What years of the Mazda CX-30 should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags the 2021 and 2024 model years as Avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 80, the two highest across all CX-30 years.

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

The 2020 and 2023 model years rank Best, with complaint indexes of 0 and 20 and lower crash and injury counts than other years.

Does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have engine problems?

Yes. Engine complaints account for 54% of all 2021 CX-30 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 30,590, the top problem area for that year.

Are there recalls on the 2024 Mazda CX-30?

Yes, two recalls: one for a forward sensing camera that could disable automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping, and one for an airbag sensor that could deactivate airbags due to low battery condition.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-30 reliable?

The 2025 model year is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60 and one recall, placing it between the Avoid and Good/Best years.

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

Avoid the 2021 and 2024 Mazda CX-30, which carry the highest complaint index scores (100 and 80) and the most crashes and injuries. The 2020 and 2023 model years rank Best, with complaint indexes of 0 and 20 and far lower crash counts.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2021 Avoid 2024 Best 2020 Best 2023

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	Good	40	33	4	0	1	Engine	25.5	5★
2023	Best	20	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 has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (101) of any year, with 10 crashes and 13 injuries reported. Engine problems make up 54% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 30,590. Owners also reported electrical system and collision-avoidance issues near 3,500 miles. NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a tire air valve leak and one for a power liftgate that could lower unexpectedly on a slope. Sample complaints describe unintended acceleration, airbags not deploying in a crash, and cruise control failing to deactivate when braking.

2021 engine problems →

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

The 2024 CX-30 has a complaint index of 80, the second-highest among all years, with 31 complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries. Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues lead at 29% of complaints with a low median failure mileage of 2,500. Airbags and brakes problems showed a much higher median mileage of 38,377. NHTSA recorded two recalls: a forward sensing camera malfunction affecting automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping, and an airbag sensor unit that could deactivate airbags due to low battery voltage. Owners reported brake failures at highway speed and inconsistent door lock and lane-departure system behavior.

Most common Mazda CX-30 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

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%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mazda CX-30 should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags the 2021 and 2024 model years as Avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 80, the two highest across all CX-30 years.
What is the best year for the Mazda CX-30?: The 2020 and 2023 model years rank Best, with complaint indexes of 0 and 20 and lower crash and injury counts than other years.
Does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have engine problems?: Yes. Engine complaints account for 54% of all 2021 CX-30 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 30,590, the top problem area for that year.
Are there recalls on the 2024 Mazda CX-30?: Yes, two recalls: one for a forward sensing camera that could disable automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping, and one for an airbag sensor that could deactivate airbags due to low battery condition.
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-30 reliable?: The 2025 model year is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60 and one recall, placing it between the Avoid and Good/Best years.