What year Mazda CX-30 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2021 and 2024 Mazda CX-30. The 2021 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year, and the 2024 has an index of 80 with a reported fire.

What is the best year for the Mazda CX-30?

The 2020 and 2022 model years are the best choices, with complaint indexes of 0 and 20 respectively, the lowest among the six model years covered.

Does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2021 CX-30: a tire air valve that can leak air, and a power liftgate that may lower unexpectedly when parked on a slope.

Is the 2024 Mazda CX-30 reliable?

The 2024 CX-30 ranks 2nd worst of 6 years based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 80, 31 complaints, and a fire report, plus two recalls covering airbag sensors and forward sensing cameras.

What is the most common problem area across all Mazda CX-30 years?

Across all years, Engine issues account for 32% of the 248 total complaints, followed by Electrical System at 20% and Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 15%.

Mazda CX-30 Best and Worst Years (2020–2025)

Avoid the 2021 and 2024 Mazda CX-30 based on NHTSA data: 2021 has a complaint index of 100 (the worst of all years, with 101 complaints and 10 crashes) and 2024 has an index of 80 with a fire report. The 2020 and 2022 model years are the best choices, with complaint indexes of 0 and 20.

Avoid 2021 Avoid 2024 Best 2020 Best 2022

Model years: 6; 2020–2025
NHTSA complaints: 248
Recall campaigns: 7
Crashes reported: 24
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Engine

CX-30 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mazda CX-30 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2020	Best	0	33	1	0	3	Brakes	27.5	5★
2021	Avoid	100	101	10	0	2	Engine	26	5★
2022	Best	20	33	4	0	1	Engine	25.5	5★
2023	Good	40	24	5	0	1	Brakes	27	5★
2024	Avoid	80	31	2	1	2	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	27	5★
2025	Caution	60	26	2	0	1	Electrical System	27	5★

CX-30 years to avoid: what went wrong

2021 Mazda CX-30 Index 100 · 101 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2021 CX-30 posted 101 complaints, the highest of any year, with a complaint index of 100 and rank 1 of 6 (worst). Engine problems made up 54% of complaints, with median failure mileage of 30,590. Owners also reported electrical and collision-avoidance issues surfacing much earlier, around a median of 3,500 miles. NHTSA logged 10 crashes and 13 injuries for this year. Two recalls apply: a tire air valve leak and a power liftgate that could lower unexpectedly on a slope. Sample complaints describe unintended acceleration and airbags failing to deploy in crashes.

2021 engine problems →

2024 Mazda CX-30 Index 80 · 31 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2024 CX-30 carries a complaint index of 80, ranking 2 of 6 worst, with 31 complaints, 2 crashes, and 1 fire report. Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues lead at 29% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 2,500. Electrical System problems also appeared early, at a median of 900 miles. Two recalls affect this year: an airbag sensor that can deactivate airbags due to low battery condition, and a forward sensing camera malfunction that can disable automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping. Owners reported brake systems failing to slow the vehicle at highway speed.

Most common Mazda CX-30 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine79 (32%)
Electrical System50 (20%)
Other46 (19%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras37 (15%)
Brakes34 (14%)
Transmission & Powertrain19 (8%)
Visibility & Wipers19 (8%)
Structure & Body17 (7%)
Airbags15 (6%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mazda CX-30 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2021 and 2024 Mazda CX-30. The 2021 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year, and the 2024 has an index of 80 with a reported fire.
What is the best year for the Mazda CX-30?: The 2020 and 2022 model years are the best choices, with complaint indexes of 0 and 20 respectively, the lowest among the six model years covered.
Does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2021 CX-30: a tire air valve that can leak air, and a power liftgate that may lower unexpectedly when parked on a slope.
Is the 2024 Mazda CX-30 reliable?: The 2024 CX-30 ranks 2nd worst of 6 years based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 80, 31 complaints, and a fire report, plus two recalls covering airbag sensors and forward sensing cameras.
What is the most common problem area across all Mazda CX-30 years?: Across all years, Engine issues account for 32% of the 248 total complaints, followed by Electrical System at 20% and Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 15%.