Last updated: 2026-03-27

2021 Mazda CX-30 Reliability Report
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 scores 60/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 94 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
94
Complaint Rate
17
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
N/A
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (36)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (8)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 2 of the First generation (DM).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- 1st generation CX-30 (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2020 (redesign year) vs 2021+ pricing and recalls.
2020: First generation (DM) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 2 of the First generation (DM).
Should You Buy the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 scores 60/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is year 2 of the First generation (DM).
With 94 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 engine (36). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2022 Mazda CX-30, which scored 7 points higher. See also the 2020 Mazda CX-30 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −ENGINE issues reported (36 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Battery drainage and starting problems (9 complaints)
Compare 2021 Mazda CX-30 With

2021 Honda HR-V
Reliability: 86/100

2021 Hyundai Kona
Reliability: 63/100

2021 Chevrolet Trax
Reliability: 81/100

2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Reliability: 67/100

2021 Nissan Kicks
Reliability: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (36)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
17
per 10k soldSegment avg: 16.9
Safety Incidents
9
Crashes
0
Fires
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Mazda CX-30 Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Mazda CX-30. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TIRES
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.
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.
2021 Mazda CX-30 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
Mazda CX-30 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based 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.
2021 Mazda CX-30 Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| 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 2021 Mazda CX-30.
Check for excessive oil consumption by verifying oil levels and looking for oil consumption history
Test battery and electrical system for signs of drainage or starting issues
Inspect transmission for any signs of failure or erratic acceleration behavior
Ensure rear brakes are not excessively worn or in need of premature replacement
Verify that the forward collision avoidance system functions correctly
Inspect seatbelt retractors and seatback mechanisms for proper operation
Buying a 2021 CX-30? Check Its History First
Every 2021 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.
2021 Mazda CX-30 Common Problems by Component
94 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
36 complaintsOwners report that the 2021 Mazda CX-30 frequently experiences excessive oil consumption, with many noting the low engine oil warning light activating between 3,000 to 6,800 miles after an oil change. Complaints frequently mention the need to add approximately one quart of oil every 1,500 to 5,500 miles, and some owners indicate that Mazda has issued a service bulletin acknowledging the issue without providing a definitive factory solution. While no crashes or fires are reported, some owners express concerns about potential engine damage or failure due to low oil levels. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these recurring oil consumption issues, especially in vehicles with mileage around 25,000 to 36,500 miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2021 Mazda CX-30, particularly involving battery drainage and starting problems. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle's battery draining overnight or requiring frequent jump-starts, with some owners noting that the problem persists despite battery replacement. Symptoms include critical engine errors, low voltage warnings, and intermittent starting failures, often occurring around 21,000 to 30,590 miles. Some reports indicate that the vehicle stalls while driving, posing potential safety risks. Additionally, owners mention issues with the USB or display systems and key start malfunctions, which may suggest broader electrical system concerns.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 frequently report issues with windshield distortion, which they describe as wavy or warped, leading to symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, and fatigue during driving. This distortion is often noted on both the driver's and passenger's sides, and some owners mention that Mazda considers this normal, particularly near the pillars. Complaints also highlight incidents of windshields cracking from minor chips and sunroofs shattering outward without apparent external impact. These issues are reported by some owners upon purchasing the vehicle as a certified pre-owned model, with mileage as low as 6,000 miles. The described symptoms and occurrences suggest potential safety implications due to impaired visibility and driver discomfort.
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 report issues with unintended acceleration and premature rear brake wear. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly, sometimes resulting in crashes, with one incident leading to an injury. The unintended acceleration incidents often occur during low-speed maneuvers such as parking, and in some cases, the brake pedal is reported as unresponsive. Additionally, multiple owners describe rapid rear brake wear, needing replacement within approximately 18 months of purchase. These issues are reported at mileages ranging from 22,000 to 31,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for collisions due to loss of control, as evidenced by the reported crashes.
POWER TRAIN (7 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
7 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the power train of the 2021 Mazda CX-30, particularly involving low oil levels and transmission failures. Complaints frequently mention the illumination of low oil warning lights and subsequent confirmation of low oil levels, sometimes linked to valve seal assembly problems. Additionally, several owners describe sudden loss of acceleration or erratic acceleration behavior, often diagnosed as transmission failure, which poses safety risks when driving at highway speeds. Electrical complications, such as corroded wiring harnesses leading to engine malfunction warnings, are also noted. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 3 months into ownership.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 report several issues, primarily concerning oil consumption and electrical warnings. Multiple complaints highlight a recurring problem with low oil levels, often occurring between 1,000 to 5,000 miles after an oil change, with some owners needing to add oil frequently, suggesting potential engine or turbo system issues. Additionally, several owners experience persistent "Low Battery Voltage" warnings, even when the vehicle is not in use, indicating possible electrical or software malfunctions. A few reports also mention impaired visibility due to sun visors not staying in place and issues with safety and driver support systems being partially disabled. No crashes or fires are reported, but the issues could lead to maintenance challenges and potential safety concerns for prospective buyers.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 report issues with the vehicle speed control, particularly related to unexpected acceleration and difficulty in controlling speed. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating independently, sometimes resulting in crashes, as in two cases where the vehicle hit a building and a brick pillar. Symptoms include sudden lunging forward, hard acceleration when using adaptive cruise control, and failure to stop even when the brake pedal is depressed. These incidents occur at varying mileages, with one crash reported at approximately 1,000 miles and another at around 47,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one crash resulting in injuries, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, primarily involving unexpected emergency braking. In one instance, the system engaged without any obstruction, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly, though no crash occurred due to adequate spacing from other vehicles. Another complaint describes the automatic braking activating during a left turn at a signalized intersection, despite no immediate hazard, with the owner noting the presence of debris on the sensor. One significant incident involved a failure to stop while on cruise control, leading to a crash with injuries. These issues are reported around 14,000 miles, highlighting potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
SEATS (2 complaints)
SEATS
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 report issues related to the seats, with a focus on seatbelt and seatback mechanisms. One complaint describes a driver seatbelt retractor failure, which prevents the seatbelt from retracting and could compromise safety in a collision due to the pretensioner not functioning. Another owner notes a loose seatback fold mechanism at only 23,000 miles, suggesting early wear or mechanical issues. These reports highlight potential safety concerns with the seatbelt and durability issues with the seatback, which prospective buyers should consider.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with airbag deployment in the 2021 Mazda CX-30, particularly during crashes. Complaints frequently mention that side and frontal airbags fail to deploy upon impact, even in severe collisions. In one case, the side airbags did not deploy during a crash that resulted in the vehicle being totaled, with two injuries reported. Another complaint describes frontal airbags not deploying in a separate crash, also resulting in a total loss and one injury. These incidents occur at mileage as low as 13,450, indicating potential early-life concerns. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and multiple injuries, suggesting prospective buyers should consider these factors when evaluating this vehicle.
When Do 2021 Mazda CX-30 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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 scoreThe 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).
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.
2021
(Current Model)
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.
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have?
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 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.
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.
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