AI Damage2021 Mazda CX-30: common problems
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 filed 101 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and electrical system. The maker issued 615 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 101
- involving a crash
- 10
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 615
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 49% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 14% of all complaints
- 3 Forward collision avoidance 12% of all complaints
- 4 Visibility 11% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 8% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 8% of all complaints
- 7 Vehicle speed control 8% of all complaints
- 8 Air bags 3% of all complaints
- Engine: 49 complaints (49% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 76.
- Electrical system: 14 complaints (14% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 249.
- Forward collision avoidance: 12 complaints (12% of all), 4 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 14.
- Visibility: 11 complaints (11% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 24.
- Powertrain: 8 complaints (8% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 35.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- 2.5 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: 4WD, FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 101 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 49 | 0 | 76 |
| Electrical system | 14 | 0 | 249 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 12 | 4 | 14 |
| Visibility | 11 | 0 | 24 |
| Powertrain | 8 | 0 | 35 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 4 | 25 |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 3 | 2 |
| Air bags | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 | 16 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 57 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 30 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 26 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 18 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The brakes did not work; the Automatic Emergency brakes did not work; the Forward Collision Warning did not work and I hit the car in front of me causing a 3 car accident. As I hit the car I saw the Forward Collision Warning come on and then go out.
In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer two times prior to the failure because, when attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was informed that the vehicle's not starting was the result of a faulty battery, and the battery was replaced.
There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as intended; however, a warning light indicating an air bag malfunction illuminated afterwards. The contact stated that the front driver's side and knee air bags had deployed as designed.
As I was trying to put the car in reverse from a standing position, the car, instead, lurched forward at great speed headed toward the Sun Trust bank. I had to use super-human strength to the brake pedal on the car to force it into a standing position.
Driver side did not strike anything and side airbags deployed (both front seat and back seat), passenger side airbags never deployed. My son's safety was put at risk as the damage was extensive and the car was totaled. He suffered two fractures in his shoulder and a broken clavicle.
On March 9, 2023 - car brakes failed at a red light and vehicle collided with an oncoming car coming from the adjacent direction. Vehicle proceeded not to brake for an additional 30 sec minum at which the brakes finally engaged.
Upon impact with other car passengers seat belt did not activate until passenger hit dash with her head and then it apparently engaged and threw passenger back with tremendous force injuring passenger.
The contact suffered severe injuries and she sought medical attention. The vehicle was declared a total loss. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 13,450.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 577 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 27% most complained about).
On average one model year of the CX-30 has 36 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 101, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Forward collision avoidance. Radar and camera: calibration after bumper or windshield replacement.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and Getting…
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…
- If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...),…
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…
- Some customers may complain about any of the following
1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App
- Customers having MAZDA CONNECT concerns should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair…
- 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 functions inoperative. Engine Start / Stop Door Lock / Unlock Lights ON / OFF…
- Infotainment Reboot With Navigation Card Installed This Service Information is no longer valid
Refer to the following updated Technical Service Bulletins: CX-5 / CX-9: 16-002/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM (7TH GEN TYPE) Mazda3 / CX-30 (Non-Turbo): 16-008/23…
- Some customers may complain about the infotainment system and/or the MyMazda App showing incorrect clock…
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. This may be caused by: Incorrect calendar entry…
- Some customers may complain about SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus showing expired even though the…
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. To…
- Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1) around the water pipe (2)
This is caused by a gap between the housing and pipe due to a press fitting during the manufacturing process. The accumulated coolant is solidified and plugs the gap in high temperature environment and the seepage is…
- The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can malfunction with the following symptoms if the rear side radar…
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can malfunction with the following symptoms if the rear side radar sensors are installed facing the wrong direction.
- Some customers may complain that the seat warmer does not operate when turning the ignition on while the…
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…
- Some customers may complain that the electric power steering warning light illuminates after engine start…
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…
NHTSA lists 615 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, electrical system, forward collision avoidance. Total complaints: 101. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (30%), oil leak or consumption (21%), driver assists: adaptive cruise, lane keeping (4%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
NHTSA lists 615 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Mazda CX-30 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.