First generation
2021 Mazda CX-30
The most reported problem on the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is oil consumption, with 18 complaints, usually around 8,000 miles.
- 101owner complaints
- 2recalls
- 10involved a crash
- 8,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 20, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2021 Mazda CX-30 has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 reliable?
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 has 101 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, less than half the median of 216 for 2021 SUVs on this site. Of the 6 CX-30 model years since 2020, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2020 and 2022
- The 2021 stands out from the model years on either side. It draws 17 complaints for each year on the road, while the 2020 draws 5 and the 2022 7.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, oil consumption, covers 18 of the 101 complaints (18%), and windshield is next with 10 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). Oil consumption tends to show up early. Of the 11 owners who gave a mileage for it, half were under about 8,000 miles and a quarter under about 5,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 11 of the 101 complaints (11%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 10 reports mention a crash and 13 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 4 of 10, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 2 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2022 at 37 and have dropped every year since, to 7 in 2025. So far in 2026, 9 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: burns oil or oil level rises, 18 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
101 complaints is 1.9 times fewer than the median 2021 model on this site and 2.1 times fewer than the median 2021 SUV. Among the 1 CX-30 model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2021 Mazda CX-30
Mazda filed 614 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2021 Mazda CX-30. 76 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car, 1 of those a warranty extension. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Burns oil or oil level rises 4 bulletins · 18 complaints
SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM SSPD5 - WARRANTY EXTENSION - MULTI-MODEL - VALVE STEM SEALS CLASS ACTION In conjunction with a Class Action Settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct an extension of the Engine powertrain warranty related to excessive oil consumption.
Some vehicles may have a "LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL" warning message and an engine oil level warning light on in the instrument cluster with DTC P250F:00 stored in memory, and the oil level has actually decreased to near low.
2 more on this problem
Some vehicles may have a "LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL" warning message and a CHECK ENGINE light illuminated in the instrument cluster with DTC P250F:00 stored in memory, and the oil level has actually decreased to near low.
Some vehicles may have a "OW ENGINE OIL LEVEL" warning message and a CHECK ENGINE light illuminated in the instrument cluster with DTC P250F:00 stored in memory, and the oil level has actually decreased to near low.
Windshield cracks or distorts 7 bulletins · 10 complaints
DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact DAG (Dealer Assistance Group) ...
On some vehicles, the front door glass run channel may interfere with the rear door garnish. Since the front door glass run channel is not fixed strongly enough to the door, repetition of door operation may result in interference and damage to the rear door ...
5 more on this problem
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
Some vehicles may exhibit windshield glass distortion or a double-image from the active driving display. These may be due to a) distortion in the windshield glass not properly removed during the manufacturing process or b) glass with incorrect specifications ...
Some customers may complain that the driver¢s side outer mirror glass vibrates. This is due to a structural gap between the outer glass mirror holder and the mirror glass causing the mirror to vibrate when the vehicle body vibrates at high speeds.
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection.
Battery dies or the car will not start 17 bulletins · 9 complaints
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 ...
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.
15 more on this problem
Key Transmitter Power Saving Function: When the key transmitter Power Saving Function is turned ON, transmitter battery power consumption is restricted, thereby extending the transmitter battery life and the following will occur: The engine will not start ...
SSPC5 - SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM 2019-2021 MAZDA3 AND 2020-2021 CX-30 - CONTROL UNITS REPROGRAMMING Concern 1: Mazda3 and CX-30 – Battery concern On the subject vehicles, the CCU (climate control unit) and BCM (body control module) may not go into sleep mode even after the ignition is ...
Some customers may complain about the infotainment system and/or the MyMazda App showing incorrect clock and/or tire pressures and/or tire pressure missing.
Some customers may complain about the infotainment system and/or the MyMazda App showing incorrect tire pressures and/or tire pressure missing.
Some customers may complain about frequent low battery warning message appearing in the instrument cluster. The warning message appears when the power saving mode is activated to avoid a drained battery.
Some vehicles may have a "Low Battery Risk. Start Vehicle to Charge 12V Battery" warning message in the instrument cluster and a 30 second alarm sound.
SSPC7 - SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM -TELEMATICS COMMUNICATION UNIT BATTERY DRAIN CONCERN AND CONNECTED SERVICES NOT AVAILABLE: Repair Outline and Important Notes: Reprogram the telematics communications unit with an USB stick. You must use MDARS after USB programming to check for DTC and sending ODR data. New information has been added to SSPC7 repair documents.
SSPC7 - SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM -TELEMATICS COMMUNICATION UNIT BATTERY DRAIN CONCERN AND CONNECTED SERVICES NOT AVAILABLE
Connected vehicle remote functions inoperative and/or engine no start due to low battery voltage. Some customers may experience the following symptoms: Connected Vehicle Remote Functions inoperative after SSPC6 repair.
Connected vehicle remote functions inoperative and/or engine no start due to low battery voltage. NOTE: SA-045/21 HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED TO SSPC7.
Plus 5 older ones not listed here.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 6 bulletins · 8 complaints
Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better ...
This information will give you the necessary knowledge to respond to customers concerns of Smart Brake Support (SBS) unintended braking. By educating the customer on the system operation, it should reduce their anxiety or distrust of the vehicle.
4 more on this problem
Symptom 1: Some customers may complain about hearing a grinding noise and/or vibration occur when applying the brake. This is due to rust on the rear brake disc plate.
Some customers may complain about hearing a grinding noise and/or vibration occur when applying the brake. This is due to rust on the rear brake disc plate.
A customer may complain that they have a brake squeal at the rear brakes.
When switching to the maintenance mode, U3000:53 and the related DTCs are stored, but the DTCs will not be cleared automatically after finishing the maintenance mode.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 36 bulletins · 6 complaints
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 08/18/26 and 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1.
34 more on this problem
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued Service Alerts listed below: The changes are noted in Red. Infotainment Reboot With Navigation Card Installed This Service Information is no longer valid.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-006/23 01/23/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about the infotainment system and/or the MyMazda App showing incorrect clock and/or ...
DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus showing expired even though the customer purchased a paid subscription. SiriusXM audio packages do not include SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus.
DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote function(s) inoperative.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-009/25 08/22/25 and 02/18/25 DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience a Connected Vehicle failure. The MyMazda App may display an Error Code.
Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote function(s) inoperative.
Some vehicles may have one of the following DTCs stored in memory along with a system status notice on the Multi-information display OR display a system status notice with no DTC: C1001:92 - Forward sensing camera (FSC) poor field of view [Gen 6 vehicles] ...
Some customers may experience a Connected Vehicle failure. The MyMazda App may display an Error Code. This document provides Error Code description and recovery information to assist with repairs.
Some vehicle may experience the i-ACTIVSENSE/ALH warning lights on and a system error messages may be found in the center display as well.
Some customers may complain about intermittent audio no sound from the MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system and/or static noise from the speakers.
Plus 24 older ones not listed here.
Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 1 bulletin · 5 complaints
Some customers may complain about the following symptoms occurring when driving without anything ahead (no metallic object reflects the radar wave such as a vehicle ahead, an oncoming vehicle, a road sign or a guard rail).
Engine rattles or ticks 3 bulletins · 5 complaints
A tapping/rattling noise may be noticed from the valve train area. This operating condition can occur on new vehicles which have been delivered to Mazda dealers (due to loading and unloading from transport trucks or customers moving their vehicles in and out ...
Some vehicles may exhibit oil leakage from the drive belt auto tensioner and rattling noises from the engine compartment.
1 more on this problem
Some vehicle may exhibit a tapping noise from the engine during idling; etc., and synchronized to the engine rpm. The tapping noise may be caused by the switchable hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA), which may not work properly due to air bubbles accumulated in ...
Turbo failure or loss of boost 2 bulletins · 5 complaints
Some customers may complain about a poor acceleration and rough idling or the CHECK ENGINE light ON with DTC P0301:00, P0302:00, P0303:00, P0304:00.NOTE: Only turbo engines are applicable; non-turbo engines are NOT applicable.
Some customers may complain about a poor acceleration and rough idling or the CHECK ENGINE light ON with DTC P030X:00 (only turbo engines are applicable; non-turbo engines are NOT applicable). - In most cases, P030X is stored, but sometimes not.
Complaints filed by year
37 complaints came in 2022, 4.6 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2021 Mazda CX-30
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
All 2 recalls on the 2021 Mazda CX-30, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
Oil consumption, with 18 of the 101 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 8,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2021 Mazda CX-30 problems start?
Of the 42 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 5,000 miles and half by about 8,000.
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 better or worse than the 2020 and 2022?
Counted per year on the road, the 2021 has more complaints than both the 2020 and the 2022: 17 a year against 5 and 7.
How many 2021 Mazda CX-30 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
11 of them (11%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for oil consumption on the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
No recall on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is on the same system as oil consumption. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.