing alerts and assistance. The Mazda CX-30 was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ for the 2021 model, and the Top Safety Pick in the year 2020.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has blind-spot monitoring, rear-crossing alerts, brake support system, lane-keeping assistance, as well as radar cruise control to adjust your speed as you approach another vehicle too closely, and pivotal headlights to help you see clearly around dark corners as you turn.

The Mazda CX-5 earned the Top Safety Pick+ for the 2021-2014 models, as well as the Top Safety Pick for the 2013 model.

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 was built with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, radar cruise control, adaptive headlights, high beam-controlled lights that adjust as another vehicle is approaching, and traffic sign recognition to help you keep the speed limit and road laws.

The Mazda CX-9 was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ for the 2021-2019 and 2017 models, and the Top Safety Pick for the 2018 model.

Repeated Issues

Another factor to keep in mind when selecting a reliable car is if the vehicle has had any issues or repeated problems operating in the past. Selecting a vehicle with a good history could save you, your wallet, and a possible tow truck down the line.

There are many sites that can receive and post complaints about vehicles, so be sure to check everywhere you can before you make a purchase.

The 2010 and 2011 models of the Mazda 3 had 75 complaints of clutch failure at the average mileage of between 37,000 and 40,000 miles, which was determined to be a $1,250 fix.

The 2008 and 2014 Mazda 6 received 11 complaints of transmission failure between 1,000 and 130,000 miles, which was about a $3,500 fix.

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 had 42 complaints of daylights failure at around 43,700 miles and cost $1,130 to fix.

The 2008 and 2013 Mazda CX-9 was reported 14 times for water pump failure and leakage between about 99,000 and 102,000 miles and cost $4,200 to fix.