YearToAvoid

2020 Mazda CX-30 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

0/100

#6 most-complained of 6 CX-30 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has a complaint index of 0, the lowest among the 6 model years with data, and ranks as the Best year for the model. It has 33 complaints, 3 recalls, and no fires, injuries, or deaths reported.

Complaints
33
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
27.5
25 city / 32.5 hwy

Top 2020 Mazda CX-30 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other9 (27%)
  2. Brakes7 (21%)
  3. Electrical System7 (21%)
  4. Engine5 (15%)
  5. Fuel System5 (15%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain4 (12%)
  7. Structure & Body3 (9%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (9%)
  9. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (6%)
  10. Seat Belts2 (6%)

What owners report

  • Brakes hesitate for about two seconds before engaging when exiting a highway, sometimes paired with hesitation on acceleration.
  • Tire pressure monitoring system reads roughly 10 psi higher than actual pressure on the right side tires, with no manual reset available.
  • A loud, continuous static sound from the speaker system started suddenly and could not be turned off.
  • Rear liftgate can only be opened from inside using a flathead screwdriver rather than a normal release.
  • Front brake caliper mounting bolts were not properly tightened at assembly, prompting a recall.
  • Evaporative vent hose for the fuel tank can disconnect, raising the risk of a fuel leak.
2020 Mazda CX-30 complaints: complaints filed per month5Jan 2020Oct 2020Jun 2022Mar 2023Jun 2024May 2025Jan 2026
49 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Jun 2020 (5).

2020 Mazda CX-30 recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 21V086000Feb 18, 2021Structure & Body13,857 vehicles

    Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  2. NHTSA 20V347000Jun 12, 2020Fuel System12,097 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The evaporative vent hose for the fuel tank may be disconnected, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the charcoal canister vent at the rear of the vehicle.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, the engine may stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the evaporative vent hose in the fuel tank. If the hose is disconnected, it will be reconnected and the charcoal canister with some related parts will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 29, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4520F.

  3. NHTSA 20V346000Jun 12, 2020Brakes24,037 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.

    Risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.

2020 Mazda CX-30 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
25 MPG
Highway
32.5 MPG
Combined
27.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,350
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2020 compared with other CX-30 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2020Best033327.5
2021Avoid100101226
2022Best2033125.5

All Mazda CX-30 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Mazda CX-30 a good year to buy?
Yes. NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 0 for 2020, the lowest of the 6 CX-30 model years with data, giving it a 'Best' verdict relative to other years.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
Brakes and the Electrical System each account for 7 complaints (21% share), followed by Engine and Fuel System issues at 5 complaints (15%) each.
Does the 2020 Mazda CX-30 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls: one for a fuel tank evaporative vent hose that may disconnect, one for improperly tightened front brake caliper bolts, and one for a power liftgate that may lower unexpectedly on a slope.
How does the 2020 CX-30 compare to other years?
The 2020 has a complaint index of 0, far below the 2021 (100), 2024 (80), and 2025 (60), making it the strongest year among the 6 with data.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
EPA rates it at 27.5 mpg combined (25 city / 32.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,350.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.