Mazda's lineup has 635 recorded NHTSA recalls across 27 models (1981–2026) and averages 3.9/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Mazda's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Mazda — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Mazda, originating from Japan, has built a strong reputation for sporty handling, refined interiors, and a distinctive design aesthetic that sets them apart in the automotive landscape. Often favored by drivers who appreciate a more engaging driving experience and premium quality, Mazda continues to innovate with its Skyactiv technology. ForCar.org allows you to decode any MAZDA VIN to instantly access full vehicle specifications, recall history, and comprehensive details about your Mazda’s past.
Decode a Mazda VIN
Enter any 17-character Mazda VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Mazda models 27
Every Mazda model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Mazda SUVs & crossovers 8
Mazda Cars & sedans 8
Mazda More models 11
Mazda recalls
Across the Mazda lineup, ForCar tracks 635 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Mazda recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Mazda model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda6 | 86 | 3.5 /5 |
| Mazda Mazda3 | 58 | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda Tribute | 56 | 3.5 /5 |
| Mazda 626 | 50 | 3.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 47 | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda MPV | 44 | 3.5 /5 |
| Mazda RX-8 | 42 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mazda Protege | 35 | 3.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-7 | 29 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mazda MX-6 | 23 | 3.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Mazda: Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Mazda reliable?
Across rated models, Mazda averages a 3.9/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 15 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Mazda competes in mass-market segments but positions itself one tier above Toyota and Honda on driving dynamics, interior craftsmanship and design — what the brand calls premium-mainstream. The CX-50, CX-70 and CX-90 represent Mazda's 2022-2024 push upmarket using a longitudinal-engine inline-six platform shared across the larger SUVs. Mazda is one of the few independent automakers, having ended its 22-year capital alliance with Ford in 2015.
Mazda models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Mazda model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda 626 | 3,356 | 3.5 /5 |
| Mazda Mazda3 | 2,996 | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda Mazda6 | 2,253 | 3.5 /5 |
| Mazda Tribute | 2,160 | 3.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2,142 | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 1,463 | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda Protege | 1,196 | 3.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-7 | 1,129 | 4.0 /5 |
| Mazda MPV | 1,045 | 3.5 /5 |
| Mazda RX-8 | 814 | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Mazda models
The most fuel-efficient Mazda models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | 38 mpg | Car |
| Mazda CX-50 | 38 mpg | Car |
| Mazda Mazda3 | 36 mpg | Car |
| Mazda 626 | 33 mpg | Car |
| Mazda Tribute | 32 mpg | Car |
| Mazda RX-8 | 31 mpg | Car |
| Mazda CX-3 | 31 mpg | Car |
| Mazda MX-5 | 30 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Mazda models
Mazda models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Mazda model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-50 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-30 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-90 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-9 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-3 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda CX-70 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Mazda Mazda3 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Mazda hybrids & electric models
Mazda's electrified lineup — 6 hybrids. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Mazda hybrids 6
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Mazda window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Mazda's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Mazda window stickers →How to read a Mazda VIN
Every Mazda built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Mazda |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Mazda VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Mazda
Toyo Cork Kogyo was founded in Hiroshima in 1920 to manufacture cork. Jujiro Matsuda took over in 1921 and pivoted the company to machine tools and trucks. The 1967 Cosmo Sport became the second mass-produced rotary-engine car after NSU. The 1989 MX-5 Miata revived the affordable roadster segment and has produced over 1.2 million units across four generations, with the world record for highest-selling two-seat sports car certified by Guinness in 2016.
| Founded | 1920 |
| Headquarters | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Slogan | "Zoom-Zoom" |
| Models tracked | 27 (1981–2026) |
Mazda — frequently asked
How do I decode a Mazda VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Mazda models are there?
ForCar tracks 27 Mazda models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Mazda made?
Mazda is headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan, founded in 1920. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Mazda recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Mazda model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Mazda is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Mazda warranty?
New Mazda vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Mazda dealer.