2020 Mazda CX-30 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mazda CX-30, most often about brakes. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
34
Recalls
3
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Median mileage
3,950 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 7 of 34 complaints (21%).
  • Engine (6) and fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion (5) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 3,950 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries.
  • The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has 3 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 5th of 7 Mazda CX-30 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

2020 Mazda CX-30 problems by category

  • Other / Unknown
    9 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    7 complaints
  • Engine
    6 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion · 1 crash
    5 complaints
  • Electrical System
    5 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    4 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    3 complaints
  • Suspension
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Lighting · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Unknown or other9
Service brakes7
Engine6
Fuel/propulsion system5
Electrical system4
Power train4
Structure:body3
Seat belts2

When problems happen (mileage)

5Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k160k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2020 Mazda CX-30 complaints that list mileage.

2020 Mazda CX-30 recalls (3)

  • Recall 21V086000Feb 18, 202113,857 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.

  • Recall 20V346000Jun 12, 202024,037 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.

  • Recall 20V347000Jun 12, 202012,097 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.

Recent 2020 Mazda CX-30 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 6, 2026MOEngine
    Multiple fixes and repairs on a P0421 code. Repaired by Mazda with a new catalytic converter but then refused to replace it when the code came back saying it was not covered by the warranty. Mazda says it is not a common issue but they have had issues in the past with the same P0421 code repeatedly showing up on a healthy car.
    NHTSA complaint #11769418 · source
  2. Filed Sep 3, 2026MOTransmission & Drivetrain
    My car was squeaking and lurching around 3/4 gear. I took it in to the Mazda dealership (Northtowne Mazda in Kansas City) and they told me it was a "well-known issue" with this year and make of a Mazda. There is a problem with the torque converter lock-up clutch which sheds iron particles into the transmission fluid. The torque converter needs to be replaced. After further research, it appears that Mazda has a well-documented manufacturing defect that is outlined in Mazda…
    NHTSA complaint #11761957 · source
  3. Filed Jul 18, 2026PALighting
    The front passenger side headlight is making a whirring noise whenever the light is turned on. Based on the NHTSA safety reports for this model, this indicates the fan is failing, and soon the headlight will also fail. Intact headlights are essential for driving safety at night. No warning messages have appeared on the car.
    NHTSA complaint #11751262 · source
  4. Filed Jan 10, 2026NYElectrical System
    My 2020 Mazda CX-30 has an intermittent no-start condition caused by a complete electrical failure. This occurs randomly, often overnight and after long or short trips. When it happens: The car does not respond to the key fob or ignition Dashboard warning lights are off Vehicle cannot be started, creating a safety risk if it occurs during travel or in an emergency The defect began during car's full warranty period and has persisted despite multiple service visits and battery…
    NHTSA complaint #11710048 · source
  5. Filed Nov 18, 2025LABody & Structure
    There is a module that should connect to the hatch door to open. That module in no longer available. Without the hatch door opening, in case of side impact and being pushed into something else, there is no way to get out of the car. This poses a serious safety hazard. I have contacted the Mazda dealership and I am told that the part is "retired" and there is no replacement part at this time.
    NHTSA complaint #11700042 · source
  6. Filed Jul 18, 2025NYTransmission & Drivetrain
    I own 2020 mazda cx 30 with 66000 miles. The transmission was shifting with jerky motions. On july 14, 2025 i brought the car to palisades mazda in rockland county new york to have transmission looked at and to change transmission fluid changed. After i dropped the car off later that day i got a call that the transmission was condemned. I looked on the internet with same year make and model and see there is a big problem with the transmissions on these cars and mazda is…
    NHTSA complaint #11674592 · source
  7. Filed Jun 9, 2025TXOther / UnknownSeats & Seat BeltsTransmission & Drivetrain
    The initial sensor alarm indication was low oil pressure and within less then an hour engine malfunction was detected and the vehicle stopped functioning. This incident occurred on [XXX] in SanAntonio and thereafter it was towed to the Mazda Dealership for inspection upon request. I was driving from Dallas to SanAntonio with my [XXX] and [XXX] children when the vehicle started making strange noise and It the notification on dashboard stated I need to immediately stop the…
    NHTSA complaint #11665901 · source
  8. Filed May 17, 2025GATransmission & Drivetrain
    I am reporting a repeated and potentially dangerous transmission failure in my 2020 Mazda CX30. At 6 months old, the original transmission failed. Mazda confirmed it was defective and replaced it with a refurbished unit with 10,000 miles on it. That replacement is now also failing—within 4 years of the first failure. This means the car has experienced two transmission failures before reaching 5 years of service. This raises concerns about: •The reliability of Mazda’s factory…
    NHTSA complaint #11661587 · source

Compare the 2020 Mazda CX-30 with another vehicle →

Other 2020 Mazda models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology