Vehicle 1

Mazda Mazda5

406 complaints · 15 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,900 complaints · 26 recalls

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

Mazda Mazda5 vs Toyota Camry: The Mazda5 has 40.6 complaints per year and 15 recalls, while the Camry has 190.0 per year and 26 recalls. Top issues: steering on Mazda5, powertrain on Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Mazda Mazda5
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryMazda Mazda5Toyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
406
✓ lower
1,900
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
15
✓ lower
26
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
28
✓ lower
165
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
40.6
✓ lower
190.0

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Mazda Mazda5

1. STEERING101
2. TIRES59
3. SUSPENSION57
4. STRUCTURE36
5. SERVICE BRAKES33

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN340
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER301
3. ENGINE295
4. SERVICE BRAKES278
5. AIR BAGS218
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Mazda Mazda5 has far fewer complaints per year (40.6 vs 190.0) and fewer recalls (15 vs 26), suggesting a lower likelihood of encountering issues. However, its lower sales volume may skew the numbers, so buyers should still inspect carefully.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower complaint rates and fewer recalls, the Mazda Mazda5 is the better choice. If you need a more common vehicle with easier parts availability, the Toyota Camry may be preferable, but be aware of its higher complaint volume, especially in powertrain and engine areas.

Key Differences
  • Mazda Mazda5 averages 40.6 complaints per year vs Toyota Camry's 190.0 per year.
  • Mazda Mazda5 has 15 recalls; Toyota Camry has 26 recalls.
  • Top Mazda Mazda5 issue is steering (101 complaints); top Toyota Camry issue is powertrain (340 complaints).
  • Toyota Camry has 165 crash complaints vs Mazda Mazda5's 28.
⚠ Watch on Mazda Mazda5
  • Check for steering issues, as they are the most common complaint (101 reports).
  • Inspect tires and suspension components, which are also frequent problem areas.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Watch for powertrain problems (340 complaints) and engine issues (295 complaints).
  • Air bag concerns (218 complaints) should be verified for proper function.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls.
  • Have a mechanic inspect steering and suspension on the Mazda5.
  • Test drive the Camry and listen for unusual engine or transmission noises.
  • Verify all air bags are intact and no warning lights are on.
  • Check tire condition and age on both vehicles.
Mazda Mazda5 vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Mazda Mazda5 vs Toyota Camry
Mazda Mazda5 total complaints
406
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,900
Mazda Mazda5 total recalls
15
Toyota Camry total recalls
26
Mazda Mazda5 avg complaints/year
40.6
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
190.0
More reliable overall
Mazda Mazda5
Mazda Mazda5 top complaint area
STEERING
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Mazda Mazda5Reliability & Problems

406 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota CamryReliability & Problems

1,900 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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