Model year record

2020 Mazda CX-30 recalls & problems

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has 3 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (9 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints34filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints

NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars

2020 Mazda CX-30 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

StructureFeb 18, 2021

Body › Hatchback/liftgate

Recall 21V08600013,857 vehicles

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.
Risk: If the power liftgate unexpectedly lowers while a person is accessing the rear storage area of the vehicle, it can increase their risk of injury.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power liftgate control module software and inspect the serial number of the power liftgate drive unit, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4621B.

Fuel system, gasolineJun 12, 2020

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 20V34700012,097 vehicles

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The evaporative vent hose for the fuel tank may be disconnected, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the charcoal canister vent at the rear of the vehicle.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, the engine may stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the evaporative vent hose in the fuel tank. If the hose is disconnected, it will be reconnected and the charcoal canister with some related parts will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 29, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4520F.

Service brakes, hydraulicJun 12, 2020

Foundation components › Disc › Caliper

Recall 20V34600024,037 vehicles

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
Risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2020 Mazda CX-30 SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	14.7%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2020 Mazda CX-30 SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	15.5%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2020 Mazda CX-30 NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2020 Mazda CX-30 NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

CX-30 2WD

28mpg combined

City / highway	25 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

CX-30 2WD

28mpg combined

City / highway	25 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

CX-30 4WD

27mpg combined

City / highway	25 / 32 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

CX-30 4WD

26mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 31 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Typical mileage*
Unknown or other	9	0	—
Service brakes	7	1	—
Engine	6	0	—
Electrical systemInstrument panel › Speedometer/odometer	5	0	—
Fuel/propulsion system	5	1	—
Power train	4	0	—
StructureBody	3	0	—
Seat belts	2	0	—
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking	2	0	—
Suspension	2	0	—
Exterior lighting	2	1	—
Wheels	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Engine
Multiple fixes and repairs on a P0421 code. Repaired by Mazda with a new catalytic converter but then refused to replace it when the code came back saying it was not covered by the warranty. Mazda says it is not a common issue but they have had issues in the past with the same P0421 code repeatedly showing up on a healthy car.
Oct 6, 2026
Power train
My car was squeaking and lurching around 3/4 gear. I took it in to the Mazda dealership (Northtowne Mazda in Kansas City) and they told me it was a "well-known issue" with this year and make of a Mazda. There is a problem with the torque converter lock-up clutch which sheds iron particles into the transmission fluid. The torque converter needs to be replaced. After further research, it appears that Mazda has a well-documented manufacturing defect that is outlined in Mazda TSB 05-005/23. My car has a 60,000 mile/5 year warranty on it. It currently only has 48,600 miles on it (well under the warranty limit). I called the Mazda Corporation Customer Care and they opened a ticket but I was told…
May 1, 2026
Exterior lighting
The front passenger side headlight is making a whirring noise whenever the light is turned on. Based on the NHTSA safety reports for this model, this indicates the fan is failing, and soon the headlight will also fail. Intact headlights are essential for driving safety at night. No warning messages have appeared on the car.
Jul 13, 2026
Electrical system
My 2020 Mazda CX-30 has an intermittent no-start condition caused by a complete electrical failure. This occurs randomly, often overnight and after long or short trips. When it happens: The car does not respond to the key fob or ignition Dashboard warning lights are off Vehicle cannot be started, creating a safety risk if it occurs during travel or in an emergency The defect began during car's full warranty period and has persisted despite multiple service visits and battery replacement. The dealer has been unable to diagnose or correct the issue, and Mazda Corporate is aware of the defect under case Case Number 00398310. After about two years of these intermittement failures, and parasitic…
Dec 30, 2025
Service brakesCrash
The front camera didn't operate properly The brakes have an elongated stopping distance
Apr 5, 2025
Structure › Body
There is a module that should connect to the hatch door to open. That module in no longer available. Without the hatch door opening, in case of side impact and being pushed into something else, there is no way to get out of the car. This poses a serious safety hazard. I have contacted the Mazda dealership and I am told that the part is "retired" and there is no replacement part at this time.
Jan 1, 2024
Power train
I OWN 2020 MAZDA CX 30 WITH 66000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING WITH JERKY MOTIONS. ON JULY 14, 2025 I BROUGHT THE CAR TO PALISADES MAZDA IN ROCKLAND COUNTY NEW YORK TO HAVE TRANSMISSION LOOKED AT AND TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED. AFTER I DROPPED THE CAR OFF LATER THAT DAY I GOT A CALL THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS CONDEMNED. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET WITH SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AND SEE THERE IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS ON THESE CARS AND MAZDA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TSB 05-002/20 IS A BULLETIN ABOUT TRANSMISSION FAILURES IN THIS VEHICLE. MAZDA IS WELL AWARE OF THE TRANSISSION PROBLEMS
Jul 14, 2025
Power train
The initial sensor alarm indication was low oil pressure and within less then an hour engine malfunction was detected and the vehicle stopped functioning. This incident occurred on [XXX] in SanAntonio and thereafter it was towed to the Mazda Dealership for inspection upon request. I was driving from Dallas to SanAntonio with my [XXX] and [XXX] children when the vehicle started making strange noise and It the notification on dashboard stated I need to immediately stop the vehicle for safety. Middle of nowhere I had to find a nearest safe place for my children. This vehicle put me and my kids in an unsafe environment due to the faulty engine that was installed by the Mazda company. I was…
May 2, 2025

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.