Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 50 vs Toyota Camry
How the Mazda CX 50 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mazda CX 50 vs Toyota Camry: The CX 50 has 169 complaints over 4 years (about 42 per year) and 7 recalls, while the Camry has 2056 complaints over 10 years (about 206 per year) and 31 recalls. The CX 50 shows more forward collision avoidance and brake complaints, while the Camry has more power train and engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 50 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 50
The Mazda CX 50 is a compact SUV with 169 complaints over 4 years, averaging about 42 per year. Owners frequently report issues with forward collision avoidance, brakes, power train, and electrical systems. The pattern suggests a relatively new model with a mix of advanced driver-assist quirks and some mechanical concerns. It may appeal to buyers wanting a newer vehicle but requires attention to these recurring areas.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with 2056 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. Complaints span power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, with some reports of hesitation, shuddering, and brake noises. As a long-running model, it has a large data set, but the volume of complaints per year is higher than the Mazda. Buyers should be aware of common issues like throttle delay and electronic parking brake problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 50 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 169 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 42.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mazda CX 50
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE32
- 02SERVICE BRAKES29
- 03POWER TRAIN26
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
Owners report that automatic emergency braking can misinterpret obstacles, such as parking garage ceilings, and brake inconsistently. Some also mention rear-ending another vehicle when distracted, suggesting the system may not always prevent collisions. This matters because it affects daily driving confidence and safety.
Complaints include backup sensor warnings that may not alert as expected, and one report of unintended acceleration where braking did not slow the vehicle. These issues could lead to parking difficulties or loss of control. Buyers should test brake response and sensor function.
Owners describe a burning smell after highway driving and mountain climbs, and adaptive cruise control causing abrupt revving when a car ahead moves out of the way. These symptoms suggest potential overheating or transmission behavior that could affect longevity. A thorough test drive and inspection are advised.
Reports include backup sensor warnings and battery drain issues, with one owner on their third battery since 2024. This can lead to no-start situations and frequent replacements. Checking battery health and electrical components is important.
“The contact owned a 2024 Mazda CX-50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, after exiting the freeway, the contact was distracted, and when the contact turned to face the road, the vehicle rear-ended the vehicle in front. The contact…”
“The automatic emergency braking in this vehicle is faulty. It misinterprets obstacles and uses the emergency braking inconsistently. I park in a parking garage and I have to slowly (less than 5 MPH) drive up any ramps because it apparently sees the ceiling of…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine light. These can strand a driver or indicate transmission problems. Buyers should test key removal and transmission smoothness.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when accelerating, with several seconds of lag before the car moves. This can be a safety concern in traffic. A test drive should include quick acceleration checks.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is reported as common. These issues can immobilize the car or indicate ABS problems. Inspect parking brake operation and listen for noises.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously, as one owner reported. This suggests potential electrical gremlins that could affect safety features. Check all electronic systems during inspection.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mazda CX 50 — 7 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
The risk: A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7225C.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not auto…
The risk: Automatic braking, steering assist, and headlight control systems that do not function as intended can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the forward sensing camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
The risk: A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7225C.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain CX-50 Hybrid and CX-50 vehicles. Incorrectly configured module software may cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the module software, free of charge. Owner notifications will not be mailed due to all vehicles being under Mazda dealer control. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 50 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX 50 has far fewer complaints per year (about 42) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206). In practice, this means the CX 50 may have fewer reported issues overall, but the Camry's higher volume could reflect its longer production and larger owner base. Buyers should weigh the specific problems reported for each model against their needs.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX 50 has 169 complaints over 4 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2056 over 10 years, indicating a much higher annual complaint rate for the Camry.
- Mazda CX 50 owners frequently report forward collision avoidance and brake sensor issues, whereas Camry owners report power train problems like stuck keys and hesitation.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 7 for the CX 50, covering areas like air bags and seats, while CX 50 recalls include trailer hitches and lane departure cameras.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Camry (171) than the CX 50 (17), but this may be due to the larger number of vehicles and years covered.
- Test the automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning in various conditions, including parking garages, to ensure it does not brake unexpectedly.
- Check for battery drain issues by asking about battery replacement history and testing the electrical system, especially if the car has been sitting.
- Verify the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park; if it sticks, it may require costly repairs.
- Test the electronic parking brake engagement and disengagement, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- During a test drive, specifically test the advanced driver-assist features and brakes for the CX 50, and the transmission and throttle response for the Camry.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially battery replacements for the CX 50 and any transmission or brake work for the Camry.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the components with the most complaints for each model.
- Check the NHTSA website for any additional complaints or recalls specific to the model year you are considering.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mazda CX 50 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 0 |
| 2025 | 47 | 163 |
| 2024 | 33 | 50 |
| 2023 | 63 | 64 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mazda CX 50 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 50 vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda CX 50 total complaints
- 169
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mazda CX 50 total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda CX 50 avg complaints/year
- 42.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 50
- Mazda CX 50 top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN