Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: it scores well across the board with no single weak engine.
Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mazda CX-30, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 5 | 15% |
| Power train | 3 | 9% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 9% |
| Structure | 3 | 9% |
| Engine | 2 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 2 | 6% |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 3% |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 3% |
| Power train | 1 | 3% |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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 proble
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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. I
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
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. When it happens: The car does not respond to the k
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The front camera didn't operate properly The brakes have an elongated stopping distance
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
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 ou
NHTSA complaint: Structure
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 T
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The initial sensor alarm indication was low oil pressure and within less then an hour engine malfunction was detected and the vehicle stopped functioning. This incident occurred on [XXX] in SanAntonio and thereafter it w
NHTSA complaint: Power train
I am reporting a repeated and potentially dangerous transmission failure in my 2020 Mazda CX30. At 6 months old, the original transmission failed. Mazda confirmed it was defective and replaced it with a refurbished unit
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2020 Mazda CX-30. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
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.
Fix: 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 per
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.
Fix: 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 wi
| Reliability raw | 81 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 81 | excellent |
| Maintenance | 91 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 91 | excellent |
| Performance | 50 | average |
| Efficiency | 49 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and unknown or other is the most reported area with 5 of them (15%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 81/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 81/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2020 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: buy, because it scores well across the board with no single weak engine. Its overall ownership score is 80/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.