VehicleVerdict

2021 Mazda CX-30 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 136 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median CX-30 year — the 2021 model ranks #1 of 6 CX-30 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 48 reports (35% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

136

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other CX-30 years?

CX-30 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted136 complaints2020: 47 complaints2021: 136 complaints2022: 51 complaints2023: 39 complaints2024: 43 complaints2025: 48 complaints
CX-30 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-30 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Mazda CX-30 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4835%
Driver Assistance1511%
Electrical System1310%
Visibility & Wipers118%
Other107%
Brakes86%
Speed Control86%
Transmission86%
Airbags32%
Fuel System32%
Seats21%
Seat Belts11%
Steering11%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Lighting11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V101000Tires & WheelsFebruary 22, 2021 · 599 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.

Consequence

A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

21V086000Body & StructureFebruary 18, 2021 · 13,857 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 15, 2024

“On March 9, 2023 - car brakes failed at a red light and vehicle collided with an oncoming car coming from the adjacent direction. Vehicle proceeded not to brake for an additional 30 sec minum at which the brakes finally engaged. There was no braking alert - the smart braking system did not engage…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 9, 2023 · crash

“Randomly accelerated on its own; burns oil- low oil levels twice in 6 months; randomly says cruise control is available under 25 mph when car is traveling at highway speeds; the unlock and lock functions randomly fail; lift gate randomly opens; alarm system randomly goes off; TERRIBLE fuel economy…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 4, 2022

“The windshield in my 2021 CX30 had a distorted view on the passenger side of vehicle. Took it in to dealership who confirmed that there was obvious distortion in the windshield. Windshield was replaced and the new windshield has the same issue. Mazda is now saying that it is "normal" to have some…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 4, 2022

“ The brand new vehicle was sold to me on 2/23/21 with an open safety recall. This recall was finally addressed on 5/21/21. At no time did Mazda north American operations formally notifying me of the safety record. 1) how could this happen? 2) has this shortcoming been remedied? 3) Will I receive…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 21, 2021

2021 Mazda CX-30 — common questions

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 136 complaints put the 2021 model at #1 of 6 CX-30 years. It is one of the CX-30 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 CX-30 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (48 complaints), driver assistance (15 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints).

Does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Mazda CX-30. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda CX-30 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CX-30 years to avoid are 2021. The cleanest record among CX-30 years belongs to 2023.

How safe is the 2021 Mazda CX-30?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.