The following is copied verbatim from the May-June 2026 Consumer Reports’ cover story Most & Least Reliable Cars:

Mazda’s Dependability Drops

The Japanese automaker fell from its top ranking to mid-pack. What’s behind this year’s largest drop? For one thing, the consistently reliable CX-5 compact SUV has been redesigned and, therefore, isn’t included in our 2026 reliability ratings.

Another reason: Instead of conservatively reusing existing platforms or powertrains, the CX-70 and CX-90 use a newer engine, transmission, and rear-wheel drive-based platform. Both models are available as PHEVs, the automaker’s first. The result is a continuation of the problems observed in last year’s survey, including EV battery and EV motor issues for the PHEVs. All these SUVs score below or well below average.

The CX-70 and CX-90 are just two examples of why our experts advise against buying the first of second year of an all-new or redesigned model.

Mazda’s legacy models scored well, with the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback rating above average, while the CX-30, CX-50, and CX-50 Hybrid SUVs scored average.

Milt Baker, Pompano Beach, FL
Happy 2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring owner since new - 35,500 miles

 

So your think that "copied verbatim" makes it absolute unquestionable word !!!! LOL I bet your fun with politic as well LOL
It to bad that you only used one source.

When you gather information and want to support it at least state that you like and trust them. Otherwise, it only ONE SOURCE!
There have been a few questions regarding some of these reports over the years.
This again had you at least posted a couple of reputable and known sources then the reader of this thread could have a little balance.

BTW there is in the partially posted information already a flaw!!!

 

What is the flaw you speak of?

 

I quit relying on CU for 4x4 shopping about 18 years ago. In the old days, they would test such vehicles on and off-road and weight the results into the final rating. They stopped doing that with the off-road and started over-weighting the on road and economy portions. If I want a car to primarily use on the road and to get good fuel economy, I'm not going looking for a 4x4 in the first place. If I am looking for a 4x4, I want it rated as such. CU and I had some disagreements in subsequent years and when I wrote a letter I hoped would be posted in the letters section criticizing (in a polite and professional way) analysis of health insurance that I considered to be more ideologically than factually based, they cancelled my subscription with a message that they didn't need members like me. To their credit, they refunded the remaining balance on my multi-year subscription.

Interestingly enough, that only lasted about three years and, since then, I received at least one letter and/or email every two or three months wanting me back.I decided I didn't need subscriptions like that.

 

I have thought you more intelligent then to ask this...

Lets think of the dumb logic with this statement. Please think about this carefully the basic ramifications of such advise in the auto manufacturing industry before responding if you feel you must. I do remember were you stand in some long past thread regarding 1st year model releases.
Quote from post #1from CR "why our experts advise against buying the first of second year of an all-new or redesigned model."

Don't worry IMO this thread is really useless unless read for entertainment purposes if the first posting is thought to be the best source of information.

 

I didn't post that to get into a fight or an argument, nor present it as as the absolute truth. Instead, I posted it to start a discussion, which it seems to have done.

To shine more light on it, here's what ChatGPT has to say about the info in the Consumer Reports article:

Milt Baker, 2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

From ChatGPT: Consumer Reports is essentially making a very specific—and fairly common—point about automotive reliability: Mazda’s drop isn’t about the brand “getting worse” overall; it’s about the risks that come with new designs and new technology.

Here’s how to interpret what they’re saying.

1) The rankings are skewed by what’s included

Mazda has historically ranked near the top because of proven, mature models—especially the Mazda CX-5.

• The CX-5 was a high-volume, highly reliable model
• It has now been redesigned, so it’s excluded from the current reliability dataset
• That alone removes one of Mazda’s strongest performers from the averages

Translation:
Part of the “drop” is statistical—not necessarily a real decline in build quality.

2) New platforms = higher early failure rates

Mazda introduced two major new vehicles:

• Mazda CX-70
• Mazda CX-90

These are not simple updates—they represent a fundamental engineering shift:

• New rear-wheel-drive–based architecture
• New inline-6 engine
• New transmission
• First-time plug-in hybrid (PHEV) systems

That’s a lot of change at once. In reliability engineering terms, this increases:

• Design risk (untested systems)
• Integration risk (how components interact)
• Manufacturing variability (new processes)

3) The PHEV systems are the weak link

Consumer Reports highlights:

• EV battery issues
• EV motor issues

This is important context:

• Mazda is new to electrification at this level
• PHEVs combine two drivetrains (gas + electric), which increases complexity
• Early problems are common even for experienced manufacturers

Bottom line:
The reliability hit is coming disproportionately from the new hybrid technology, not traditional Mazda components.

4) This reinforces a long-standing buying rule

Consumer Reports’ advice:
Avoid the first or second model year of a redesign
That’s not Mazda-specific—it’s an industry-wide pattern:

• Early production runs often reveal unanticipated flaws
• Software (especially in hybrids/EVs) is frequently refined after launch

5) Legacy models still perform well

Mazda’s established lineup remains solid:

• Mazda3 → above average
• Mazda CX-30 → average
• Mazda CX-50 → average

That consistency suggests:

• Mazda’s core engineering discipline hasn’t eroded
• The issue is concentrated in new programs, not systemic

What this means in practical terms

If you’re evaluating Mazda:

• Safer bets: established models with several years of production history
• Higher risk (for now): CX-70 / CX-90, especially PHEV versions

If you’re interpreting the ranking:

• It reflects timing (new launches) more than brand decline
• Mazda is in a transition phase, moving upmarket and adding new tech

Bottom-line assessment

Consumer Reports is not saying Mazda has become unreliable. They’re saying:
Mazda is undergoing a major technological transition, and its newest, most complex vehicles are experiencing the typical early-stage reliability issues that come with that shift.
If Mazda stabilizes these platforms—as most manufacturers eventually do—you’d expect its rankings to rebound.

 

ChatGPT....... is a generative artificial intelligence chatbot ......OMG you are kidding right this is your second source of information. . At your age I am surprised you would use this as a source of information. You do realize that fact finding is not using an AI source right? Oh and this is also information about that AI..

• Bias: The training data may contain biases, which can be reflected in the responses.
  

ya...... you see your second source disregards the fact (maybe because it is not human) that before every new vehicle's technology is released and available on any given platform or model in those platforms the vehcle goes through extensive testing. So again, its BS to advise plus unreasonable to state not to buy a new vehicle because of new technologies? Let's think about many vehicles in time, some had issues unforeseen until a few years in service or 10 of thousands of miles. For Mazda we often see members posting TSBs even if they don't truly understand them or they don't even include their model , year or trim level. LOL.
The other BOG point is Mazda has a great new vehicle WARRANTY. So, cares if is the first year of new technologies your covered for at least 5 years.

This thread looks more negative towards Mazda and a member that owns a Mazda. And it presumes a lot when there is no established real world driving results mostly from owners that use a Mazda as a daily driver.


Just to be clear on a few forums now and we will for this sake of information state vehicle forums have an active AI member that will answer question that members ask on threads. The funny thing is many do not know that it is an AI even though it states as such in the signature that many never look and will carry ion a continuing conversation with the AI.
I am willing to bet if ask this threads topic it would answer many like the chatgpt. LOL

This is real......
member posted created information in profile

Hi! I'm (name withheld) — your A.I. community assistant, here to spark conversation and keep discussions flowing. Want my input? Just tag @*******(name withheld) in any thread and I'll chime in. I am part of the forum, ready and willing to serve the community in any way I can. I might not always get everything right, so it's a good idea to double-check important info.