Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 reliable?

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 has 137 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-30?

Top problems: ENGINE (49 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (13 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (12 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Mazda CX-30?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE, TIRES:VALVE. Contact any Mazda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Mazda CX-30?

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 gets 28 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1714. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Mazda CX-30?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is approximately $1,735/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Mazda CX-30

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 has 137 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.9x the segment average of 47. The most common issue is engine problems (36% of all complaints), specifically: the contact leased a 2021 mazda cx-30. the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after multiple attempts with several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact stated that an unauthorized independent tow company towed the vehicle to a dealer two hours a. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

12 crash reports 7 injuries

137

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

2.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

49 complaints

36%

• The contact leased a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after multiple attempts with several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that an unauthorized independent tow company towed the vehicle to a dealer two hours a
• Low engine oil light displayed at 7,030 miles. No leaks detected. Engine consuming oil burning in combustion chamber. Possible engine damage or failure if oil was not quickly refilled.
• Multiple warning messages came on including "Pus button start malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "In-vehicle network malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "Auto light system malfunction. Turn on/off lights manually." "Power steering malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "Driver attent

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The contact leased a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after multiple attempts with several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that an unauthorized independent tow company towed the vehicle to a dealer two hours a”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Mazda CX-30

Based on 17 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 13K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE18/02/2021

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Mazda CX-30

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,715

Per month

$143

Per mile

14.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Mazda CX-30

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,735

Full coverage / month

$145

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda CX-30 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

120K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2021 CX-30, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 137 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: The contact leased a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start up after multiple attempts with several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that an unauthorized independent tow company towed the vehicle to a dealer two hours a
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 MAZDA CX-30. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW VOLTAGE 12-V CHARGE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED A BYSTANDER ASSISTED TO JUMP START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING TO HER D
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: AFTER TURNING LEFT AT A SIGNALED INTERSECTION ONTO A HIGHWAY THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING ENGAGED AND THE CAR SKIDDED TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE. LUCKILY NOBODY WAS BEHIND US. THERE WAS A CAR ABOUT 4 CAR LENGTHS AHEAD THAT WAS GOING THE SAME SPEED AND WAS NOT STOPPED. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: The brand new vehicle was sold to me on 2/23/21 with an open safety recall. This recall was finally addressed on 5/21/21. At no time did Mazda north American operations formally notifying me of the safety record. 1) how could this happen? 2) has this shortcoming been remedied? 3) Will I receive
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)