2021 Mazda CX-30: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 100 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (45% of complaints); the 2020 and 2022 and 2023 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 4 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Feb 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Excessive oil consumption. Regularly have a low oil warning come up about 6000 kms after an oil change. Oil is always low when checked.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“Following a recent inspection at Perry Mazda in Santa Barbara, my vehicle was diagnosed with a failed clock spring mechanism causing airbag malfunction warnings. Clock spring failure under 70K miles on a 2021 vehicle is premature and suggests a defect rather than normal wear. I contacted Mazda North America and it has been over a week without a response. I have maintained the vehicle responsible and have no history of collisions or modifications that could have contributed to this failure.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2026
“The left and/or right side sun visor does not stay in the fully retracted position and may lower slightly due to its own weight. The problem is attributed to a broken connection point where the sun visor attaches to the vehicle. Impaired visibility, particularly in bright sunlight.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Two issues A) my usb or display stop to work often I have reset to make it work again, look like loose electrical 2) many time it has also happened start key malfunction error I have jumped start, I have replaced battery same issue”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Sep 2025
“As reported by others, Engine Malfunction light came on. Car running rough. Mazda dealer says corroded wiring harness and $5k to replace. They bypass the conventional repair and splice it in. Within a hour of driving after pick up, same engine malfunction light and rough running returns. This time they said I need a new transmission. Electrical issues and faulty transmission are both dangerous. With as much posted online regarding the transmission, I would hope to find a recall. $10k in repairs for a barely 4 yr old car!”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2025
“-Driver seatbelt retractor has failed. Will no longer retract and it is available for inspection. -Safety is compromised due to pretensioner will not function in the event of a collision. Seatbelt will not perform as designed. -I have not taken the vehicle into the dealer but will be doing so. -The seatbelt issue has not been inspected by anyone as of yet. I am filling this out in case there are other owners with similar issues. There are quite a few complaints about this issue in Mazda forums. -There are no dash lights on at all indicating an issue.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2025
“Received a "LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL" warning message before the regular oil change interval of 7,500. Light came on 11/20/24 after purchasing the vehicle from a Mazda dealership 8/10/24 (~3 months). Model and VIN were impacted by the Mazda Valve Stem Seal Settlement. This issue was not disclosed by the dealer.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2024
“The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the interior rear mirror loosened and eventually fell from the roof of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Critical Brake System Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 22,000.”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2024
“Car lunged forward when lightly stepping on the gas while making a turn onto a busy street. Then it later lagged in responding when I stepped on the gas. About 5 minutes later, the car dashboard lit up and said there was a transmission error. Mechanic's diagnosis found code P0756 for a shift solenoid B stuck off. The car is unsafe to drive.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2024
“Low engine oil light is on again, I had one at 4600 miles and keep happening every 5-6000 miles. I had 7!! oil changes on a car that is 2.5 years old and it is at 29000 miles. I am sitting at the dealership and they are telling me nothing is wrong and despite of the valve stem cap replacement available they are not willing to replace it. In addition I had my battery die and needed to be replaced at 23 months after purchasing a brand new car - due to a faulty system. This is getting extremely upsetting. And dealearships do not care.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four tire air valves with new parts, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4721B.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2021 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact CX-30 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 reliable?
NHTSA has 100 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Mazda CX-30. The most complained-about area is engine (45% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Mazda CX-30 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 9,264 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:body:hatchback/liftgate. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.