Last updated: 2026-10-10
2024 Mazda CX-30 Reliability Report
The 2024 Mazda CX-30 rates good for reliability, but owners report airbag and false-braking problems that dealers often fail to fix.
Recalls
2
Complaints
23
Complaint Rate
2.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,050–$2,400
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
Final year of the first generation, rated good, but with more complaints and recalls than either neighboring year, mainly airbags and unwanted braking.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2024 is the last model year of the First generation (DM).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 1st generation CX-30 (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2020: First generation (DM) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2024: This Model Year
2024 is the last model year of the First generation (DM).
Should You Buy the 2024 Mazda CX-30?
Reliability is good. Against other 2024 SUVs this CX-30 sits close to average, and among the seven scored CX-30 model years it is one of the stronger. It is the last year of the first generation. The 2023 and 2025 models also rate good and about the same, so score alone does not set this year apart.
The complaints that matter involve safety systems acting on their own. Owners report airbags that deploy with no crash and no warning light, and others that deploy hard enough in a minor collision to bruise both front occupants. With adaptive cruise on, some cars brake hard on empty highway curves, dropping 5 to 12 mph. Dealers often cannot reproduce it. Some owners also describe door locks that pop open while driving. Federal records show two recalls, covering air bags, lane departure, exterior lighting, and forward collision avoidance.
Ask for proof that both recalls were completed. Ask for repair records on any braking or electrical complaint. The 2023 and 2025 years drew fewer complaints and one recall each, so compare them.
Compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-30, which scored the same. See also the 2023 Mazda CX-30 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −AIR BAGS issues reported (6 complaints)
- −LANE DEPARTURE issues reported (3 complaints)
Compare 2024 Mazda CX-30 With
2024 Honda HR-V
Reliability: 83/100
2024 Hyundai Kona
Reliability: 68/100
2024 Chevrolet Trax
Reliability: 80/100
2024 Buick Encore GX
Reliability: 77/100
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross
Reliability: 82/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (6)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2024 Mazda CX-30 carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
2.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 6.9
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2024 Mazda CX-30 Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Mazda CX-30. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
Consequence
Air bags that do not deploy in the event of a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit with improved software or replace the unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7525E.
LANE DEPARTURE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not automatically adjust from high beams to low beams as intended.
Consequence
Automatic braking, steering assist, and headlight control systems that do not function as intended can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the forward sensing camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6824H.
Buying a used 2024 Mazda CX-30? Check its history first
Air bags problems lead owner complaints about the 2024 Mazda CX-30, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2024 Mazda CX-30 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
Mazda CX-30Repair 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.
Mazda CX-30 Resale Value
The Mazda CX-30 is estimated to retain about 72.7% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Mazda CX-30 model overall and is not specific to the 2024 model year.
- Value Retained
- 72.7%
- Depreciation
- 27.3%
- Listings Analyzed
- 420
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.
Explore Mazda CX-30 depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com2024 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–29 MPG
Fuel cost: $2,050–$2,400/yr
Fuel only
22–26 city / 30–33 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2024 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-30 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,050 |
| CX-30 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,400 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2024 Mazda CX-30.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and get dealer paperwork showing every open recall was completed.
Seat an adult passenger and confirm the passenger airbag indicator shows the airbag is on.
Check the headliner, inside windows, and carpets for moisture, water stains, or a musty mold smell.
Use adaptive cruise on highway curves and watch for sudden braking, brake-gas pulsing, or full-throttle surges when cruise resumes.
Drive at night and confirm the automatic high beams, lane keeping, and blind spot alerts work correctly.
Lock the doors, drive around, and confirm they stay locked; watch for warning lights and check the rearview camera.
Accelerate through every gear and listen for any whine or grinding from the transmission.
Restart the car several times and keep CarPlay connected for the whole drive to check for keyless entry errors or dropouts.
2024 Mazda CX-30 Common Problems by Component
23 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
6 complaintsSafety-relatedAirbags deploy with no crash and no warning light, or deploy hard enough in a minor collision to bruise the driver and passenger. One crash report with 2 injuries also describes the brakes failing to slow the car before impact. Other cars show a persistent "passenger air-bags not engaged" warning that dealer recalibration does not clear. Interior water leaks are linked to corroded airbag parts and mold. Two reports involve an open recall notice with no available fix, including a dealer taking back a car it had just sold.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsTransmission failure is the most serious problem here. A loud whine and grinding while driving led to a dealer-confirmed full transmission replacement and risks a sudden loss of power at highway speed. A keyless entry malfunction warning can leave the car unable to start, with the start light flashing, so it has to be towed to the dealer. Apple CarPlay also drops connection mid-drive, which cuts off navigation and pulls the driver's attention to the phone.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsCabin electronics fail suddenly. During an episode, infotainment and climate controls stop responding, and one report says braking is affected too. Several warning lights come on at once, and the rearview camera and cruise control quit, in one case at 900 miles. Door locks fail to stay locked and pop open while driving or overnight. Lane departure and blind spot monitoring also work only some of the time. Dealers have struggled to diagnose these faults, and some cars leave unrepaired.
LANE DEPARTURE (3 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
3 complaintsWith cruise control and lane keeping engaged, the car brakes hard for objects that are not there, in some cases nearly getting it rear-ended. Shadows and a lead car turning off seem to set it off. Drivers also report false blind spot alerts on clear days. Some cars have had broken camera-based features since delivery: automatic high beams, lane assist, and pedestrian braking all fail. Dealers often cannot reproduce the false braking and leave it unrepaired.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsSudden, unwanted braking is the main complaint. With adaptive cruise on, the car brakes hard on highway curves with no traffic around, dropping 5 to 12 mph as if the pedal were stomped. Braking also fires when pulling away from a stop light or easing into a parking space. When cruise resumes after slowing, the car can surge to full throttle. Near walls or other cars on curves, it alternates between braking and accelerating. Dealers have been unable to duplicate the problem, so cars often go unrepaired.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintHeadlight module, ballast, bad noises from passenger side, under hood right next to passenger headlight.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintThe sunroof exploded. Was no external debris or damage. Glass pushed outwards. 47 degrees outside. Very sudden and scary.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintI had both the left front and right front CV axles fail. My car only has 11.5k miles on. I first heard the clunking noise at 11k miles, went right to the dealer and had them watch me recreate the noise and they determined the axles needed to be replaced. This is incredible dangerous as the CV axle could have been completely disconnected from the wheel assembly leaving my car useless and uncontrollable.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact rented a 2024 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, an "i-ACTIVSENSE Partially Disabled Front Radar Malfunction" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact attempted to exit the highway; however, the vehicle failed to stop upon depression of the brake pedal. The contact continued to pump the brakes and even engaged the emergency brakes, but the vehicle failed to stop. Due to the failure, the contact crashed into the vehicle in front of her as the "Vehicle System Malfunction, Have the Vehicle Inspected" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact later sought medical attention for pain in her back; the other driver sustained injuries; however, the injuries are unknown as she did not seek medical attention from the paramedics that arrived at the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent mechanic, where it remained in their possession. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had yet been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38.377.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintSafety-relatedI have a brand new Mazda CX-30 with less than 10k miles. I was not made aware of the seat material being highly flamible. Luckily I nor my kids were in the car when the seat caught fire due to a magnifying effect. Magnifying Effect (Sunlight): If a clear glass or plastic object (like a water bottle, eyeglasses, or even a certain type of air freshener) was left on the seat in direct sunlight, it could have acted as a lens, focusing the sun's rays onto a small area of the seat material. Over time, this concentrated heat could become intense enough to ignite the fabric, especially if it's dry and flammable. This is more likely to happen on a hot, sunny day. I brought this up with the dealership and their reply was to contact Mazda! YOU are Mazda!
Best & Worst Mazda CX-30 Years
Best Mazda CX-30 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
(Current Model)
2023
2022
Mazda CX-30 Years to Avoid
Mazda CX-30 Reliability Score Trend
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 |
| 2026 | 72/100 | Good |
Mazda CX-30 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 Mazda CX-30 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Mazda CX-30?
Does the 2024 Mazda CX-30 have airbag problems?
Does the 2024 Mazda CX-30 brake by itself for no reason?
Is the 2024 Mazda CX-30 better than the 2023 or 2025?
Don’t buy a 2024 Mazda CX-30 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2024 Mazda CX-30
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Mazda CX-30.
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