Structure: hatchback
Free remedy
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.
Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2020 Mazda CX-30Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints for the 2020 Mazda CX-30. Most complaints involve service brakes (7) and engine (6). The EPA rates it 26–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
26–28mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Feb 2021
Owner complaints
34
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Service brakes
Free remedy
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
Fuel system
Free remedy
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The evaporative vent hose for the fuel tank may be disconnected, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the charcoal canister vent at the rear of the vehicle.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
34 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2020 – Oct 2026
- Service brakes7
- Engine6
- Electrical system5
- Fuel/propulsion system5
- Power train4
- Structure3
- Exterior lighting2
- Seat belts2
- Suspension2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Service brakes
7 reports1 crash
“Front and rear brakes premature wear, would have failed safety inspection under 30,000 miles but brakes were inspected just outside of warranty with metal on metal. RIGHT rear coil spring snapped lower middle of coil while driving on flat even ground. Just outside of warranty.”
Engine
6 reports
“Multiple fixes and repairs on a P0421 code. Repaired by Mazda with a new catalytic converter but then refused to replace it when the code came back saying it was not covered by the warranty. Mazda says it is not a common issue but they have had issues in the past with the same P0421 code repeatedly showing up on a healthy car.”
Electrical system
5 reports
“My 2020 Mazda CX-30 has an intermittent no-start condition caused by a complete electrical failure. This occurs randomly, often overnight and after long or short trips. When it happens: The car does not respond to the key fob or ignition Dashboard warning lights are off Vehicle cannot be started, creating a safety risk if it occurs during travel or in an emergency The defect began during car's full warranty period and has persisted despite multiple service visits and battery replacement. The dealer has been unable to diagnose or correct the issue, and Mazda Corporate is aware of the defect under case Case Number 00398310. After about two years of these intermittement failures, and parasitic draws ruled out, I paid to have the Battery replaced, independently of Mazda and the battery failed yet again. Routine diagnostics have not resolved the defect Issue is intermittent and unpredictable This is a Safety Risk as the Car has failed to start when needed on numerous occasions, and has left me stranded. ALL of these Failures have occured without warning Mazda Corporate is aware and has requested dealership diagnostics. Dealership has not reproduced the problem.…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-30 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 313 |
| CX-30 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; With Cylinder Deactivation · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 319 |
| CX-30 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; With Cylinder Deactivation · 4-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 27 | $2,300 | 323 |
| CX-30 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 334 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Mazda CX-30 SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.7%
Overall
5 / 5
Mazda CX-30 SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.5%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2020 CX-30 questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-30 have?
3 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2020 Mazda CX-30 problems?
Owners filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (7), engine (6), electrical system (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2020 Mazda CX-30 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Mazda CX-30 at 26–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Mazda CX-30 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026