Are Mazdas Expensive To Maintain?

Are Mazdas expensive to maintain? When considering a Mazda, maintenance costs naturally come to mind. Spending money occasionally on repairs might be a challenge for some. But it’s hardly a concern for others, especially those used to luxury brands like BMW, Lexus, or Audi. So, what feels expensive or affordable depends on your budget and spending habits.

According to Repairpal, Mazda’s annual maintenance cost is $462, lower than the $652 industry average.

I will clarify all your doubts about Mazda repair services, their cost, and all other related things.

Are Mazdas Expensive to Maintain?

Mazda aims to produce affordable luxury cars. Low-cost maintenance makes owning Mazdas even easier, keeping such automobiles in tip-top shape without requiring a bank loan.

Mazda sports cars are cheap, sleek, and stylish, yet surprisingly fast for their class. Does maintenance cost more than for other vehicles? Not at all. When you compare Mazda to luxury brands like Audi, Lexus, or BMW, whether for a simple engine tune-up or an oil change, Mazda’s maintenance remains affordable and won’t hit you with high-priced bills.

You can also save on repair fees through dealership promotions, such as coupons. That may seem high when comparing Mazda repairs to those of budget brands such as Toyota or Honda. However, Mazda’s repair costs are significantly lower than those of luxury brands.

For basic routine maintenance, such as oil changes or minor tune-ups, you will typically pay only about $50 to $80. For instance, major engine tune-ups should not cost you more than $400, which is reasonable. Following the recommended maintenance schedule helps prevent larger, more expensive repairs later.

To cut costs, consider buying an old Mazda. They are well-built, extremely reliable cars that last a long time, so a used, higher-mileage one could provide you with years of dependable service. Remember to compare prices at different dealers before committing.

Repair Vs. Maintenance

Well, there is a difference between maintenance and repair costs. Maintenance includes routine services like oil changes and tire rotations, whereas repairs are extra costs incurred through unplanned problems or malfunctions. Although general estimates often combine maintenance and repair costs, it’s useful to know the difference between them to determine where you’re spending your money.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Car

Buying a used car can be a wise decision when vehicle prices are on the higher side or when you are on a tight budget. It could be a bargain for a good car at a low price. Just to make sure you remember: the price of the vehicle is not just one expense you should consider. You will also need to factor in the costs of keeping the car fit over the years. The owner’s manual will detail the required services for your vehicle, which can add up in cost over time.

Before buying a car, always test drive and get a mechanic to check it. A vehicle may look great in pictures or have impressive specifications, but it might not feel right during a test drive or could have hidden issues. A test drive can improve your intuitive feeling about the car, while a mechanic could find hidden issues that could cost you money later on.

Just like that, even after maintenance, every automobile will need repairs. Being aware of some common faults and their costs might help you select a better car while preventing surprises when you buy it.

Luxury vs. Affordable Brands

Luxury car brands Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Cadillac are all known for high quality and reliability but usually carry higher purchase and repair costs.

On the contrary, the cheap cars produced by brands such as Chevy, Ford, Toyota, and Honda are always easier on the wallet and still provide dependable vehicles.

Mazda is good for people who want it to be stylish and durable but not very expensive. Many people love Mazda because it combines the best things from all brands into one machine. However, while Mazdas has a reputation for reliability, knowing the possible maintenance and ownership costs is important before buying one.

Do research well before making a decision. Check all the purchase prices, maintenance costs, repair costs, and car history. This way, you can find a better car that meets your needs and fits your budget.

How Often Do Mazdas Break Down?

Mazda cars are incredibly reliable, and they hardly ever break down. Their sturdy build gives you so much confidence that you might never even need to visit the service center in your lifetime.

A Mazda should last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, not including repair. With added repairs and thorough maintenance, it could go to 300,000 miles. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and check-ups, can significantly extend the car’s lifespan.

How Mazda Compares with Other Automakers

RepairPal rates the sturdiness of a Mazda at 4.0 out of a maximum of 5.0, which positions this brand fifth in the ranking of 32 car manufacturers worldwide.

According to RepairPal Mazdas are expected to be repaired by a mechanic 0.4 times a year, the same as the average industry standard.

Furthermore, RepairPal indicates that about 90% of Mazda issues are minor—significantly better than the industry average, where only 12% of issues fall into this minor category.

Here is how Mazda compares as far as the car maintenance and repairs cost when compared to some of the other most frequently driven vehicles in America:

Make	Average Maintenance & Repair Costs
Mazda	$631 per year
Honda	$585 per year
Toyota	$602 per year
Ford	$1,059 per year
BMW	$1,323 per year

Mazda Maintenance and Repair Costs by Model

Thus, Mazda is quite price-competitive compared to giants such as Ford and BMW, which boast excessive maintenance charges. Mazda’s annual maintenance and repair work closely reflect those of its reliable rivals, Toyota and Honda.

Mazda vehicles, on average, have a range of maintenance and repair costs that vary by model. In other words, the Mazda model you drive determines the maintenance cost.

Below are the averages for three common Mazda models:

Mazda CX-5 Maintenance

Repair Item	Average Cost
Clutch Replacement	$502 – $603
Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement	$300 – $355
Fuel Tank Replacement	$1,087 – $1,190
Stabilizer Bar Link Kit Replacement	$84 – $98
Brake Booster Replacement	$601 – $685
Battery Test	$35 – $44
Battery Replacement	$226 – $233
Wheel Replacement	$635 – $647
Rack and Pinion Replacement	$711 – $797
Engine Oil Cooler Replacement	$354 – $398

Mazda CX-3 Maintenance

Repair Item	Average Cost
Powertrain Control Module Replacement	$867 – $888
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement	$298 – $343
Drive Axle Assembly Leak Inspection	$44 – $56
Powertrain Control System Diagnosis & Testing	$44 – $56
Variable Valve Timing Actuator Replacement	$847 – $905
Window Regulator Replacement	$184 – $235
Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement	$370 – $437
Emergency Brake Cable Replacement	$176 – $192
Stabilizer Bushing Replacement	$194 – $238
Axle Shaft Seal Replacement	$124 – $154

Mazda MX-5 Miata Maintenance

Repair Item	Average Cost
Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement	$237 – $295
Transmission Fluid Change	$140 – $154
Engine Leak Inspection	$88 – $111
Anti-lock Brake System Inspection	$79 – $100
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection	$132 – $167
Fuel Injector Replacement	$472 – $560
Stabilizer Bushing Replacement	$91 – $123
Emergency Brake Cable Replacement	$184 – $214
MAP Sensor Replacement	$284 – $334
Neutral Safety Switch Replacement	$274 – $334

Mazda 3 Maintenance

Repair Item	Average Cost
Air Bag Control Module Replacement	$657 – $671
Blower Motor Resistor Replacement	$447 – $582
Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement	$184 – $216
A/C Refrigerant Pressure Switch Replacement	$256 – $266
Anti-lock Brake System Inspection	$79 – $100
Powertrain Control System Diagnosis & Testing	$44 – $56
Noise Diagnosis	$88 – $111
Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement	$550 – $595
Trailing Arm Replacement	$443 – $489
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Relearn	$35 – $44

These figures are estimates from RepairPal and have not been adjusted for inflation. The average shows that the CX-9 costs a bit more for maintenance than the CX-5 and Mazda3, but in general, they are not so bad for car owners.

Mazda Maintenance Schedule

It is not the same for all vehicles concerning the Mazda maintenance schedule, so always check the owner’s manual and contact your local dealership for further inquiries. Be sure to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure your vehicle remains in top condition, as skipping it could void your warranty.

A general understanding of the intervals for performing regular maintenance is as follows:

Oil and filter changes: Every 12 months or 10,000 miles.
Fuel system Inspection, steering, and suspension, including cabin air filter replacement: Every 24 months or 20,000 miles.
Spark plug replacement: Every 48 months or 40,000 miles.

A few recent Mazda models now feature a monitor that alerts you when maintenance is due. A wrench icon will light up on your dashboard, indicating that it is time for service—usually after driving about 10,000 miles within a year.

Service	Engine Oil & Filter	Engine Air Filter	Engine Coolant	Fuel Lines & Hoses	Brake Fluid	Tires	Cabin Air Filter	Spark Plugs	Other Components
Every 7,500 miles	Replace					Inspect			Inspect
Every 10,000 miles					Replace	Rotate & Inspect			Inspect
Every 15,000 miles	Replace	Replace		Inspect		Inspect		Inspect	Inspect
Every 30,000 miles	Replace	Replace		Inspect		Rotate & Inspect	Replace	Inspect	Inspect
Every 60,000 miles	Replace	Replace		Inspect	Replace	Rotate & Inspect	Replace	Replace	Inspect
At 120,000 miles	Replace	Replace	Replace	Inspect	Replace	Rotate & Inspect	Replace	Replace	Inspect

Common Mazda Problems

All potential negative points concerning a Mazda shopping experience or use should be known before the purchase.

Below are some well-known Mazda problems you should be aware of:

Brakes

The brake power unit, the brake booster, and plain brakes are issues noticed across several Mazda models. The need for a replacement might not be obvious at first, but if you know your way around repairs and can find a quality replacement at a good price, the fix is quite simple.

Clutch

Mazdas may have clutches wearing out sooner than anticipated, leading to driveability problems or, if not fixed in time, clutch failure. Clutches often suffer from issues related to defective pins, bearings, and release levers. This concern was addressed with the redesign of its clutch assembly in 2014. This redesign eliminated such issues in modern Mazda vehicles.

Premature Engine Failure

Of course, engine problems are costly and serious. Several Mazda engines have exhibited misfiring due to failed ignition coils, problems in variable valve timing, and issues relating to failed cooling fan modules. Others present oil leaks, cooling system issues, and water pump failures, which entail the stalling of an engine or its premature demise.

Takata Airbags

Mazda was caught in the mass recall initiated by Takata. Models including CX-7, CX-9, RX-8, and Mazda’s flagship vehicle, the Mazda6, have been included in this list. Many airbags have been replaced, so it is necessary to check whether the existing second-hand airbag has been repaired.

Transmission Failure

Transmission hard shifting or slipping is a common report from many Mazda owners. Though the transmission repair or replacement can be expensive, it is still cheaper than an engine replacement. The way you drive can help keep your transmission from failing early.

Most Reliable Mazda Models

While there are some Mazda models that are best avoided, a few stand out as particularly reliable:

MX-5 Miata

The Miata’s presence on this list is a no-brainer, as it is one of Mazda’s beloved models among fans and is recognized in history for its reliability. With minimal maintenance and repair costs for a sports car, it is quite amazing that the Miata is dependable because sports cars generally incur higher maintenance overhead.

CX-9

Low maintenance expenses combined with no recalls make the 2022 Mazda CX-9 a great option. The older 2009 CX-9 has had recalls, but from then on, the 2012 and 2022 have had some of the best reliability ratings, with RepairPal giving them a straight 4 stars out of 5.

CX-5

Another reliable one is the CX-5, so the 2022 CX-5 has these same attributes of further low recalls and maintenance costs. Still, the 2015 CX-5 had severe problems: fuel leaking, steering assembly failures, rear liftgates malfunctioning, and windshield sensor interference. However, the improvements in the newer cars are considerable.

Mazda3

The Mazda 3 hatchback has received high reliability marks for a few model years, including 2010 and 2018. More problems arose, however, in 2016 and 2019. The 2016 Mazda3 had serious safety recall issues reported by the NHTSA, which should be a red flag if you are considering a used model from that year.

Least Reliable Mazda Models

Some older Mazda models have been known for having more severe issues. It’s a good idea to avoid the following:

2004 Mazda RX-8
2009 Mazda CX-7 and Mazda6
Mazda 626

These models have a reputation for being problematic, so if you want to buy a used car, it’s best to stay away from these cars.

So, Are Mazdas Reliable?

Mazda has an average reliability rating when viewed fairly for their more recent models.

Mazda does not have the same track record for reliability or brand loyalty as Honda or Toyota. Nevertheless, Mazda continues to improve and serves as an excellent alternative for those seeking an affordable yet luxurious-looking, practical car.

Otherwise, if you are after a performance car coupled with reliability, newer Mazda models CX-5, CX-9, and Miata are great picks. However, be alert to recall and/or major issues when sourcing these used models.