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 about 41 complaints per year, while the Camry has about 214 per year. CX 50 owners report issues with forward collision avoidance and brakes, while Camry owners report transmission and engine problems. 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, a recent model, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 41 per year, with a notable concentration in forward collision avoidance and service brakes. Owners report issues like automatic emergency braking misinterpreting obstacles and unexpected acceleration, which can be alarming. The powertrain and electrical system also appear in complaints, with reports of unintended movement and battery drain, suggesting potential reliability concerns for a newer vehicle.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, with a longer history, has a higher annual complaint rate (about 214 per year), but this is spread over 10 years and includes many older models. The top issues are powertrain, engine, and brakes, with owners describing transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. While the volume is higher, the Camry's long track record may mean these issues are more well-known and potentially addressed in later models.
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 | 163 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 40.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 Better | 163 |
| 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 AVOIDANCE31
- 02SERVICE BRAKES28
- 03POWER TRAIN26
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER19
Owners report the automatic emergency braking system misinterprets obstacles, like parking garage ceilings, causing sudden braking at low speeds. There are also instances where the system fails to prevent a collision, as in a rear-end crash after exiting a freeway.
Brake-related complaints include the rear backup sensor warning illuminating unnecessarily, and more seriously, a report of the vehicle surging and accelerating when braking, with the brake pedal not slowing it down.
Some owners report the vehicle moving backward while in Drive, and others notice a severe burning smell after highway driving and mountain climbs, indicating potential transmission or drivetrain issues.
Battery drain is a recurring issue, with one owner on their third battery since 2024, experiencing 'Battery Low' warnings shortly after replacement. Electrical problems also tie into sensor malfunctions.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and dealer recommendations for replacement. Some owners also report unintended acceleration, which can be dangerous.
Engine issues include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration leading to crashes, and error codes like P268115 related to a coolant valve bypass, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill slope. Other complaints involve the vehicle not stopping as expected in parking lots.
Electrical problems manifest as AC condenser damage from rocks, and recurring HVAC odors, which are unpleasant but not safety-critical.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 50 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX 50 has fewer complaints per year (about 41) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Camry's data spans 10 years and includes many older models. In practice, the CX 50's issues are concentrated in newer models and may be more concerning for a first-time buyer, while the Camry's higher volume reflects its longer history and broader owner base.
Key differences
- The CX 50 has a higher proportion of complaints related to forward collision avoidance and brakes, while the Camry has more engine and powertrain complaints.
- CX 50 owners report battery drain and electrical gremlins, whereas Camry owners report transmission failures and sudden acceleration.
- The CX 50 is a newer model with fewer years of data, so its long-term reliability is less proven compared to the Camry's 10-year history.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs 7), but this may reflect its longer production run and more extensive NHTSA oversight.
- Check the automatic emergency braking system for false activations, especially in parking garages or low-speed maneuvers.
- Inspect the battery and charging system for signs of drain, as multiple owners have reported premature battery failure.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, which could indicate a need for replacement.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on slopes, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- For the CX 50, ask for service records related to battery replacements and any software updates for the forward collision system.
- For the Camry, check if the transmission has been replaced or if there are any open recalls for the powertrain.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes low-speed maneuvers and braking to feel for any hesitation or surging.
- Review the NHTSA complaint history for the specific model year you're considering to see if issues have been resolved.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who can check for signs of electrical or powertrain problems.
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 | 24 | 119 |
| 2025 | 46 | 153 |
| 2024 | 32 | 48 |
| 2023 | 61 | 62 |
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
- 163
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mazda CX 50 total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda CX 50 avg complaints/year
- 40.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 50
- Mazda CX 50 top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN