Vehicle 1

Mazda CX 5

933 complaints · 6 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Chevrolet Silverado

6,180 complaints · 100 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Mazda CX 5 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Silverado has 618 complaints per year (6180 total) and 100 recalls, while the Mazda has 93 per year (933 total) and 6 recalls. The Silverado's top issues are engine and power train; the Mazda's are engine and electrical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Mazda CX 5
wins all 4 categories
0
Chevrolet Silverado
no category wins
CategoryMazda CX 5Chevrolet Silverado
Total Complaints
All years combined
933
✓ lower
6,180
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
6
✓ lower
100
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
50
✓ lower
192
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
93.3
✓ lower
618.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mazda CX 5

1. ENGINE352
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER166
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM156
4. POWER TRAIN92
5. SERVICE BRAKES75

Chevrolet Silverado

1. ENGINE1,861
2. POWER TRAIN1,714
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,163
4. SERVICE BRAKES950
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER663
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Chevrolet Silverado has far more complaints per year (618) than the Mazda CX-5 (93), indicating a higher likelihood of issues. This suggests the Mazda may be a more reliable choice for a used-car buyer.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower risk of major repairs, choose the Mazda CX-5. If you need a full-size truck and are prepared for potentially higher maintenance, the Silverado may still suit you, but check its recall and complaint history carefully.

Key Differences
  • Silverado has 618 complaints/year vs Mazda's 93/year.
  • Silverado has 100 recalls vs Mazda's 6.
  • Silverado has 192 crash complaints vs Mazda's 50.
  • Silverado's top issue is ENGINE (1861) vs Mazda's ENGINE (352).
⚠ Watch on Mazda CX 5
  • Watch for engine problems (352 complaints) and electrical system issues (156).
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Silverado
  • Be alert for engine (1861) and power train (1714) complaints, plus 100 recalls.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
  • Review service records for engine and transmission repairs.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine or brake noises.
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
  • Research common issues for the specific model year.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mazda CX 5Chevrolet Silverado
2026
6
51
2025
22
117
2024
38
470
2023
57
385
2022
61
1204
2021
136
864
2020
104
0
2019
255
1941
2018
108
0
2017
146
1148
Mazda CX 5 vs Chevrolet Silverado — comparison facts
Comparison
Mazda CX 5 vs Chevrolet Silverado
Mazda CX 5 total complaints
933
Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
6,180
Mazda CX 5 total recalls
6
Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
100
Mazda CX 5 avg complaints/year
93.3
Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
618.0
More reliable overall
Mazda CX 5
Mazda CX 5 top complaint area
ENGINE
Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mazda CX 5 Reliability & Problems

933 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Chevrolet Silverado Reliability & Problems

6,180 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Mazda CX 5 or Chevrolet Silverado?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.