THE WEEKLY DRIVER

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS, CAR REVIEWS, AND PODCAST

Reliability Database

Mazda

Engine Reliability & Known Problems

Based on 16,796 NHTSA complaints. Updated April 2026.

20 Models
147 Engines Rated
34 Generations
16,796 NHTSA Complaints
Engine Ratings Overview
91 recommended 37 caution 19 avoid

Compact Sedan

5 models
626
1 generation · 3 engines
2000-2002
1 recommended 1 caution 1 avoid
Mazda3
4 generations · 22 engines
2004-20092010-20132014-20182019-2025
9 recommended 5 caution 8 avoid
Mazda5
2 generations · 5 engines
2006-20102012-2015
2 recommended 2 caution 1 avoid
Millenia
3 generations · 8 engines
200020012002
3 recommended 5 caution
Protege
1 generation · 3 engines
2000-2003
1 recommended 1 caution 1 avoid

Compact SUV

4 models
CX-5
2 generations · 9 engines
2013-20162017-2025
5 recommended 3 caution 1 avoid
CX-50
1 generation · 2 engines
2023-2025
1 recommended 1 caution
CX-7
1 generation · 6 engines
2007-2012
5 recommended 1 caution
Tribute
1 generation · 10 engines
2001-2011
9 recommended 1 avoid

Midsize SUV

3 models
CX-70
1 generation · 2 engines
2025
1 recommended 1 caution
CX-9
2 generations · 6 engines
2007-20152016-2023
1 recommended 5 caution
CX-90
1 generation · 2 engines
2024-2026
1 caution 1 avoid

Subcompact SUV

2 models
CX-3
1 generation · 1 engine
2016-2021
1 caution
CX-30
1 generation · 2 engines
2020-2025
2 caution

Sports Car

2 models
Mx-5/ Miata
5 generations · 15 engines
2000-200520062006-201520072016-2025
10 recommended 4 caution 1 avoid
RX-8
1 generation · 10 engines
2004-2012
9 recommended 1 avoid

Compact Truck

1 model
B-Series
1 generation · 9 engines
2000-2009
8 recommended 1 caution

Subcompact Sedan

1 model
Mazda2
1 generation · 1 engine
2011-2014
1 caution

Midsize Sedan

1 model
Mazda6
3 generations · 19 engines
2003-20082009-20132014-2021
16 recommended 2 caution 1 avoid

Minivan

1 model
MPV
1 generation · 12 engines
2000-2006
10 recommended 2 avoid
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