2023 Mazda CX-30

I am the original owner of a 2023 Mazda CX-30 AWD (VIN: [XXX]), purchased new on XXX from Mazda of Clearwater, [XXX]. This vehicle has experienced four separate warranty failure events involving critical safety systems within approximately 32 months and 44,530 miles of ownership. In June 2026, at approximately 44,500 miles, my 2023 Mazda CX-30 AWD exhibited sudden RPM lock and inability to shift, with delayed and jerky acceleration. Dashboard warning lights activated including transmission malfunction indicators. DTCs P0756 (Shift Solenoid B Stuck Off) and P0780 (Shift Malfunction) were set. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Mazda dealership. The dealer confirmed the concern and contacted Mazda's regional tech specialist. The valve body was replaced first per Mazda's direction; however, the vehicle continued to exhibit rough and delayed shifting on test drive. Mazda then directed the dealer to replace the full transmission assembly. The repair required 35 days at the dealership. This failure did not occur in isolation. The same vehicle had previously required warranty replacement of brake components (disc, caliper, pads) at approximately 26,400 miles due to a driveability concern, and battery and drive belt tensioner replacement at approximately 29,100 miles. An independent service record five months prior to the transmission failure confirmed transmission fluid was at correct level, ruling out neglect. The pattern of cascading safety-system failures — braking, electrical, and transmission — within 32 months on a low-mileage vehicle suggests a potential systemic manufacturing defect. The RPM lock and inability to shift at highway speeds represents a direct safety hazard to the driver and other motorists. All repairs were confirmed and performed by an authorized Mazda dealer under factory warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11754216

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Mazda. The contact stated that the vehicle was braking randomly while driving. There was an unknown malfunction code that flashed quickly. The steering was stiff and failed to turn. The steering wheel adjusted and guided the vehicle into the wrong lane. The RPM was sporadically reeving. The RPM increased, and the vehicle stalled without acceleration. There was smoke emerging from the hood. There was oil leaking. The vehicle failed to turn off and on. The fuel gauge and infotainment center were not working properly. The contact stated that while leaving the local dealer, the vehicle stalled. The battery was replaced. The vehicle was towed to another unknown local dealer who determined the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was replaced, but the failure recurred. The dealer determined that there was an oil leak and needed to replace the transmission, serpentine belt, and battery. The dealer informed me additional testing was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding a buyback, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

NHTSA ID

11737807

Incident

Sep 15, 2024

Mileage

37,000 mi

Unexpected Automatic Emergency Braking Activation at Highway Speeds in Cold Temperatures. Description: I am reporting a safety issue with a 2023 Mazda CX-30 involving the collision avoidance / automatic emergency braking system. While driving at highway speeds, the system activates a forward collision warning (audible alert and dashboard indicator), followed almost immediately by automatic braking, even when there are no vehicles, obstacles, or pedestrians ahead. Conditions When Issue Occurs: * Ambient temperature: below ~40°F (4°C) * Road conditions: cold, often icy or snowy * Speed: highway speeds 45-75 * Environment: clear roadway, no visible hazards * visibility : clear System Behavior: * Audible warning and visual alert activate * Automatic braking occurs approximately 0.5–1 second after the warning * No obstacle is present to justify intervention Safety Risk: This presents a serious safety hazard because: * Sudden braking at highway speeds creates a high risk of rear-end collision * The warning-to-brake interval is extremely short, leaving little time for driver override. * Occurs in low-traction conditions, increasing risk of loss of control. * The event is unexpected and not predictable by the driver. Frequency: * Occurred multiple times under similar cold-weather conditions. * Appears repeatable based on temperature range. Attempts to Resolve: * Sensors/camera appear clean and unobstructed. * No prior collision damage to the vehicle. * Issue persists despite normal operation otherwise. * Similar reports observed from other owners in online discussions. This is not a one time occurrence, in the section below, i noted the last event but this is a daily occurrence in temperatures below 42F.

NHTSA ID

11734610

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

While driving down the road a vehicle in front of me braked to stop for a bus loading kids, as I stepped on the brakes nothing happened and the vehicle surged forward. After the accident I viewed the vehicles onboard system status and it had logged several errors including errors to the activsense driver assist control. I used the vehicle’s emergency assist button and contacted 911, and reported the incident to ride share and contact my spouse. Police report lists the wrong time and vehicle but does have the correct vin number

NHTSA ID

11724381

Incident

Dec 17, 2024

While attempting a left-hand turn, the steering wheel suddenly became stiff and unresponsive, as if the mechanical gear had bound. This sudden resistance made it impossible to complete the turn, causing the vehicle to strike a curb at low speed. A post-accident inspection at Lee Johnson Mazda (RO# 649854) confirmed extensive damage, including a bent inner tie rod, a damaged front wheel bearing/hub assembly, and wheel/tire damage totaling over $6,500. The dealership stated no electronic fault codes were present in the computer, but the physical behavior matches the 'sticky steering' symptoms currently under federal investigation for other Mazda models (Recall 24V022 / RQ26002). I believe a mechanical failure in the steering gear caused the collision.

NHTSA ID

11716259

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

My 2023 Mazda CX-30, which is currently under full manufacturer warranty, was brought to the dealer on October 10, 2025, specifically to address a safety defect involving white chemical particulates blowing through the HVAC vents. The dealership confirmed the failure of the "evaporative coating", which resulted in unidentified chemical byproduct being discharged directly into the passenger cabin.The vehicle remained out of service for 103 days due to this manufacturing defect. Upon receiving the Repair order (RO# 77004584) today, January 20, 2026, I discovered a significant safety concern that violates standard warranty repair protocols: the technician admitted to receiving two separate heater unit boxes that were damaged during shipping and subsequently 'transferred all salvageable items "from one damaged unit to the other to make one complete unit". As a consumer with a vehicle under warranty, I am entitled to a repair using new, undamaged factory parts. I am extremely concerned about the structural and functional integrity of a "reconstructed" HVAC system assembled from damaged components. Furthermore, despite the confirmed chemical emission, no professional decontamination of the interior was performed. The manufactures is now using financial threats of storage and rental car fees to force me to accept this substandard, "cannibalized" repair.

NHTSA ID

11712291

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

One day after oil and filter change, engine LOW OIL LEVEL light illuminated on dash. Engine oil dipstick displays full oil level; no signs on oil leaks under the vehicle. Appears to be failed oil level sensor. Upon restarting the vehicle, LOW OIL LEVEL light is turned off. Intermittently returns after some time of driving. Have not observed light turning itself off without shutting down the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11706042

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

While coasting slowly through a parking lot at approximately 5-8mph I tapped the brake to slow further while making a tight turn and to safely pass a vehicle also turning towards me. This caused the car to lurch and accelerate as though my foot was on the gas pedal, but it wasn't. I had to step hard on the brake to bring it under control.

NHTSA ID

11679806

Incident

Jul 29, 2025

DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain that the electric power steering warning light illuminates after engine start and DTC U2011:1C is stored. Zinc-plated whisker may form inside the EPS motor and trigger the DTC. However, since it is cleared when power is supplied during DTC detection, normal operation can be restored by turning the ignition OFF and then ON. Furthermore, there is no possibility of recurrence. This case may be resolved through a simple inspection or repair without the need for parts replacement, potentially avoiding unnecessary customer waiting time.

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 09-016/26 05/06/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain that the seat warmer does not operate when turning the ignition on while the seat is warm but when turning the ignition off then on again, the seat warmer begins to operate appropriately. DTCs “B1030:13” and/or “B1032:13” are stored. This is caused by the seat warmers fail-safe mode which prevents it from working during the initial drive cycle. To correct this issue, the seat warmer has been modified to optimize the temperature control. B1030:13 Seat warmer unit (LH) circuit malfunction (Heater side) B1032:13 Seat warmer unit (RH) circuit malfunction (Heater side) Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify the customer concern. 2. Remove the front seat cushion trim and the front seat back trim for both the driver and passenger seats according to the instructions in MGSS.

This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-063/24 09/06/24 DESCRIPTION The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can malfunction with the following symptoms if the rear side radar sensors are installed facing the wrong direction.

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-017/25 12/16/25, 09/08/25, 07/14/25, 05/15/25 and 03/21/25 DESCRIPTION Mazda Connect Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and Getting Started Dealer Processes Registration / Enrollment / Take-Over Customer Subscription Status WI-FI General Informatio Opening the TCU Communication Line WI-FI How-To Conditions for Remote Engine Start Will Not Function WI-FI Trial Period Conditions for Remote Engine Start Function Will turn engine OFF Interacting With The App TCU Communication Line Status Service Issues Educational Videos Troubleshooting Resources MyMazda App Error Codes Customer Opt-Out

This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button Example 1: Some electrical devices connected to the DLC-2 connector by insurance or mobile phone companies may cause: Battery discharge. The device may disrupt the CAN system battery saver mode. • IDS/MMDS will not communicate with the vehicle due to poor DLC-2 connection. The aftermarket device may cause DLC-2 female terminals to spread open.

This SA supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted below in Red. SA-027/26 04/16/26 DESCRIPTION The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code. NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission Battery Identification (Mazda batteries have 2 rating types) 1. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard): JIS codes are six-digit alpha-numeric markings (excluding i-STOP batteries e.g. Q-85, S-95) molded into the top of the battery to identify a battery by the capacity (amps), dimensions, and battery terminal type. Vehicles manufactured in Japan come from the factory with a JIS rated battery. NOTE: Replacement batteries may use a CCA rating. If so, use the CCA rating listed on the battery. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Perform appropriate repair to vehicle. If needed, use the Battery Diagnostics of the DCA-8000 to test the charging and starting systems by following the on-screen instructions for entering the appropriate information. Refer to the Mazda DCA-8000 Instruction Manual for more information.