Vehicle 1

Mazda CX 5

936 complaints · 6 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

1,441 complaints · 6 recalls

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

Mazda CX 5 vs Honda Accord: The Mazda CX-5 has 936 total complaints over 10 years (93.6/year) and 6 recalls, while the Honda Accord has 1441 complaints (144.1/year) and 6 recalls. The Mazda has more engine complaints (354 vs 210), but the Accord has more electrical (333) and forward collision avoidance (244) issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

3
Mazda CX 5
wins 3 of 4 categories
0
Honda Accord
no category wins
CategoryMazda CX 5Honda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
936
✓ lower
1,441
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
6
6
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
50
✓ lower
79
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
93.6
✓ lower
144.1

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mazda CX 5

1. ENGINE354
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER166
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM157
4. POWER TRAIN93
5. SERVICE BRAKES75

Honda Accord

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM333
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER273
3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE244
4. ENGINE210
5. SERVICE BRAKES203
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Honda Accord has more complaints per year (144.1) than the Mazda CX-5 (93.6), suggesting the Mazda may have fewer reported issues on average. However, both have the same number of recalls (6), so neither is clearly more reliable based solely on complaint volume.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer engine complaints, the Mazda CX-5 has 354 engine issues versus 210 for the Accord, but the Accord has more electrical and forward collision avoidance complaints. If you want to avoid high complaint rates, the Mazda CX-5 averages fewer complaints per year. Check service history for both, especially engine and electrical systems.

Key Differences
  • Mazda CX-5 averages 93.6 complaints per year vs. Honda Accord's 144.1.
  • Mazda CX-5 has 354 engine complaints; Honda Accord has 210.
  • Honda Accord has 244 forward collision avoidance complaints; Mazda CX-5 has none listed.
  • Both have 6 recalls, but Honda Accord has 79 crash complaints vs. Mazda's 50.
⚠ Watch on Mazda CX 5
  • Watch for engine issues (354 complaints) and electrical system problems (157 complaints).
  • Service brake complaints (75) are also notable.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Be aware of electrical system issues (333 complaints) and forward collision avoidance problems (244 complaints).
  • Engine (210) and service brakes (203) are also common complaints.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls using the VIN.
  • Review service records for engine and electrical repairs.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine noises or hesitation.
  • Inspect brake performance and check for warning lights.
  • For Accord, test forward collision avoidance system functionality.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mazda CX 5Honda Accord
2026
7
1
2025
22
68
2024
38
0
2023
57
213
2022
61
0
2021
136
200
2020
104
330
2019
257
0
2018
108
111
2017
146
518
Mazda CX 5 vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
Mazda CX 5 vs Honda Accord
Mazda CX 5 total complaints
936
Honda Accord total complaints
1,441
Mazda CX 5 total recalls
6
Honda Accord total recalls
6
Mazda CX 5 avg complaints/year
93.6
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
144.1
More reliable overall
Mazda CX 5
Mazda CX 5 top complaint area
ENGINE
Honda Accord top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mazda CX 5 Reliability & Problems

936 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

1,441 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Mazda CX 5 or Honda Accord?

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