NHTSA has received 32 owner complaints about the 2020 Mazda CX-30, or 4.8 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.11, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 82 model-year 2020 vehicles we track, it ranks #8 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mazda models its rate is 60% lower; against other Subcompact SUVs it is 80% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2020-01-07 and 2026-07-18. Median delay from incident to filing: 4 days.
32Complaints
4.8Complaints per year on the road
0.11Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls
3.1%Share involving a crash or fire
4Last 12 months
Analysis
The following model year (2021) drew 17.6 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2020 model collected 10 complaints, 82% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (15.6% of complaints), followed by Brakes (15.6%) and Interior & equipment (15.6%). 1 reports (3.1%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 37 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (38% of incidents). 4 complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year. 31% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.11
vs. other Mazda models0.4
vs. other 2020 models0.13
vs. other Subcompact SUVs0.2
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (10)0.18
The front camera didn't operate properly The brakes have an elongated stopping distance
Brakes · 2025-11-30 · ODI 11702067 · Crash
The front passenger side headlight is making a whirring noise whenever the light is turned on. Based on the NHTSA safety reports for this model, this indicates the fan is failing, and soon the headlight will also fail.
Lighting · 2026-07-18 · ODI 11751262
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.
Electrical · 2026-01-10 · ODI 11710048
There is a module that should connect to the hatch door to open. That module in no longer available. Without the hatch door opening, in case of side impact and being pushed into something else, there is no way to get out of the car.
Body & structure · 2025-11-18 · ODI 11700042
I own 2020 mazda cx 30 with 66000 miles. The transmission was shifting with jerky motions. On july 14, 2025 I brought the car to palisades mazda in rockland county new york to have transmission looked at and to change transmission fluid changed.
Transmission / powertrain · 2025-07-18 · ODI 11674592
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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: If the power liftgate unexpectedly lowers while a person is accessing the rear storage area of the vehicle, it can increase their risk of injury.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Campaign 20V346000 · 2020-06-12
Summary: 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.
Risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Campaign 20V347000 · 2020-06-12
Summary: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, the engine may stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the evaporative vent hose in the fuel tank. If the hose is disconnected, it will be reconnected and the charcoal canister with some related parts will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 29, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4520F.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
32 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Mazda CX-30, or about 4.8 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 15.6% of complaints.
Does the 2020 Mazda CX-30 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-30 still generating complaints?
4 complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
How does the 2020 Mazda CX-30 compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 32 owner complaints about the 2020 Mazda CX-30, or 4.8 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.11, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 82 model-year 2020 vehicles we track, it ranks #8 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mazda models its rate is 60% lower; against other Subcompact SUVs it is 80% lower.