What years of the Mazda B-Series should you avoid?

The 2005 and 2007 B-Series drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA: at least 2× a typical B-Series model year (11). The most-reported problem areas in those years are the air bags, brakes and speed control. Check that a used one has had its recall repairs done before buying.

What is the best year for the Mazda B-Series?

Among model years at least three years old, the 2006 and 2008 B-Series drew the fewest owner complaints. Of those, the 2006 has the best Lemon Score (74/100).

Mazda B-Series years to avoid

Every Mazda B-Series model year ranked by the owner complaints and recalls filed with NHTSA, with crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy, so you know which years to skip and which to shortlist.

Mazda B-Series years to avoid

2005 and 2007

At least 2× the owner complaints of a typical B-Series year (11).

Best Mazda B-Series years to buy

2006 and 2008

Fewest owner complaints among model years at least three years old.

Owners of the 2005 and 2007 B-Series most often reported air bags, brakes and speed control problems, including 1 crash and 1 fire reports.

Mazda B-Series by year

Year	Lemon Score	Owner complaints	NHTSA stars	Best fuel economy
2010	92· Low lemon risk	0	—	—
2009	86· Low lemon risk	4	—	—
2008Fewest complaints	72· Some concerns	11	—	—
2007Most complaints	42· Elevated lemon risk	37	—	—

Sources: NHTSA (complaints, recalls, NCAP ratings) and U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Complaint counts aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer model years have had less time to collect complaints. * Provisional score. How the Lemon Score works.

Mazda B-Series years to avoid: common questions

What years of the Mazda B-Series should you avoid?: The 2005 and 2007 B-Series drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA: at least 2× a typical B-Series model year (11). The most-reported problem areas in those years are the air bags, brakes and speed control. Check that a used one has had its recall repairs done before buying.
What is the best year for the Mazda B-Series?: Among model years at least three years old, the 2006 and 2008 B-Series drew the fewest owner complaints. Of those, the 2006 has the best Lemon Score (74/100).