Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-30 or the Subaru Crosstrek?

The Subaru Crosstrek has more recalls (19) compared to the Mazda CX-30 (10). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Mazda CX-30 or the Subaru Crosstrek?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-30 has a lower complaint rate at 5.7 per 10,000 sold versus 72.5 for the Subaru Crosstrek. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek: Reliability Compared

Mazda CX-30

Good

More Reliable

Subaru Crosstrek

Good

Choosing between the Mazda CX-30 and the Subaru Crosstrek? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Subaru Crosstrek currently leads with an average score of 71/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Subaru Crosstrek is in its third generation (GU), which began in 2024. Having been recently redesigned, this model might experience typical first-year issues that can accompany new platforms. The second-generation Crosstrek (2018–2023) had a facelift in 2021, suggesting that it benefited from mid-cycle improvements that often refine reliability. In contrast, the Mazda CX-30 is in its first generation (DM), introduced in 2020 and continuing through 2024. Being later in its generation cycle, the CX-30's platform likely underwent refinement, making it potentially more reliable due to the resolution of earlier production issues.

Verdict

The Subaru Crosstrek is more reliable than the Mazda CX-30, scoring 71/100 vs 66/100.

The Subaru Crosstrek demonstrates slightly better reliability than the Mazda CX-30, with a higher average reliability score of 71/100 compared to the CX-30's 66/100. However, the Crosstrek has a significantly higher owner complaint rate at 72.5 complaints per 10,000 sold versus the CX-30's 5.7. The Crosstrek also faces more recalls over a longer period, with 19 recalls across nine years, while the CX-30 has had only 10 recalls in seven years. Despite these factors, the Crosstrek's estimated annual repair cost of $492 provides a clearer picture of ongoing maintenance expenses, a data point unavailable for the CX-30.

Key Differences

1Mazda CX-30 has 66.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Mazda CX-30 has 9 fewer total recalls
3Subaru Crosstrek scores 5 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Mazda CX-30

—

1Subaru Crosstrek

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek: Which Is More Reliable?

Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Mazda CX-30	Subaru Crosstrek
Reliability Score	66/100	71/100
Years Tracked	7	9
Total Recalls	10	19
Complaints per 10k Sold	5.7	72.5
Year Wins	0	6

What Are the Common Problems With the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek?

The Subaru Crosstrek exhibits a significant number of complaints in the visibility/wiper category, with 239 issues, indicating a potential area of concern for drivers, while the Mazda CX-30 reports only 10 complaints in this category. Additionally, the Crosstrek has noteworthy crash-linked issues related to vehicle speed control, with 8 out of 21 complaints being crash-related, whereas the CX-30 shows a higher crash-linked concern in the service brakes category, with 6 out of 15 complaints. Both models experience problems with the electrical system, but the Crosstrek's power train issues are more frequently crash-linked, with 8 out of 52 complaints compared to the CX-30's 10 power train complaints without crash-linkage. Overall, the Crosstrek has a broader range of complaints, while the CX-30 displays concentrated issues in critical safety components like service brakes and airbags.

Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek common problem areas comparison
Component	Mazda CX-30	Subaru Crosstrek
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.3Very Low	21.8High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.7Very Low	11.3Above Avg
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.8Very Low	8.8Above Avg
POWER TRAIN	0.3Very Low	4.8Average
ENGINE	1.2Low	3.3Average
STEERING	0.1Very Low	3Low
VISIBILITY	—None	2.6Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.2Very Low	1.9Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.2Very Low	1.3Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	1.5Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.4Very Low	0.8Very Low
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	1.1Low
AIR BAGS	0.3Very Low	0.7Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.7Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.2Very Low
SUSPENSION	0.1Very Low	—None
SEATS	0.1Very Low	—None
WHEELS	0.1Very Low	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mazda CX-30 or Subaru Crosstrek?

Independent repair cost data suggests that the Subaru Crosstrek incurs an annual repair cost of $492 with a repair frequency of 0.1 visits per year and a 7% risk of major repairs. While specific figures for the Mazda CX-30 are unavailable, the Crosstrek's low frequency and moderate major repair risk indicate reliability and cost-effectiveness. For cost-conscious buyers, the Crosstrek presents a clear value, offering predictable maintenance expenses and a lower likelihood of significant issues. Assuming similar maintenance habits, the Crosstrek’s established data provides peace of mind and potential savings compared to the unquantified costs of the CX-30.

How Does Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Compare by Year?

Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Mazda CX-30	Subaru Crosstrek	Edge
2025	68/1001R / 22C	83/1000R / 25C	Subaru Crosstrek
2024	68/1002R / 23C	69/1002R / 95C	Subaru Crosstrek
2023	68/1001R / 20C	81/1000R / 28C	Subaru Crosstrek
2022	67/1001R / 28C	78/1001R / 28C	Subaru Crosstrek
2021	60/1002R / 94C	67/1002R / 97C	Subaru Crosstrek
2020	64/1003R / 31C	72/1001R / 62C	Subaru Crosstrek
2026(predicted)	68/100(predicted)	78/100(predicted)	Subaru Crosstrek

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Mazda CX-30 scored 68/100 and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek scored 83/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-30 vs the Subaru Crosstrek?

If you prioritize low running costs and want a vehicle with a proven track record of reliability, the Subaru Crosstrek may be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 71 out of 100, it surpasses the Mazda CX-30's score. The Crosstrek's estimated annual repair cost is $492, and its repair frequency is 0.1 per year, indicating a predictable maintenance schedule. However, be prepared for potential issues with visibility, the electrical system, and the powertrain. On the other hand, if your primary concern is minimizing recalls and owner complaints, consider the Mazda CX-30. It has fewer recalls, totaling 10, and significantly fewer owner complaints at 5.7 per 10,000 sold. While specific repair costs and frequency aren't available, the CX-30's lower complaint rate suggests a generally satisfying ownership experience. Choose the CX-30 if recalls and customer satisfaction are your top priorities.

Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek: Common Questions

Is the Mazda CX-30 more reliable than the Subaru Crosstrek?: Based on our data, the Subaru Crosstrek is more reliable with an average score of 71/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mazda CX-30 or the Subaru Crosstrek?: The Subaru Crosstrek has more recalls (19) compared to the Mazda CX-30 (10). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Mazda CX-30 or the Subaru Crosstrek?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-30 has a lower complaint rate at 5.7 per 10,000 sold versus 72.5 for the Subaru Crosstrek. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Mazda CX-30 comparisons

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More Subaru Crosstrek comparisons

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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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