Last updated: 2026-03-27

RELIABILITY SCORE: 64/100 (GOOD)

2020 Mazda CX-30 Reliability Report

Name: 2020 Mazda CX-30
Brand: Mazda

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 scores 64/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 31 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

8.1

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

N/A

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity69/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs40/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity84/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
POWER TRAIN (3)
STRUCTURE (3)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2020 is the first model year of the First generation (DM).

First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
1st generation CX-30 (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2020 pricing and recall counts against 2021+ before deciding.

2020: First generation (DM) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

Should You Buy the 2020 Mazda CX-30?

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 scores 64/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

With 31 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (7). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2021 Mazda CX-30, which scored 4 points lower.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV
+5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

−Moderate recall count
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 report several issues under the "UNKNOWN OR... (7 complaints)
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (5 complaints)

Compare 2020 Mazda CX-30 With

2020 Honda HR-V

Reliability: 80/100

Excellent

2020 Hyundai Kona

Reliability: 57/100

Mixed

2020 Chevrolet Trax

Reliability: 81/100

Excellent

2020 Subaru Crosstrek

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2020 Nissan Kicks

Reliability: 78/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

8.1

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 18.1

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Mazda CX-30 Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Mazda CX-30. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V0860002021-02-18

STRUCTURE

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.

20V3460002020-06-12

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

20V3470002020-06-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

2020 Mazda CX-30 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Mazda CX-30 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2020 Mazda CX-30 Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
Repair	Estimated Cost
Battery Cable Battery Terminal End Service	$37 – $54
Alternator Voltage Regulator Replacement	$545 – $659
Brake Master Cylinder Replacement	$430 – $538
Brake Booster Replacement	$558 – $740
Oil Pump Replacement	$615 – $729
Ignition Switch Replacement	$317 – $425
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement	$290 – $392
Backup Warning System Sensor Replacement	$1,144 – $1,230
Horn Replacement	$327 – $441
Axle Shaft Seal Replacement	$196 – $281

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Mazda CX-30.

Inspect transmission for jerky shifting or failure
Check for broken rear coil springs around 30,000 miles
Test automatic emergency braking system for unexpected activation
Verify engine oil level and check for excessive consumption
Ensure rear hatch can be opened from inside without tools
Test driver door for proper opening from inside

Buying a 2020 CX-30? Check Its History First

Every 2020 Mazda CX-30 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN

2020 Mazda CX-30 Common Problems by Component

31 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)POWER TRAIN (3)STRUCTURE (3)SERVICE BRAKES (3)ENGINE (2)SUSPENSION (2)VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)Other (5)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 report several issues under the "UNKNOWN OR OTHER" category, with a few notable patterns. Multiple complaints mention problems with the vehicle's sunroof, including spontaneous shattering while stationary. Additionally, some owners describe sharp edges and wear on the driver-side window switch, potentially posing a safety risk. There are also reports of the Bose sound system emitting loud, uncontrollable static or whistling noises, which could be distracting or harmful if occurring while driving. Other issues include unexplained engine behavior, such as unintended acceleration and brake malfunctions. These complaints arise at various points in the vehicle's early life, with some owners encountering issues shortly after purchase. Safety implications are noted in the context of potential loss of control or distraction while driving.

7 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 frequently report issues with the electrical system, with several complaints highlighting intermittent no-start conditions where the vehicle becomes unresponsive to the key fob and ignition. This issue often occurs without warning and persists despite multiple service visits and battery replacements, primarily affecting vehicles within the first two years of ownership. Other reports include instances of the odometer rolling back unexpectedly to 9,999 miles and a sudden, loud static noise from the speaker system that cannot be turned off, both of which have been acknowledged by Mazda as occurring in other vehicles. A few owners also mention problems with key fobs leading to battery drainage. These electrical issues pose potential safety risks, such as the vehicle failing to start or stopping unexpectedly, which could be hazardous if they occur during driving.

5 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 report issues primarily related to transmission failures. Complaints frequently mention jerky shifting and complete transmission failure, with one owner indicating a failure at 66,000 miles and another experiencing transmission issues twice within five years. Symptoms include jerky movements and loss of vehicle function, with one complaint noting a replacement transmission also failing prematurely. Safety concerns are highlighted, with potential risks of loss of power and control, which could pose dangers to drivers and passengers. This information is relevant for used car buyers considering the reliability and potential maintenance needs of this model.

3 complaints total

STRUCTURE (3 complaints)

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 report issues related to the vehicle's structure, specifically with the rear hatch and driver door. Multiple complaints indicate that the rear hatch cannot be opened from the inside without a flathead screwdriver, which some owners see as a potential safety concern. Additionally, there are reports of the driver door failing to open from the inside, regardless of whether the engine is on or off, with one owner experiencing this issue twice in four months. These problems may pose safety risks, especially in emergency situations where quick egress is necessary. No specific mileage or timeline patterns emerge from the complaints, but the recurrence of issues suggests potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.

3 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 report issues with the vehicle's automatic emergency braking system engaging unexpectedly, even when no obstacles are present. This sudden braking can bring the car to a complete stop, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. One owner mentions this issue occurring 11 times, with the dealership unable to replicate the problem. Another complaint describes a delay in brake engagement while exiting a highway, along with periodic hesitation during acceleration. These issues are noted to occur within a few weeks of ownership, suggesting they may arise early in the vehicle's lifecycle. Safety implications include potential rear-end collisions due to abrupt stops.

3 complaints total

ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 frequently report issues with the low engine oil light activating. The symptoms described include the light appearing at random intervals, sometimes after driving for 10 to 20 minutes, while in other instances it does not appear even during longer drives. Another pattern observed is the need to add a quart of oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles, with this issue beginning around 20,000 miles for one owner. No safety implications such as crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned in these complaints. This information may be useful for prospective buyers to consider potential oil consumption issues in this vehicle model.

2 complaints total

SUSPENSION (2 complaints)

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the suspension system of the 2020 Mazda CX-30, particularly with the coil springs. Complaints frequently mention rear coil springs breaking around 30,000 to 33,000 miles under normal driving conditions, with one owner specifying the break occurred in the lower middle of the coil. Symptoms include the inability to safely drive the vehicle until repairs are made, as no warnings are provided by the vehicle's safety system. Additionally, one owner notes premature wear of both front and rear brakes, with metal-on-metal contact occurring just outside the warranty period. These issues may have safety implications, as broken coil springs and compromised brakes can affect vehicle control and safety inspections.

2 complaints total

VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

2024-09-10

Defective windshield. There is visible warping in the windshield and Mazda won't cover the cost of the replacement. This is a known issue.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaintSafety-related

2025-04-05Crash reported

The front camera didn't operate properly The brakes have an elongated stopping distance

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint

2023-06-24

The contact owns a 2020 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 66,000.

When Do 2020 Mazda CX-30 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

66,000 milesTransmission failures

30,000–33,000 milesSuspension coil spring breakage

Best & Worst Mazda CX-30 Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Mazda CX-30 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Mazda CX-30 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 68/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (68/100) and 2023 (68/100).

Top Pick

Good

Mazda CX-30 Years to Avoid

The worst Mazda CX-30 year is 2021 with a score of 60/100, primarily due to engine (36) issues.

Good

2021

2Recalls

94Complaints

See full Mazda CX-30 years-to-avoid analysis

Mazda CX-30 Reliability Score Trend

Mazda CX-30 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 66/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Mazda CX-30 reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2020	64/100	Good
2021	60/100	Good
2022	67/100	Good
2023	68/100	Good
2024	68/100	Good
2025	68/100	Good

Mazda CX-30 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	68/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	0	0
2025	68/100	0	Good	1	22
2024	68/100	0	Good	2	23
2023	68/100	+1	Good	1	20
2022	67/100	+7	Good	1	28
2021	60/100	-4	Good	2	94
2020(selected)	64/100	—	Good	3	31

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Mazda CX-30 reliable?

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 64/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 31 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mazda CX-30?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Mazda CX-30 include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), POWER TRAIN (3 complaints), STRUCTURE (3 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-30 have?

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2020 Mazda CX-30 expensive to maintain?

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 64/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Mazda CX-30 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.