The Most Common Mazda Problems
Valve stem and clutch failure, melting dashboards, engine malfunctions, and transmission issues are some of the most common problems across Mazda models.
Written by Annette Maxon
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Common Mazda problems range from corrosion on the valve stem to clutch failure, melting dashboards, engine malfunctions, and transmission issues.
Even though Mazda has won over fans for its sleek, sporty, and fun cars, the popular manufacturer also has its critics. Engine issues, transmission problems, not to mention melting dashboards are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to some of the commonly-reported Mazda problems.
Whether you’re buying your first Mazda or want to see how your current model shapes up,
super app
and car insurance guru, Jerry
, created this guide to the most common mechanical issues with Mazdas. We’ll dive into the most common Mazda problems, least reliable models, and how to find the lowest Mazda insurance cost
for your vehicle.What are the most common Mazda problems?
This Japanese brand has long been heralded for creating a vehicle that combines reliability with top-notch performance and appealing design. Though Mazdas have consistently ranked among Kelley Blue Book’s top cars since 2010, they aren’t perfect.
Here’s a look at the most common problems reported for all Mazda models:
- Corrosion on the valve stem and TPMS warnings
- Clutch failure
- Variable valve timing and stretched timing chains
- Melting dashboards and glare
This is not to say that every Mazda will experience these issues as some models have a better track record than others. The 2010 Mazda3 has the most complaints out of all of the brand’s models and three recalls. The two biggest problems are clutch failure and issues with the interior and accessories.
Here’s a look at the most common problems for Mazda models you’ll find on the market in 2022:
Model | Starting price | J.D. Power reliability rating | Most common problems | Years to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mazda3 | $21,815 | 74/100 | Infotainment system defects, brake issues, faulty sway bar links, excessive vibration, faulty thermostat, incorrect air bag warning light | 2004, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 |
CX-5 | $27,125 | 81/100 | Chipped paint finish, fuel gauge malfunction, faulty windshield defroster, engine and powertrain issues | 2014, 2016 |
Mazda6 | $25,470 | 83/100 | Transmission issues, engine malfunctions, dim headlights, faulty crankshaft or camshaft sensors | 2014, 2009, 2004, 2010 |
Tribute | $21,350 | 75/100 | Engine misfires, stalling, faulty EGR differential pressure sensor, malfunctioning blower motor | 2005, 2006, 2008 |
CX-9 | $36,505 | 80/100 | Water pump failure, bad power boost unit, engine failure | 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversMost common Mazda3 problems
Average annual repair cost: $444
CarComplaints.com complaints: 599
The brakes have been a consistent sore spot for many Mazda3 drivers. Whether it’s
squealing noise coming from the brakes
or premature wear, owners have reported replacing rear brake components—even when their vehicle has clocked less than 100,000 miles. Some owners have also complained about their car’s sway bar links causing rattling or clunking noises in the back of the vehicle due to loose, bent, or rusted sway bar links.
Sway bar replacement
costs are about $100.Mazda3s are also known to vibrate excessively when accelerating, typically due to a bad motor mount. Faulty thermostats, transmission problems, melting dashboards, windshield glare, and clutch failure are also common complaints. If your
clutch is not working
, that's a serious problem!Most common Mazda CX-5 problems
Average annual repair cost: $447
CarComplaints.com complaints: 474
Transmission issues have long been a headache for CX-5 drivers. These range from a defunct fuel gauge to malfunctioning warning lights, faulty windshield wipers, and an inability to deactivate cruise control. Problems with the engine and powertrain vary, from battery voltage problems to oil level issues and difficulty accelerating.
Most common Mazda6 problems
Average annual repair cost: $481
CarComplaints.com complaints: 293
When it comes to the
Mazda6
, be ready for engine malfunctions, including abnormal ticking sounds, overheating, stalling, and rough idling. But the most commonly reported problem is the exterior lighting system—some users have reported their headlights dim unexpectedly, making it hard to see at night. If your headlights are dim
, you can expect the repair fees to start at $100 for an inspection of your headlight assembly.What’s more, this model has been known to lose speed control, increasing the risk of accidents. The crankshaft or camshaft position sensors may also be poorly aligned, throwing your car’s sensors off and leading to more serious issues (i.e., declined engine performance, starting failure, and excessive vibrations).
Camshaft position sensor
repairs can cost up to $200.Most common Mazda Tribute problems
Average annual repair cost: $523
CarComplaints.com complaints: 211
If you’re considering the
Mazda Tribute
, know it has some of the same problems as its cousins. Engine-related issues include engine misfires and stalling after a cold start. Plus, drivers have reported EGR differential pressure sensor failure, faulty blower motors, and damages to the PCM wires. Though these repairs may set you back $500+, the number of reported complaints is lower compared to other, more problem-laden models.
MORE: The best cars for your commute
Most common Mazda CX-9 problems
Average annual repair cost: $539
CarComplaints.com complaints: 272
Fortunately for CX-9 drivers, most problems don’t start until 90,000 to 100,000 miles. However, be ready for a variety of costly issues. Water pump failure is the most common and expensive.
Water pump replacement
may cost about $500 but you may need to replace the entire engine, resulting in a $4,000 repair bill. If you start to experience brake power boost unit failure, address this issue ASAP to avoid any accidents.
Are Mazda cars reliable?
Though some of Mazda’s older models come with a laundry list of problems, the brand is better known for its wide range of reliable, fun-to-drive vehicles. Building a custom Mazda 3 is a popular goal for many aspiring gear heads.
Repair Pal experts give the manufacturer a 4.0/5.0 for reliability, ranking it the fifth most reliable car brand (out of a total of 32 brands). This is supported by solid reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.
Plus, the average annual repair cost is $462, making it lower than the industry average of $652.
The least reliable Mazda model: 2010 Mazda3
Most common problem: Excessive vibration and transmission jerkiness
NHTSA complaints: 644
Though Mazda3 was released with a $15,700 starting price to beat its competitors, the 2010 model also came with a long list of defects. The irony here is that fans of the original Mazda3 series flocked to the new 2010 model, which was marketed as the “makeover” version of the original model.
High expectations aside, this car also comes with the most complaints logged for any Mazda model. Reported issues range from excessive shaking as the car hits 55 mph to additional rattling from loose stabilizer bar links. Not to mention that some users have had a hard time starting the car in cold temperatures.
Complaints also extend to faulty warning lights, often caused by a broken thermostat. To replace the , expect to spend around $100.
MORE: The 5 characteristics of a reliable car insurance company
The most reliable Mazda model: 2020 Mazda CX-9
Most common problem: Hard shifts and transmission slips
NHTSA complaints: 5
Logging the fewest complaints across all Mazda makes is the 2020 Mazda CX-9. Though it may not be the cheapest (the base model starts at $34,835), this model comes with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, an upscale interior, and sporty handling. Kelley Blue Book even ranked the 2020 CX-9 among its top 20 midsize SUVs.
How to buy reliable and stress-free car insurance
Whether you drive the reliable 2020 CX-9 or a model with more potential problems, it’s a good idea to make sure you have a solid insurance policy for your Mazda before hitting the road.
But we get it—why spend money on a pricey insurance policy when you’re faced with so many potential repair costs? That’s where
Jerry
comes in. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding
cheap car insurance
from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.7/5 rating on the App Store and made it the most reliable insurance app in the country.
“When usingJerry, I just put in a bit of information, and they found lots of different quotes for me. I was paying $305 a month for 2 brand-new cars, but now I’m paying $150 a month for both with full coverage!” —Robin U.
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How long do Mazdas last?
If you keep on top of maintenance, Mazdas can last up to 300,000 miles.
Why is Mazda unreliable?
It’s important to know that reliability depends on more than the frequency of problems—affordability is also a big part of the equation!
But when it comes down to it, Mazda’s older and budget-friendly models often come with a higher rate of serious problems (think: engine failure, transmission issues, poor visibility, etc.) when they start to reach 100,000 miles. However, Mazda’s newer models have a low rate of serious problems, thanks to the durable engineering making Mazda well-rated by the pros.
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