Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5: known faults compared
Two of the family SUVs most often shortlisted together: similar size, similar prices, petrol and (in the RAV4’s case) hybrid versions.
The catalogue documents 63 faults for the Toyota RAV4 and 36 for the Mazda CX-5. That is a measure of how much has been recorded, which grows with how many were sold and for how long, not a reliability score.
At a glance
| Measure | Toyota RAV4 | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Documented faults | 63 | 36 |
| Rated major or critical | 57 | 32 |
| Rated common or very common | 34 | 19 |
| Typical repair | $600–$1,800 | $450–$2,200 |
| Model years covered | 1994–2023 | 2012–2023 |
| Fuel types with documented faults | hybrid, petrol | diesel, petrol |
| Service schedule on the model page | Yes | No |
Where the Toyota RAV4 goes wrong
Most likely to turn up
- 1AZ-FE Head Bolt Thread Pull-Out
- 2AR-FE Piston Ring Excessive Oil Consumption
- 2AZ-FE Excessive Engine Oil Consumption (Piston Ring Flutter)
Most expensive to fix
Where the Mazda CX-5 goes wrong
Most likely to turn up
- MZD Connect CMU Infotainment System Freeze and Black Screen Lockup
- SKYACTIV-D 2.2 Injector Fuel Return Pipe Cracking and Oil Dilution
- Brake Caliper Guide Pin Corrosion and Seizure
Most expensive to fix
Where the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 differ
- Electrical: 11 documented on the Toyota RAV4, 3 on the Mazda CX-5. The costliest on the Toyota RAV4 is XA40 Hybrid High-Voltage NiMH Battery Pack Degradation, at up to $10,000.
- Cooling: 8 documented on the Toyota RAV4, 0 on the Mazda CX-5. The costliest on the Toyota RAV4 is Hybrid Inverter Electric Cooling Pump Failure, at up to $12,000.
- Suspension: 13 documented on the Toyota RAV4, 7 on the Mazda CX-5. The costliest on the Toyota RAV4 is Electric Power Steering Rack Internal Rattle, at up to $4,500.
Both carry several documented faults in engine, suspension and electrical, so check those areas on either car.
Fault areas side by side
| Area | Toyota RAV4 | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 14 | 15 |
| Suspension | 13 | 7 |
| Electrical | 11 | 3 |
| Transmission | 8 | 2 |
| Cooling | 8 | 0 |
| Fluid Leaks | 6 | 1 |
| Brakes | 1 | 5 |
| Body & Rust | 1 | 3 |
| Interior | 1 | 0 |
How to read this comparison
These are documented faults, not failure rates. A car sold in bigger numbers, for more years, has more written about it. Neither list tells you about the car in front of you: that depends on its history and how it has been looked after. Use the lists to know what to check, then check it.
Checking one of these cars?
Type the plate for the free basics and the faults that apply to that exact car. The full history and the guided inspection are one-off paid checks, no subscription.
Questions
Which has more known problems, the Toyota RAV4 or the Mazda CX-5?
The catalogue documents 63 faults for the Toyota RAV4 and 36 for the Mazda CX-5. That is a measure of how much has been recorded, which grows with how many were sold and for how long, not a reliability score. Of those, 57 on the Toyota RAV4 and 32 on the Mazda CX-5 are rated major or critical. What matters more is whether the car in front of you has the specific faults its model is known for.
Which is cheaper to fix?
A typical documented repair runs $600 to $1,800 on the Toyota RAV4 and $450 to $2,200 on the Mazda CX-5, at New Zealand independent workshop rates. The expensive exceptions are listed on this page for each car, and they are the ones to check for before you buy.
What is the most expensive known fault on each?
On the Toyota RAV4 it is Hybrid Inverter Electric Cooling Pump Failure, documented at up to $12,000. On the Mazda CX-5 it is SkyActiv-D Exhaust Camshaft Lobe Premature Wear (Mazda TSB R073/15), documented at up to $7,000.