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2021 Mazda CX-30

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most CX-30 years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-30 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 31.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 13 of 100 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports0 fire reports7 injury reports

What owners actually said

100 reports
47,000 miles · Aug 13, 2025
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was slightly depressed; however, the vehicle speed increased significantly independently. The contact stated that the failure occurred as the contact arrived at the contact's residence and was attempting to p…

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The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was slightly depressed; however, the vehicle speed increased significantly independently. The contact stated that the failure occurred as the contact arrived at the contact's residence and was attempting to park the vehicle. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to stop, and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into the contact’s apartment building. The contact stated that the building siding and steps were damaged due to the failure. The contact was not injured; however the failure had caused serious anxiety issues for the contact. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer two times prior to the failure because, when attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was informed that the vehicle's not starting was the result of a faulty battery, and the battery was replaced. In addition, the contact stated that the independent acceleration failure had occurred the day before the crash occurred; however the contact was planning to take the vehicle to the dealer the following day. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ODI #11680382

Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

As reported by others, Engine Malfunction light came on. Car running rough. Mazda dealer says corroded wiring harness and $5k to replace. They bypass the conventional repair and splice it in. Within a hour of driving after pick up, same engine malfunction light and rough running returns. This time they said I need a new transmis…

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As reported by others, Engine Malfunction light came on. Car running rough. Mazda dealer says corroded wiring harness and $5k to replace. They bypass the conventional repair and splice it in. Within a hour of driving after pick up, same engine malfunction light and rough running returns. This time they said I need a new transmission. Electrical issues and faulty transmission are both dangerous. With as much posted online regarding the transmission, I would hope to find a recall. $10k in repairs for a barely 4 yr old car!

NHTSA ODI #11644437

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2025
Seats

-Driver seatbelt retractor has failed. Will no longer retract and it is available for inspection. -Safety is compromised due to pretensioner will not function in the event of a collision. Seatbelt will not perform as designed. -I have not taken the vehicle into the dealer but will be doing so. -The seatbelt issue has not been in…

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-Driver seatbelt retractor has failed. Will no longer retract and it is available for inspection. -Safety is compromised due to pretensioner will not function in the event of a collision. Seatbelt will not perform as designed. -I have not taken the vehicle into the dealer but will be doing so. -The seatbelt issue has not been inspected by anyone as of yet. I am filling this out in case there are other owners with similar issues. There are quite a few complaints about this issue in Mazda forums. -There are no dash lights on at all indicating an issue.

NHTSA ODI #11643631

22,000 miles · Feb 10, 2025
Service Brakes, HydraulicVisibility

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the interior rear mirror loosened and eventually fell from the roof of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Cri…

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The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the interior rear mirror loosened and eventually fell from the roof of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Critical Brake System Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 22,000.

NHTSA ODI #11641757

31,000 miles · Jan 14, 2025
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

The contact owned 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle in the parking garage at her workplace, the contact reversed and then straightened the steering wheel; however, after shifting to drive and attempting to drive 6-10 feet forward into the parking space, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated…

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The contact owned 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle in the parking garage at her workplace, the contact reversed and then straightened the steering wheel; however, after shifting to drive and attempting to drive 6-10 feet forward into the parking space, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a pillar before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the engine had revved up, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound before the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle failed to stop as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as intended; however, a warning light indicating an air bag malfunction illuminated afterwards. The contact stated that the front driver's side and knee air bags had deployed as designed. The contact sustained pain and bruises on the left side of the chest, on the upper part of the left breast, on the left leg, and on the right wrist and right arm. The vehicle automatically called 9-1-1 for Emergency Assistance, but the contact declined to receive medical assistance. The contact was able to walk away from the scene. No Police report was filed. The contact was unsure whether there was any property damage. The vehicle was towed from the scene and totaled by the Insurance Company. The contact stated that the failure had occurred once before while driving at approximately 60-65 MPH, and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, but the contact was able to depress the brake pedal and regained control of the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA ODI #11635826

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2024
EnginePower Train

Received a "LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL” warning message before the regular oil change interval of 7,500. Light came on 11/20/24 after purchasing the vehicle from a Mazda dealership 8/10/24 (~3 months). Model and VIN were impacted by the Mazda Valve Stem Seal Settlement. This issue was not disclosed by the dealer.

NHTSA ODI #11629133

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2024
Latches/locks/linkages

Upon opening rear hatch, loud banging/knock developed that happened on every opening. Sounded as if it were damaging the body or latch. Did online research of problem and found through Mazda owners forum Mazda TSB #09-009/23. The TSB notes the rear latch has an "internal fault in the liftgate latch and/or loose bolts." Dealers a…

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Upon opening rear hatch, loud banging/knock developed that happened on every opening. Sounded as if it were damaging the body or latch. Did online research of problem and found through Mazda owners forum Mazda TSB #09-009/23. The TSB notes the rear latch has an "internal fault in the liftgate latch and/or loose bolts." Dealers are advised to confirm the issue and replace with new latch and bolts - "This repair will be covered under Mazda's New Vehicle Limited Warranty term." My vehicle had 71,500 miles at the time of the issue, just beyond the warranty limits. I took my vehicle to the local dealership (Whitten) along with the TSB where the problem was confirmed and I was requested to approve replacement. I argued that this should be considered a recall and covered by Mazda given the language of the TSB. The dealership advised that I would need to pay for the repair and could take up the issue directly with Mazda. Therefore, I paid $512 for the latch repair because I considered the problem a potential safety issue - either it would stop opening or would not close leaving the hatch open during driving. I contacted Mazda USA requesting reimbursement for the repair given their admission that the latch was "faulty." They refused saying my vehicle was beyond the warranty period and I had approved and paid for the repair. They added that I should contact them in the future if there is a question about coverage of broken parts. Given their admission that the part installed at the factory had a fault and that this fault could result in a safety issue such as a non-closing hatch, I request that this issue become a recall, or that the warranty period be extended for this specific issue. (I would also like to be reimbursed for the cost of repairing this manufacturer's problem.)

NHTSA ODI #11622433

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2024
Electrical System

For 4-5 weeks the car often would not start. Jump the battery and it would start. Run fine 1-2 days then require another jump. At end required jump nearly every time it was to be used. Presently at Mazda dealer. They confirm the problem. They cannot find the cause. Car has been there two weeks. Waiting for assistance from …

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For 4-5 weeks the car often would not start. Jump the battery and it would start. Run fine 1-2 days then require another jump. At end required jump nearly every time it was to be used. Presently at Mazda dealer. They confirm the problem. They cannot find the cause. Car has been there two weeks. Waiting for assistance from manufacturer. I researched this on the internet. Visited many Mazda forums an 'do it yourself" forums. This seems to be a common problem. NO where have I read about a satisfactory solution. In fact, it sounds like there is none. Dealer's proposal so far has been to replace rear wiring harness at $7000. It sounds to me that there is a manufacturing problem. Who ever heard of a wiring harness go bad? I believe this to be a poor electronic sensor/device, or perhaps poor wiring. Either case it would be the manufacturers fault. And I believe that the manufacturer should repair it at their expense. I grew up in a garage and never heard of anything like this. The car approximately 21000 miles. All of them are easy highway miles with no abuse or offroad/dirt road use. Yesterday my wife heard about a Subaru that was doing the same thing. Maybe someone in Japan is manufacturing faulty parts. If so that is the manufacturers problem, not mine. So far the car has not stalled going down the highway but one drives it with an uneasy feeling. Stopping without warning on the roadway would be very dangerous. Also, one could get stranded in poor conditions or environment, and that makes this a safety issue. I have attached file regarding battery etc. test I performed. These test have been confirmed by the dealer.

NHTSA ODI #11619403

30,590 miles · Sep 26, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The messages "Engine Malfunction" and "Computer System Issues" were displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. Another driver assisted the contact in jumpstarting the vehicle. The contact was able to driv…

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The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The messages "Engine Malfunction" and "Computer System Issues" were displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. Another driver assisted the contact in jumpstarting the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to her friend's residence. The contact then drove to her residence the following day. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked and the failure recurred. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,590.

NHTSA ODI #11616571

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2024
Electrical System

Battery would be completely drained overnight if the doors are not locked.

NHTSA ODI #11610981

Official recalls

2

21V101000 · Tires:valve

Feb 22, 2021

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four tire air valves with new parts, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4721B.

21V086000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Feb 18, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.