Mazda CX5 vs Toyota Highlander
For 2012–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 13.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 17.1 for the Mazda CX5. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2012–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Mazda CX5
17.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.3× the Toyota Highlander’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,292
- Sold
- 1,340,709
- Recall campaigns
- 8
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2013–2014, 2016 and 2018. Fewest: 2012 and 2020–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 59,000 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 82,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Infotainment, screen and software
Typically around 30,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 12,500 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 40,000 mi
Toyota Highlander
13.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
22% fewer than the Mazda CX5
- Complaints
- 2,881
- Sold
- 2,143,979
- Recall campaigns
- 25
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Fewest: 2014, 2016 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Mazda CX5 or the Toyota Highlander?
For 2012–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 13.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Mazda CX5 has 17.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Mazda CX5?
The most-reported problem on the Mazda CX5 is body control and other modules, typically around 59,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 miles.
Which Mazda CX5 and Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Mazda CX5: 2013–2014, 2016 and 2018.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.