Car Defect Radar
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Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 3 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

3 total · 3 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Structure recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 21V086000 · Feb 2021

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Brakes recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 20V346000 · Jun 2020

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Fuel system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 20V347000 · Jun 2020

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.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

33 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor
9

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 3transmission slipping 3
A recent report: My car was squeaking and lurching around 3/4 gear. I took it in to the Mazda dealership (Northtowne Mazda in Kansas City) and they told me it was a "well-known issue" with this year and make of a…
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My car was squeaking and lurching around 3/4 gear. I took it in to the Mazda dealership (Northtowne Mazda in Kansas City) and they told me it was a "well-known issue" with this year and make of a Mazda. There is a problem with the torque converter lock-up clutch which sheds iron particles into the transmission fluid. The torque converter needs to be replaced. After further research, it appears that Mazda has a well-documented manufacturing defect that is outlined in Mazda TSB 05-005/23. My car has a 60,000 mile/5 year warranty on it. It currently only has 48,600 miles on it (well under the warranty limit). I called the Mazda Corporation Customer Care and they opened a ticket but I was told today that they will not extend any assistance with this, even though it is below the warranty limit on mileage and with them knowing about this issue and publishing a bulletin about it. I asked about the Good Will extension and the Customer Service Case Manager told me it didn't qualify. Even with it being under the warranty mileage, because it's over the year limit, they won't cover it. I asked what the criteria was to qualify for the Good Will extension and he told me it was "confidential" and there is nothing they can do about it.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761957 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
9

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 2sudden stalling 1
A recent report: 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…
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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. Intact headlights are essential for driving safety at night. No warning messages have appeared on the car.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11751262 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
5

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

loss of braking 2software faults 2premature wear 1
A recent report: The front camera didn't operate properly The brakes have an elongated stopping distance

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11702067 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
3

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 1loss of steering 1premature wear 1
A recent report: Rear coil spring broke at ~33,000 miles under normal driving conditions. No warnings given in vehicle safety system and not included in recommended maintenence. Seen when inspected by independent…
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Rear coil spring broke at ~33,000 miles under normal driving conditions. No warnings given in vehicle safety system and not included in recommended maintenence. Seen when inspected by independent service center. Cannot safely drive vehicle until replaced.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11625683 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Minor
1

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 1
A recent report: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT IS TOO SENSITIVE. WITHOUT EVEN STOPPING ABRUPTLY, THE SEAT BELT BECOMES LOCKED MAKING IT DIFFICULT IF TRYING TO LEAN FORWARD TO SEE IF TRAFFIC IS COMING AS SEAT BELT DOESN'T…
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DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT IS TOO SENSITIVE. WITHOUT EVEN STOPPING ABRUPTLY, THE SEAT BELT BECOMES LOCKED MAKING IT DIFFICULT IF TRYING TO LEAN FORWARD TO SEE IF TRAFFIC IS COMING AS SEAT BELT DOESN'T UNLOCK EASILY. I TYPICALLY HAVE TO UNCLIP THE SEAT BELT TO LET IT RETRACT THEN PUT IT BACK ON. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST DAILY. CAR DOESN'T HAVE TO BE IN MOTION EITHER, I CAN BE STOPPED AND NOT ALL BUT MOST TIMES IF LEANING FORWARD THE BELT BECOMES LOCKED. I'VE HAD MANY CARS, NONE WITH THIS ISSUE. HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPED AND LEANING.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11363884 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
6

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 1
A recent report: 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…
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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. This poses a serious safety hazard. I have contacted the Mazda dealership and I am told that the part is "retired" and there is no replacement part at this time.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11700042 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 33 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2020 and 2026, roughly 5 a year, which is fewer than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2020 has 33 complaints on file, fewer than the 2021 (100). Of the 6 model years of the Mazda CX-30 we cover, the 2021 has the most (100). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.