Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2023 Mazda CX-30Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 25 owner complaints for the 2023 Mazda CX-30. Most complaints involve service brakes (7) and forward collision avoidance (5). The EPA rates it 25–29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
25–29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2023
Owner complaints
25
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$2,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Free remedy

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Apr 18, 2023NHTSA 23V275000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

25 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2023 – Sep 2026
  1. Service brakes7
  2. Forward collision avoidance5
  3. Power train3
  4. Electrical system3
  5. Suspension3
  6. Lane departure2
  7. Steering2
  8. Vehicle speed control2
  9. Air bags2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each CX-30 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
202034
2021101
202233
202325
202434
202526
20264
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes

7 reports4 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 1, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11754216

Forward collision avoidance

5 reports2 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11734610

Power train

3 reports
“The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle experienced erroneous Lane Assist and Brake Assist failures, causing the vehicle to drive into the wrong lane. The vehicle experienced acceleration and braking assist failures. Occasionally, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer on several occasions, and the battery was replaced. Additionally, the transmission and transmission pin failures persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Lane departureODI 11763348
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
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 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CX-30 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive
263329$2,150309
CX-30 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
223025$2,500353
  • CX-30 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    26 city · 33 hwy · $2,150/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • CX-30 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    22 city · 30 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Mazda 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%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 17235
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2023 CX-30 questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Mazda CX-30 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 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 2023 Mazda CX-30 problems?

Owners filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (7), forward collision avoidance (5), power train (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Mazda CX-30 get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Mazda CX-30 at 25–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Mazda CX-30?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Mazda CX-30 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026