RoadVitals

2021 Mazda CX-30 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
100
Latest Jul 27, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Mazda CX-30, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

49
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Excessive oil consumption. Regularly have a low oil warning come up about 6000 kms after an oil change. Oil is always low when checked.

NHTSA ID 11748372 · filed Jul 5, 2026

While driving, on approach to a stop signal, at an intersection the car stopped moving. The display said engine malfunction, have inspected. The electronics and engine continued to operate, but the car would not move when gas pedal was depressed. I shut off and restarted my vehicle numerous times, with no effect on the problem, the car still would not move. The vehicle behind me had to brake unexpectedly, and I could have been hit by others in the intersection, there could have been an accident.(I put car in neutral and the driver behind me, pushed my vehicle, manually, out of the intersection) AAA towed vehicle to the dealer I purchased it from, they were unable to reproduce the problem or retrieve codes to identify problem.( AAA did something under the hood before towing and I was able to drive vehicle to nearby parking lot to be towed) No other inspection has been conducted. Over prior week I noted intermittent engine revving while driving for very brief seconds and this occurred just prior to the incident that resulted in the inability to move the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11734603 · filed Apr 29, 2026
All 49 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On June 3rd, 2026, about 1:15 PM, I braked in the rain because there was a stopped car in front of me. The brakes did not work; the Automatic Emergency brakes did not work; the Forward Collision Warning did not work and I hit the car in front of me causing a 3 car accident. As I hit the car I saw the Forward Collision Warning come on and then go out. Unfortunately, the brakes worked after that and the Mazda Collision Center cannot find anything wrong with the brakes. I note that the 2022 and 2023 models of the same car did have recalls related to the brakes. The claim is still open and I have not yet received the final damage report. Yesterday I was told the revised estimate is $16,000 and my car and the middle care with front and rear and damage are considered totaled.

NHTSA ID 11743896 · filed Jun 13, 2026

The I-Activesense camera disables all the time while driving. It disabled cruise control, LKA and LKA warning as well as auto high beams. While driving at highway speeds, when the vehicle drifts slightly over the line it does not get corrected nor do I receive ANY warning. It's almost as if the system knows it's there but doesn't want to turn on. While I was driving one day, it was very windy and the wind blew my car into the other lane slightly and almost collided with a vehicle. If the system was working that would not have happened. The problem was addressed at the dealership and I was told it was "normal". I've watched many videos on this exact model and trim. It is supposed to put my vehicle back into the center of the lane if it drifts over the lines. I will also add that every time this happens, the weather is perfect and nothing is obstructing the camera. The warning lamps that come on are the sensors disabled, auto high beams, forward collision, and cruise control

NHTSA ID 11721948 · filed Mar 4, 2026
All 17 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Two issues A) my usb or display stop to work often I have reset to make it work again, look like loose electrical 2) many time it has also happened start key malfunction error I have jumped start, I have replaced battery same issue

NHTSA ID 11687693 · filed Sep 16, 2025

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 ID 11644437 · filed Feb 24, 2025
All 13 reports naming electrical

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The climate control system suffered a sudden, complete failure due to an engineering defect documented in Mazda Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) ID: MC-10203760-0001. The factory evaporator core leaked refrigerant rapidly starving the A/C compressor of essential lubricating oil. This caused the compressor to overheat and complete seize. This failure occurred during extreme summer heat exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an immediate health hazard inside the cabin during my daily 40-mile highway work commute. Additionally, the complete loss of climate control functionality compromises the vehicle's defogging and defrosting capabilities, creating a severe visibility hazard during sudden weather changes on the highway. Mazda customer service corporate teams refused to cover or reimburse the repair because I had to utilize an independent repair facility (Firestone) within walking distance of my home to safely remedy the immediate environmental hazard. The manufacturer is actively denying financial accountability for a well-documented manufacturing flaw that leads to premature secondary component failure. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. First appeared 7/23/26.

NHTSA ID 11753153 · filed Jul 27, 2026

The vehicle experienced a premature internal A/C failure, resulting in a total loss of climate control refrigerant. Because the A/C system failed, the vehicle's windshield defroster completely stopped removing humidity and moisture from the cabin air. This caused the front windshield to instantly and severely fog over while operating the vehicle completely obstructing forward driver visibility. The manufacturer has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) MC-10203760-0001 for factory evaporator defect on 2021 models, acknowledging low refrigerant charge due to component leakage. However, the manufacturer's current TSB VIN cutoff is too narrow. My vehicle is a 2021 model built at the same facility experiencing the exact same component failure past the arbitrary cutoff, proving the dangerous defect extends into later production runs. The current parameters must be expanded to protect public safety and a recall needs to be initiated to fix the issue.

NHTSA ID 11744720 · filed Jun 17, 2026
All 11 reports naming visibility

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On June 3rd, 2026, about 1:15 PM, I braked in the rain because there was a stopped car in front of me. The brakes did not work; the Automatic Emergency brakes did not work; the Forward Collision Warning did not work and I hit the car in front of me causing a 3 car accident. As I hit the car I saw the Forward Collision Warning come on and then go out. Unfortunately, the brakes worked after that and the Mazda Collision Center cannot find anything wrong with the brakes. I note that the 2022 and 2023 models of the same car did have recalls related to the brakes. The claim is still open and I have not yet received the final damage report. Yesterday I was told the revised estimate is $16,000 and my car and the middle care with front and rear and damage are considered totaled.

NHTSA ID 11743896 · filed Jun 13, 2026

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 ID 11641757 · filed Feb 10, 2025
All 9 reports naming brakes

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving, on approach to a stop signal, at an intersection the car stopped moving. The display said engine malfunction, have inspected. The electronics and engine continued to operate, but the car would not move when gas pedal was depressed. I shut off and restarted my vehicle numerous times, with no effect on the problem, the car still would not move. The vehicle behind me had to brake unexpectedly, and I could have been hit by others in the intersection, there could have been an accident.(I put car in neutral and the driver behind me, pushed my vehicle, manually, out of the intersection) AAA towed vehicle to the dealer I purchased it from, they were unable to reproduce the problem or retrieve codes to identify problem.( AAA did something under the hood before towing and I was able to drive vehicle to nearby parking lot to be towed) No other inspection has been conducted. Over prior week I noted intermittent engine revving while driving for very brief seconds and this occurred just prior to the incident that resulted in the inability to move the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11734603 · filed Apr 29, 2026

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 ID 11644437 · filed Feb 24, 2025
All 8 reports naming powertrain (other)

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

-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 ID 11643631 · filed Feb 19, 2025

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 ID 11622433 · filed Oct 29, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Low engine oil light is on again, I had one at 4600 miles and keep happening every 5-6000 miles. I had 7!! oil changes on a car that is 2.5 years old and it is at 29000 miles. I am sitting at the dealership and they are telling me nothing is wrong and despite of the valve stem cap replacement available they are not willing to replace it. In addition I had my battery die and needed to be replaced at 23 months after purchasing a brand new car - due to a faulty system. This is getting extremely upsetting. And dealearships do not care.

NHTSA ID 11589759 · filed May 20, 2024

Vehicle burns oil at at much higher rate than scheduled oil changes allow.

NHTSA ID 11540771 · filed Aug 25, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Following a recent inspection at Perry Mazda in Santa Barbara, my vehicle was diagnosed with a failed clock spring mechanism causing airbag malfunction warnings. Clock spring failure under 70K miles on a 2021 vehicle is premature and suggests a defect rather than normal wear. I contacted Mazda North America and it has been over a week without a response. I have maintained the vehicle responsible and have no history of collisions or modifications that could have contributed to this failure.

NHTSA ID 11739586 · filed May 22, 2026

I was involved in a traffic accident on 6/29/23 involving myself and my [xx] year old son, both in the front seat. We were struck in the back by one vehicle, spun out of control, hit another vehicle on the passenger side where my son was sitting and spun out of control again. Driver side did not strike anything and side airbags deployed (both front seat and back seat), passenger side airbags never deployed. My son's safety was put at risk as the damage was extensive and the car was totaled. He suffered two fractures in his shoulder and a broken clavicle. The problem has not been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle has been inspected by my insurance carrier, Progressive. There were no warning lights, and no lights confirming that the airbag was turned off while my son was sitting in the passenger side. “INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

NHTSA ID 11533785 · filed Jul 22, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

On December 13, 2025, my vehicle (2021 Mazda CX-30) was serviced at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change location. During service, the technician stated he was checking tire pressure and asked whether 36 PSI was acceptable. I agreed. When I pulled out of the bay, the tire pressure warning light remained on and showed 29 PSI. I stopped immediately and informed the technician. He then stated he could not inflate the rear-left tire because he could not remove the valve stem cap due to corrosion. This was not disclosed before the vehicle was released. The technician told me I should drive the vehicle anyway and suggested I try removing the cap myself using pliers. No written warning or safety notice was provided. On December 16, 2025, while traveling on Interstate 81, I heard a pop/rattle and the vehicle became progressively louder. A warning displayed: “TPMS Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected.” I continued driving until I could safely exit. The tire was shredded by the time I pulled over. The incident appears consistent with progressive deflation/underinflation leading to tire failure. The vehicle was released for highway operation despite the technician’s stated inability to service the tire at the valve stem.

NHTSA ID 11705780 · filed Dec 18, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle makes a noise on the driver side headlight when light is on. Once headlight is off, noise is gone.

NHTSA ID 11603335 · filed Jul 19, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Involved in an accident low speed on 3/17/23. Upon impact with other car passengers seat belt did not activate until passenger hit dash with her head and then it apparently engaged and threw passenger back with tremendous force injuring passenger. Upon inspection at the body shop they found the following code: U0452..invalid data received from restraints control Panel. History. They will be calling Madza for inspection. This needs to be inspected as soon as possible before someone gets killed.

NHTSA ID 11514192 · filed Mar 28, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Multiple warning messages came on including "Pus button start malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "In-vehicle network malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "Auto light system malfunction. Turn on/off lights manually." "Power steering malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "Driver attention alert disabled." Vehicle would not start after this and had to be towed to a Mazda dealership.

NHTSA ID 11448498 · filed Jan 23, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Had to replace tie rods two times before 11,000 miles.

NHTSA ID 11602478 · filed Jul 15, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The sunroof exploded while driving. If the inner shield hadnt been up the glass would have fallen on 2 people and a dog. The explosion was so loud my left ear is hurting. Nothing dropped on the sunroof. It exploded upwards. We thought our car had been shot.

NHTSA ID 11500731 · filed Jan 8, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .