Comparison · family SUVs

Nissan Qashqai vs Mazda CX-5: which is more reliable?

The Mazda CX-5 does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 92 for the Nissan Qashqai, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 631,240 real MOT tests in 2024.

Nissan Qashqai

92Below average
MOT tests565,960

Mazda CX-5

103Above average
MOT tests65,280

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testNissan QashqaiMazda CX-5
3–5 years
102Above average
102About average
6–9 years
99About average
104Above average
10–14 years
83Well below average
102Above average
15+ years
75Well below average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearNissan QashqaiMazda CX-5
202189.9%89.2%
202089.7%88.2%
201985.7%86.7%
201882.3%85.9%
201779.6%84.5%
201675.7%79.3%
201572.0%76.4%
201467.5%72.8%
201355.1%66.3%
201250.8%67.2%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaNissan QashqaiMazda CX-5
Suspension16.76.0
Lights & electrics13.53.6
Brakes11.05.2
Tyres6.44.4
Steering6.42.6
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.23.3
Body & chassis4.60.2
Emissions & leaks2.91.9

Nissan Qashqai: top failures

  1. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.8%
  2. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.4%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.9%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.8%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%

Mazda CX-5: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Nissan Qashqai or the Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 92 for the Nissan Qashqai, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX-5 can be compared?

Both were tested for 10 registration years (2012–2021). The Nissan Qashqai had the higher pass rate in 2 of them and the Mazda CX-5 in 8.

What fails most on each?

Nissan Qashqai: track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. Mazda CX-5: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively.