Mazda5 reliability - how does it compare?

[P5w3kids]

In late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research at TrueDelta.com. We're reporting absolute repair rates, not just dots, to make the differences between cars much clearer. We're also promptly updating results four times a year, to track cars closely as they age.

Thanks to the help of this forum and its members, for which I am very grateful, we've been reporting results for the Mazda5 for a while now. But more participants remain needed.

Participants report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members will receive full access to the results free of charge.

Details: Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[bulwnkl]

I've been on the panel with our 5 for months. Not much to report except I hate the headrests and the car is (otherwise) great!

[P5w3kids]

Thanks, I appreciate your help.

As you probably recognize, I only collect data currently on problems that can be repaired, not the more subjective items like the headrest. The latter is also valuable info, but much more problematic to put numbers on.

Current counts: 37 2006s and 9 2007s.

Only 14 of the 37 2006 owners have responded this month, an usually low percentage. I need 15 responses to post results to the members-only part of the results, and 20 for the public page. (Results based on fewer than 20 responses I don't consider official.)

In other words, if you're signed up but haven't responded yet this month, please do so. This is the survey you access through links in the email I send.

[P5w3kids]

The Mazda5 is among the asterisked unofficial results this month. There were not enough responses to make the results official, just 16. The minimum for the results to be considered official is 25.

The average repair rate was fairly high from this limited number of responses, 0.9 successful repair trips per year. With more responses, it would be clearer whether or not this result is accurate.

If you helped make these results possible, thanks. If you're not currently helping out, please consider doing so.

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results (http://www.truedelta.com/results0307.php)

[AIMWO4]

Are these results for North American versions only?(poke)

[P5w3kids]

Sorry for the delayed response, I was on vacation.

Unless there are major product differences, such as those with the Honda Accord and Ford Focus, I don't currently separate out results by region. In the future I will be noting any differences by powertrain.

[monsta]

I just signed up. Thing is, I've not had to do anything to my 06 5 nor my 07 5. Especially since my 07 only has 1200 miles. :)

Does it report favorable if there is someone registered with you but doesn't report problems? Or must I report that there were/are no problems?

[P5w3kids]

The data are collected going forward to minimize bias, so your repair history isn't relevant (except to the separate and optional Repair History Survey).

The process works like this:

1. Report any repairs the month after they happen

2. Report an approximate odometer reading the first month then at the end of every quarter, even if there have been no repairs; only cars that "check in" at the end of the quarter are included in the analysis

[starlightmica]

Michael -

Are the 06 and 07 differing enough in your survey to keep their data separate?

- Rich

[P5w3kids]

Other people have suggested that I combine model years. I'm wary of this. All kinds of unpublicized design changes can occur from year to year, and older vehicles are, well, older. At some point that's bound to make a difference.

There's also a paradox involved: if I had enough responses to tell whether the two samples could responsibly be combined, there would be little reason to combine them. As it is, I don't have nearly enough responses for the 2007.

[slvrsleeper]

I and my 2007 have just signed up. I am also interested in joining the fuel economy survey as I suspect my car is returning above average economy (30.1 MPG average calculated over the last ten tanks) Glad to help.

[P5w3kids]

Thanks for joining. Sounds like you have an optimal mix of driving for the Mazda5. That's extremely good fuel economy.

Still only 19 2007s. Very much need more.

Auto reliability research -- especially need more 2007s! (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[AIMWO4]

How the heck are you doing that? I take it you are on the highway a lot. It's funny... I have a 2.3 mile commute which makes for lousy gas mileage (especially in snow). But a tank will last me forever. When I get good gas mileage, the tank lasts me 3 or 4 days.


I and my 2007 have just signed up. I am also interested in joining the fuel economy survey as I suspect my car is returning above average economy (30.1 MPG average calculated over the last ten tanks) Glad to help.

[slvrsleeper]

Aimwo4 I have a very long reasonably steady speed commute that happens to fall right in the sweet spot of this cars "economy zone" 68 miles one way at an average speed of 60 MPH. When I flog it mercilessly my mileage falls off to about 26 MPG but most of the time I am between 29 and 30 MPG. A tank lasts me 400-420 miles like clockwork. And yes I do love this car...

[AIMWO4]

That sounds about right. I just went from Dec 24th - Jan 12 on a tank. I only went about 250 miles on 11.9 gallons, but look how long I went! (bow)


Aimwo4 I have a very long reasonably steady speed commute that happens to fall right in the sweet spot of this cars "economy zone" 68 miles one way at an average speed of 60 MPH. When I flog it mercilessly my mileage falls off to about 26 MPG but most of the time I am between 29 and 30 MPG. A tank lasts me 400-420 miles like clockwork. And yes I do love this car...

[slvrsleeper]

(nana)Damn! If I went that long between fill-ups I would forget which side of the car the gas door was on every time! LOL I'm glad I dont drive something bigger that gets really crummy mileage. For example a Suburban or Escalade at 12 MPGX26 gallons=312 mile range, divide by my daily total 136 miles = me getting a Friend Of OPEC sticker!

[AIMWO4]

Funny! I do have to look at my gas guage to jar my mind as to which side the filler cap is on.


(nana)Damn! If I went that long between fill-ups I would forget which side of the car the gas door was on every time! LOL I'm glad I dont drive something bigger that gets really crummy mileage. For example a Suburban or Escalade at 12 MPGX26 gallons=312 mile range, divide by my daily total 136 miles = me getting a Friend Of OPEC sticker!

[P5w3kids]

Aimwo4 I have a very long reasonably steady speed commute that happens to fall right in the sweet spot of this cars "economy zone" 68 miles one way at an average speed of 60 MPH. When I flog it mercilessly my mileage falls off to about 26 MPG but most of the time I am between 29 and 30 MPG. A tank lasts me 400-420 miles like clockwork. And yes I do love this car...

60 MPH would be around the sweet spot. Maybe a bit lower. Above that and the engine is spinning too fast.

Back to the main topic, there will be updated results for the 2006 and 2007 in a week or so. The latter result will be asterisked for insufficient sample size. Additional participants would be very helpful for all years.

Details and links to the enrollment form here:

Vehicle reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[rweatherford]

I'm doing all I can. ;)

[bulwnkl]

I keep trying, too. There's just never anything to report!
:)

[AIMWO4]

I've managed to up my mileage due to a few trips to Boulder. I spend about 35 miles each way on the freeway, unless I go the foothill route (hilly). I've had 2 of 3 of my last tanks over 30 MPG.

I took a survey for my other van at True Delta, but it added a Dodge Caravan to my account.

[P5w3kids]

People who've had no repairs are just as important as those who have. We want an accurate estimate of the average repair rate.

The latest results have been posted. The 2006 and 2007 both did better than the average--initial problems with the 2006 now seem to be behind it.

No result for the 2008 because not enough owners have signed up to participate.


For the full set of results, and sign up to help (if you haven't already):

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results (http://www.truedelta.com/latest_results.php)

[P5w3kids]

Latest results of the survey recently posted. The repair record for the 2006 is about average, maybe a bit better. The 2007 appears to require fewer repairs, but the sample size is marginal, so that result is asterisked. Not enough participants for the 2008.

Additional participants needed for the Mazda5, especially for the 2007 and 2008, for more complete results next time.

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results (http://www.truedelta.com/latest_results.php)

[P5w3kids]

It's been three months, so the results for the Mazda5 have been updated again.

Repair rates, in terms of successful repair trips per 100 vehicles per year:

2006: 68, about average

2007: 17, much better than average--but small sample size

2008: not quite enough owners signed up

Additional participants would be very helpful for all years, and especially 2007 on.

For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results (http://www.truedelta.com/latest_results.php)

[rweatherford]

Did my part this month!

[AIMWO4]

It looks like I'll be taking mine in for the front bushing (and possible steering) crunching, squeaking and popping issue. It is very cold and dry today which seems to have caused all sorts of strange front end noises.

[bulwnkl]

I'm in, as always. I really appreciate the site and the information. Happily, I basically never have anything to report! :)

[P5w3kids]

Thanks, guys, I appreciate it.

We especially need more 2007s and 2008s. The latter year is just six owners short of being included in the main survey, and I'd like to get it in there.

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[AIMWO4]

Mine went back to making the noises. I'll probably upgrade suspension on my own (with 3 parts) after the warranty is up.


It looks like I'll be taking mine in for the front bushing (and possible steering) crunching, squeaking and popping issue. It is very cold and dry today which seems to have caused all sorts of strange front end noises.

[P5w3kids]

TrueDelta has released updated Car Reliability Survey results for the Mazda5.

The 2006 Mazda5 repair rate continues to be about average, though it's now close to being "better than average."

The reported repair rate for the 2007 Mazda5 is much lower, suggesting that reliability improved for the second model year, but the sample size is small.

The 2008 and 2009 are not yet included in the survey--need more owners to sign up first. The 2008 is close...

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November, so additional participants would certainly be helpful. Especially for the 2007+.

TrueDelta now has a separate results page for each model. The one of the Mazda5:

Mazda Mazda5 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173&email=Guest)

There's also a page with the descriptions of all reported repairs.

[P5w3kids]

131 Mazda5s signed up so far. A good start, but more remain needed to cover all model years the way we do for the Mazda3.

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[sapacif]

I just entered my TrueDelta reliability info for this quarter and, as usual, nothing to report. I see the 2008 still does not have enough owners reporting.

My overall gas mileage is consistently 26-27 mpg.

I have actually seen about five other Mazda5s in San Antonio in the last three months. Of course, I am not in a position to contact them when I see them. (I think most of them are a Sport model.) The one other Mazda5 owner I did talk to said their car was also an Enterprise Rental fleet car. North Park Mazda here in San Antonio claims to be the largest Mazda seller in the USA, and I have seen a lot of Mazda5s on the lot. They must be selling them out of town.

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda5 to include owner experiences through March 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2007: 15, better than average, but small sample size

2006: 78, about average

A big thanks to this forum and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years. The 2008 was recently added to the survey, but we probably still need a few more participants to get it into future results.

Mazda Mazda5 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173&email=Guest)

[P5w3kids]

Number of owners currently signed up:

2006: 69

2007: 33

2008: 25

2009: 17

So, especially need more for 2007 and up so we can provide full results for these years.

Help us provide a full result for your year:

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda5 to include owner experiences through June 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2007: 22, better than average, but small sample size

2006: 75, about average

A big thanks to this forum and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mazda Mazda5 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173&email=Guest)

[P5w3kids]

All four model years now in the survey, but more participants still especially needed for 2007 and up.

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

Updated results again later this month.

We're going to start providing new stats for the odds of requiring no repairs and the odds of getting a lemon. These require larger sample sizes, so additional participants would be helpful.

For the details, and to sign up:

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda5 to include owner experiences through September 30, 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: no repairs reported yet, 17 owners reporting (small sample size)

2008: insufficient responses

2007: 34, better than average

2006: 72, about average

We've also introduced two new statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

For the 2006, the percentage with no repairs is about 57, and the percentage of lemons is about 4. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

A big thank you, once again, to Antoine, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mazda Mazda5 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173&email=Guest)

[P5w3kids]

169 Mazda5 owners now signed up. A good start, but more are needed to provide precise results for all model years.

Not yet signed up? Details here:

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda5 to include owner experiences through December 31, 2009. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: no repairs reported yet, 17 owners reporting (small sample size)

2008: 33, better than average, very small sample size

2007: 43, better than average

2006: 77, about average

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

For the 2006, the percentage with no repairs is about 57, and the percentage of lemons is about 7. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

A big thank you, once again, to Antoine, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mazda Mazda5 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173&email=Guest)

[P5w3kids]

Just enhanced the related repair history survey so that it can (optionally) be used as a personal car maintenance record.

As always, more participants would be helpful. Updated Car Reliability Survey results in May, with a preview for participants next month.

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda5 to include owner experiences through March 31, 2010. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: 10, better than average, small sample size

2008: 23, better than average, small sample size

2007: 35, better than average

2006: 79, about average, common problems with the front suspension, some rust where roads are salted

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

For the 2006, the percentage with no repairs is about 49, and the percentage of lemons is about 3. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

A big thank you, once again, to Antoine, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Mazda Mazda5 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173&email=Guest)

[P5w3kids]

214 Mazda5 owners now signed up. A good start, but more are needed to provide precise results for all model years.

To help provide better information on your year:

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda5 to include owner experiences through June 30, 2010.

Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the more recent months until the summer or even fall of next year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: no repairs reported yet, 18 participants

2009: 7, better than average

2008: 45, about average, small sample size

2007: 38, better than average

2006: 79, about average, common problems with the front suspension, some rust where roads are salted

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

For the 2006, the percentage with no repairs is about 53, and the percentage of lemons is about 7. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

Thank you, once again, to this forum and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in November and February.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Mazda Mazda5 reliability comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173)

[P5w3kids]

Starting this month we have a new question to measure, as objectively as possible, the severity of a problem. Many people have been asking for reliability stats that weight problems by how severe they are, and once we have enough responses with the revised survey we'll start providing this.

Also, updated reliability stats this month.

As always, the more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

Car reliability research (http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda5 to include owner experiences through September 30, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of next year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: no repairs reported yet, 22 participants

2009: 24, better than average

2008: 38, better than average, small sample size

2007: 36, better than average

2006: 75, about average, common problems with the front suspension, some rust where roads are salted

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

For the 2006, the percentage with no repairs is about 59, and the percentage of lemons is about 3. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

Thank you, once again, to Antoine, this forum, andd everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in February and May.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Mazda Mazda5 reliability ratings and comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated results for the Mazda5 to include owner experiences through December 31, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of this year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 14, better than average

2009: 20, better than average

2008: 82, about average, small sample size

2007: 29, better than average

2006: 65, about average, common problems with the front suspension, some rust where roads are salted

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

For the 2006, the percentage with no repairs is about 58, and the percentage of lemons is less than one. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Mazda Mazda5 reliability ratings and comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated our car reliability stats for the Mazda5 to include owner experiences through March 31, 2011.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 19, better than average

2009: 26, better than average

2008: 118, worse than average, very common problems with rear shocks and swaybar bushings

2007: 24, better than average

2006: 54, better than average, common problems with the front suspension, some rust where roads are salted

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

For the 2006, the percentage with no repairs is about 54, and the percentage of lemons is less than one. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants we could provide more precise results and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Mazda Mazda5 reliability ratings and comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173)

[P5w3kids]

We have updated our car reliability stats for the Mazda5 to include owner experiences through June 30, 2011.
Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 15, better than average

2009: 58, about average

2008: 117, worse than average, very common problems with rear shocks and swaybar bushings

2007: 30, better than average

2006: 54, better than average, common problems with the front suspension, some rust where roads are salted

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.
For the 2006, the percentage with no repairs is about 66, and the percentage of lemons is less than one. These stats require more data, so we don't yet have them for other model years.

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants we could provide more precise results and cover all model years.
To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Mazda Mazda5 reliability ratings and comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173)

[Robotaz]

So the 2007 and 2009 models had the number of incidents go down two months? Huh?

[P5w3kids]

So the 2007 and 2009 models had the number of incidents go down two months? Huh?

It sounds like you might be misreading something. What are you seeing?

[j3nsmz5]

So from I understand is 2007 and 2010 has the fewest trips to repair shops?...

[Robotaz]

It sounds like you might be misreading something. What are you seeing?

I think I am misreading something. So the stat will change in the negative direction as you add more owners who do not report an issue than owners who do?

[sapacif]

I think I am misreading something. So the stat will change in the negative direction as you add more owners who do not report an issue than owners who do?
I think you are correct but maybe I don't understand, either. I have a 2008 Mazda 5 in South Texas and I have had a window switch and a thermostat go bad in two years at 36,000 miles; both were under warranty. I just don't see the shock/sway-bar issue mentioned. The 2008 Mazda 5 went from above average to below average in just a few months. Isn't the suspension the same on all the Mazda 5s? Why would the 2008 be worse than others? It must be the sample makeup.

[Robotaz]

I think you are correct but maybe I don't understand, either. I have a 2008 Mazda 5 in South Texas and I have had a window switch and a thermostat go bad in two years at 36,000 miles; both were under warranty. I just don't see the shock/sway-bar issue mentioned. The 2008 Mazda 5 went from above average to below average in just a few months. Isn't the suspension the same on all the Mazda 5s? Why would the 2008 be worse than others? It must be the sample makeup.

There were TSBs and changes to the suspension over the years. They were minor changes that apparently did little to silence the complaints.

[P5w3kids]

One thing that might not be clear is that the stats are always based on the previous year. When a repair occurred more than a year before the stated end date, it's no longer included in the analysis.

There were some suspension repairs reported by owners of the 2007s, but these generally occurred over a year ago.

This said, owners of the 2008s are now reporting more suspension problems than owners of the 2007s ever did.

So it looks like Mazda's suspension "fixes" with the 2008 refresh actually caused more problems than they solved.

Not many suspension repairs reported for the 2009s yet. Two possibilities:

1. Mazda fixed them with further revisions

2. The 2009s don't have enough miles on them yet, and owners will start reporting problems soon

[P5w3kids]

We have updated our car reliability stats for the Mazda5 (on our redesigned site) to include owner experiences through September 30, 2011.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2010: 28, better than average

2009: 49, about average

2008: 130, worse than average, very common problems with rear shocks and swaybar bushings

2007: 29, better than average

2006: 59, better than average, common problems with the front suspension, some rust where roads are salted

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds," to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop.

2010: 75, < 1

2006: 54, 3

Nada-odds and Lemon-odds car reliability stats (http://www.truedelta.com/latest-lemon-odds.php)

Thank you, once again, to Antoine, this forum, and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates later this month and in May. With more participants we could provide more precise results and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Mazda Mazda5 reliability ratings and comparisons (http://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability.php?stage=pt&bd=Mazda&mc=173)