2021 Mazda CX-30 Problems
Compared with other Mazda CX-30 years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 3.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 3.7× that of a typical Mazda CX-30 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 68 of its 101 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported part: Engine (49 complaints, median 16,845 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2023
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 101filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 5,078miles, 13 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Mazda CX-30 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 most often report a low engine oil warning appearing well before the next scheduled oil change, with no visible leak and the dealer topping off the oil. A second common theme is premature battery drain and no-start conditions that dealers have trouble diagnosing. Other reports cover the windshield's wavy distortion, automatic braking that engages with nothing in front of the car, and rear brake wear.
- Engine
Low engine oil warning between oil changes (oil consumption)
Mentioned in 20 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the low engine oil message appearing hundreds or thousands of miles before the next scheduled change, with the dipstick showing low or empty and no leak found underneath. Several say the dealer topped off the oil and described it as a known issue; others describe being told the valve stem seals are involved and that a repair or replacement part was pending. A few mention the warning coming back repeatedly after each top-off. Mostly reported in the first 5,000-15,000 miles, often shortly after an oil change.
What to check: Ask whether the valve stem seal service program applies to this car and whether it has been performed. Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell; ask for oil change records to see how often top-offs were needed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The low engine oil warning light keeps coming on, and there’s appears to be no visible leak. I add about a quart each time this happens and it does fine for a while. The last time I took it to the dealership, I told them about it. They just said they didn’t see a leak and not to worry about it. Ultimately the issue is how will this impact the longevity of my engine?”
NHTSA complaint #11533383, filed 2023-07“Low engine oil level since I bought it in September 2021. I’ve had it at the dealer three times and they’ve said there are no codes on the car but they are on my Mazda app. They want me to drive it over a hour away with low oil to prove to them that the engine oil is low. I did this, shut the car off, the light went off and when the engine oil level was checked it read one quart low.”
NHTSA complaint #11543012, filed 2023-09 - Electrical system
Battery drains and the car will not start
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the battery going flat with little or no warning, requiring a jump start, and in some cases recurring even after the battery was replaced. Owners say dealers could not identify the source of the drain and that the car was left at the shop waiting on guidance; a few also mention infotainment and key-fob start troubles alongside it. Reported from very low mileage up to roughly 30,000 miles, often within the first year or two of ownership.
What to check: Ask whether the battery has been replaced and whether a parasitic drain test was done. Have a shop check the battery and charging system, and note any aftermarket electronics that could affect it.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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”
NHTSA complaint #11687693, filed 2025-09“The car has some .kind of Electric or electronic malfunction that drains the battery and kills it without giving you a warning. I have taking it to a Mazda Dealer to be fix 4 times and they don't seem to be able to fix it.The battery was replaced.twice one by me and the second time by the dealer in an attempt to solve the problem at some point. Unfortunately just yesterday it happened again it had to towed to the Mazda dealer again for the fifth time. I really hope a solution can be found.”
NHTSA complaint #11582865, filed 2024-04 - Forward collision avoidance
Automatic braking engages with nothing ahead
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the automatic braking or brake assist applying on its own when there was no obstacle, sometimes at intersections or low speeds, and one owner links it to a sudden stop that led to a neck injury. Owners say the dealer acknowledged the behavior but had no permanent fix or way to fully disable the system. Reported at low mileage, in several cases within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Ask whether any front camera or radar service has been done and whether the forward-sensing software is up to date. Keep the sensor area clean and note whether warning lights come on during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The automatic braking engaged without warning and without cause. There was nothing directly in front of the car that was a possible collision threat. I suffered a neck injury as a result of the force in which the car stopped. Fortunately the driver behind me was able to stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11475522, filed 2022-07“The accident occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 14, which I reported to Enterprise, City of Falls Church, on the morning of November 15. Additionally, I provided to Enterprise email links to the many reports about breaking problems about the CX30 2021, 2022, and 2023 MAZA models and the reasons for their recall for repair. Here are the details about what happened. As I was trying to put the car in reverse from a standing position, the car, instead, lurched forward at great speed headed toward the Sun Trust bank. …”
NHTSA complaint #11555773, filed 2023-11 - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Wavy or distorted windshield glass
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a ripple or wave in the windshield, usually on the driver's side, that makes the view blurry and leads to eye strain or headaches, especially at night. Some say the dealer replaced the glass once or more and the replacement still showed distortion, and that Mazda described it as normal near the pillars. Often noticed soon after purchase or on a certified used car at low mileage.
What to check: Look across the windshield from the driver's seat at an angle in daylight and again at night; distortion shows up as wavering lines. Ask whether the glass is original and whether it has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I picked up my certified pre owned CX-30 just 2 days ago and noticed the windshield appears distorted or wavy which results in eye strain and headaches. This seems to occur in the left side of the windshield. It is difficult to focus for long periods of time. I asked another person to drive the car and they confirmed it nearly instantly. I recently learned this is a known issue with the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11512582, filed 2023-03“Manufacturing defect in the windshield glass: distorted/warped windshield glass causing waves/ripples. Result: impaired visibility when operating vehicle and rapid eye fatigue. Google search (forums) indicates that this is a well known issue on several Mazda models. The issue presumably existed at factory. I noticed upon purchase as CPO at 6k miles. Available for inspection if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #11437910, filed 2021-10 - Brakes
Rear brakes wear out quickly
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the rear brakes wearing out much sooner than expected, with one describing replacement roughly a year and a half after buying the car new. Complaints give little detail beyond the wear itself and the repair. Reported within the first two years of ownership on cars bought new.
What to check: Have the rear pads and rotors measured during a pre-purchase inspection and ask for service records showing when they were last replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11641757, filed 2025-02, 22,000 miles“The contact owned 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle in the parking garage at her workplace, the contact reversed and then straightened the steering wheel; however, after shifting to drive and attempting to drive 6-10 feet forward into the parking space, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a pillar before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the engine had revved up, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound before the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11635826, filed 2025-01, 31,000 miles
Buying note. A used 2021 CX-30 is worth a careful check of the oil level and service history, since the low-oil warning is the most frequently reported item, and a battery drain test is worth asking for. Confirm whether any related service programs or updates have already been applied to the specific car.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Counts refer to that sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 101 consumer complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-30. 13 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 5,078 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 13 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 616 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 3 Mazda CX-30 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine49 49%
- Electrical system14 14%
- Other or unknown10 9.9%
- Brakes8 7.9%
- Vehicle speed control8 7.9%
- Air bags3 3.0%
- Fuel system3 3.0%
Also reported: Seats (2), Exterior lighting (1), Lane departure (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “While driving, on approach to a stop signal, at an intersection the car stopped moving. The display said engine malfunction, have inspected. The electronics and engine continued to operate, but the car would not move when gas pedal was depressed. I shut off and restarted my vehicle numerous times, with no effect on the problem, the car still would not move. …”
NHTSA complaint #11734603, filed 2026-04Electrical system: “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!”
NHTSA complaint #11644437, filed 2025-02Forward collision avoidance: “After turning left at a signaled intersection onto a highway the automatic braking engaged and the car skidded to a stop in the middle of the lane. Luckily nobody was behind us. There was a car about 4 car lengths ahead that was going the same speed and was not stopped. I pulled over and checked the front sensor and noticed a couple black flies on it and brushed them off.”
NHTSA complaint #11416800, filed 2021-05, 5,078 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I have noticed the windshield is distorted and from reports all over the Internet that seems to be an issue with 20-22 mazda cx-30’s and I don’t think Mazda is going to replace it. It causes me to get fatigued, and a little dizzy at times during long distance driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11549655, filed 2023-10Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 13 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,100 and 30,590 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Mazda CX-30. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-30 · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 14.7% risk |
| CX-30 · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Mazda CX-30 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-30 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V101000Feb 22, 2021Tires › ValveCovers: Mazda CX-30 2021, MAZDA3 2021
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
- 21V086000Feb 18, 2021Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgateCovers: Mazda CX-30 2020–2021
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.
Recall details for the 2021 Mazda CX-30 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 616 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037900Sep 17, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. Mazda Connected Services - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs listed below. The changes are noted in Red text.
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026Electrical system. DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if…
- 11037634Sep 10, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 08/18/26 and 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any…
- 11037018Sep 4, 2026Exterior lighting, Engine, Other or unknown, Electrical…. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the…
- 11037012Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued Service Alerts listed below: The changes are noted in Red. Infotainment Reboot With Navigation Card Installed This Service Information is no…
- 11037019Aug 19, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-039/26 06/15/26 Mazda Connect Symptom Troubleshooting DESCRIPTION Customers having MAZDA…
- 11037011Aug 19, 2026Electrical system, Wheels. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-006/23 01/23/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about the infotainment…
- 11037010Aug 18, 2026Other or unknown. DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus showing expired even though the customer purchased a paid subscription. SiriusXM audio packages do not include…
- 11036688Aug 10, 2026Engine. This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01-012/22 10/06/22 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1)…
- 11035595Jul 8, 2026Steering, Electrical system. DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain that the electric power steering warning light illuminates after engine start and DTC U2011:1C is stored. Zinc-plated whisker may form inside the EPS motor…
Other model years of the Mazda CX-30
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 386 | 1 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 33 | 2,500 | 2 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 25 | 37,000 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 34 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 33 | 23,000 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 101 | 5,078 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2020 | 34 | 3,950 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 54 · Typical | Stable |
All Mazda CX-30 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 most often report a low engine oil warning appearing well before the next scheduled oil change, with no visible leak and the dealer topping off the oil. The issues reported most often: Low engine oil warning between oil changes (oil consumption); Battery drains and the car will not start; Automatic braking engages with nothing ahead.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have?
NHTSA recorded 101 consumer complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-30 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 49 complaints (49% of the total), followed by electrical system with 14.
Has the 2021 Mazda CX-30 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Mazda CX-30 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Mazda CX-30 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Mazda CX-30 (CX-30 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-30 reported?
Among the 13 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 5,078 miles and the middle half falls between 2,100 and 30,590 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.