Vehicle 1

Mazda CX 5

933 complaints · 6 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

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

Mazda CX 5 vs Toyota Camry: The Mazda has 933 complaints over 10 years (93.3/year) and 6 recalls, while the Camry has 2003 complaints (200.3/year) and 27 recalls. The Mazda's top issue is engine (352), Camry's is powertrain (365). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Mazda CX 5
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryMazda CX 5Toyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
933
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
6
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
50
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
93.3
✓ lower
200.3

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

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 has fewer complaints per year (93.3 vs 200.3) and fewer recalls (6 vs 27), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, both vehicles have significant complaint volumes, so a buyer should still check individual vehicle history.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower recall frequency, the Mazda CX-5 is the better choice. If you need a sedan with a larger sample size of data, the Camry may be acceptable, but be prepared for more potential issues, especially with the powertrain and brakes.

Key Differences
  • Mazda CX-5 has 933 total complaints over 10 years vs Camry's 2003.
  • Camry has 27 recalls vs Mazda's 6.
  • Camry has 174 crash complaints vs Mazda's 50.
  • Mazda's top issue is engine (352), while Camry's top is powertrain (365).
⚠ Watch on Mazda CX 5
  • Engine complaints are the most common issue (352), so check for engine-related problems like stalling or loss of power.
  • Electrical system complaints (156) may indicate issues with wiring or electronics.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Powertrain complaints (365) are the most frequent, so inspect transmission and drivetrain components carefully.
  • Service brake complaints (284) suggest potential braking system problems; test brakes thoroughly.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls have been performed.
  • Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs related to top complaint areas.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
  • Test drive the car under various conditions (highway, stop-and-go) to feel for any drivability issues.
  • Check NHTSA's website for any open investigations or additional complaints on the specific model year.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Mazda CX 5Toyota Camry
2026
6
68
2025
22
126
2024
38
44
2023
57
56
2022
61
55
2021
136
151
2020
104
260
2019
255
374
2018
108
721
2017
146
148
Mazda CX 5 vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Mazda CX 5 vs Toyota Camry
Mazda CX 5 total complaints
933
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
Mazda CX 5 total recalls
6
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
Mazda CX 5 avg complaints/year
93.3
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
Mazda CX 5
Mazda CX 5 top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
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 →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Mazda CX 5 or Toyota Camry?

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