2021 Mazda CX-30: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 has 102 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag limited rear passenger and cargo space — very frequent mention of cramped rear seats, especially with child car seats, and limited trunk space.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

102
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
10
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Mazda CX-30 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
49
electrical system
13
forward collision avoidance
12
visibility/wiper
9
service brakes
8

Recalls affecting the 2021 CX-30

structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Campaign 21V086000

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.

tires:valve

Campaign 21V101000

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

back over prevention: sensing system: camera

Campaign 23V487000

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among owners, characterized by high satisfaction with driving dynamics, interior quality, and overall reliability. The vehicle is consistently praised for its responsive and fun-to-drive nature, with both naturally aspirated a

  • Limited rear passenger and cargo space — very frequent mention of cramped rear seats, especially with child car seats, and limited trunk space.
  • Interior blind spots — thick A-pillars and other design elements creating visibility obstructions. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Fuel economy and small gas tank — real-world fuel efficiency noted as just "decent" or "not great," combined with a small tank size reducing range. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Minor interior quality niggles — easily scratched gauge cluster and infotainment screen plastic; interior vibrations during acceleration in some base models; poor wireless charger performance (acts more as a phone heater). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Feature omissions for price — lack of touchscreen infotainment (controlled only by rotary dial), no power liftgate, limited USB ports, and a basic key fob are noted as cons. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the CX-30.

Typical used price

Used CX-30 listings typically run $22,184–$29,287 across 2020 to 2026 model years.

Other CX-30 model years

2024 CX-302022 CX-302020 CX-302019 CX-30
Full Mazda CX-30 owner reportCompare against another car