Comparison · family SUVs

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Mazda CX-5: which is more reliable?

The Volkswagen Tiguan does better at the MOT, with a score of 106 against 103 for the Mazda CX-5, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 300,528 real MOT tests in 2024.

Volkswagen Tiguan

106Above average
MOT tests235,248

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 testVolkswagen TiguanMazda CX-5
3–5 years
103Above average
102About average
6–9 years
107Above average
104Above average
10–14 years
107Above average
102Above average
15+ years
109Well above average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearVolkswagen TiguanMazda CX-5
202189.1%89.2%
202089.0%88.2%
201988.1%86.7%
201886.4%85.9%
201786.4%84.5%
201684.2%79.3%
201578.3%76.4%
201474.4%72.8%
201373.4%66.3%
201269.3%67.2%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaVolkswagen TiguanMazda CX-5
Suspension7.86.0
Tyres6.34.4
Brakes4.25.2
Lights & electrics4.03.6
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.13.3
Emissions & leaks1.91.9
Steering0.32.6
Body & chassis1.00.2

Volkswagen Tiguan: top failures

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.2%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.1%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.5%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

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 Volkswagen Tiguan or the Mazda CX-5?

The Volkswagen Tiguan does better at the MOT, with a score of 106 against 103 for the Mazda CX-5, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5 can be compared?

Both were tested for 10 registration years (2012–2021). The Volkswagen Tiguan had the higher pass rate in 9 of them and the Mazda CX-5 in 1.

What fails most on each?

Volkswagen Tiguan: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. Mazda CX-5: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively.