The Mazda CX-30 Years To Avoid
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Mazda, synonymous with Japanese quality and innovation, has long been an industry staple. However, the brand’s popularity has seen its share of highs and lows over the years. Despite experiencing a decline in overall popularity, Mazda has managed to maintain a strong foothold in the SUV market, producing models that consistently rank among the best-sellers, including the Mazda CX-5.
One of the more recent offerings from Mazda proving to be a hit among consumers is the Mazda CX-30. It’s a small compact crossover SUV that offers pretty much anything you want from a crossover, including a sleek design, impressive performance, and advanced safety features – all at a budget-friendly package. In fact, U.S. News named the 2020 CX-30 as the #1 affordable subcompact SUV in 2020.
But is it a reliable vehicle long term?
As a relatively new model, used car buyers have limited options. So in the following sections, we highlight some of the Mazda CX-30 years to avoid – models you may want to approach with caution due to potential reliability problems. But first, let’s look at what the CX-30 has to offer.
What is the Mazda CX-30?
The Mazda CX-30 has been part of Mazda’s lineup since 2019 and is aimed at consumers looking for a good balance of compact dimensions and SUV-like capabilities.
Under the hood, the CX-30 is powered by a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. For those seeking more power, Mazda offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when running on premium fuel.
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Inside, the Mazda CX-30 offers seating for up to five people. The interior is well-appointed, with a stylish and functional design. Standard features include an 8.8-inch infotainment display, a seven-inch digital gauge display, and a host of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
As for its drawbacks, the Mazda CX-30’s cargo space is somewhat limited for the class, with 20.2 cu-ft behind the rear seats and 45.2 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down. Additionally, while the infotainment system is feature-rich, some users may find it less intuitive than competitors’ systems.
Which Mazda CX-30 Years To Avoid?
Below are the Mazda CX-30 years to avoid as a used car buyer – primarily due to potential reliability issues and the number of complaints.
- 2020 Mazda CX-30
- 2021 Mazda CX-30
2020 Mazda CX-30
When buying new or used cars, sage advice dictates that you should avoid the first production years of any vehicle. However, in the case of the CX-30, the 2020 model year isn’t exactly a debut unit, only the first CX-30 to be released in the States. Regardless, this model is still one of the Mazda CX-30 years to avoid for used car buyers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2020 Mazda CX-30 has received 17 complaints and three recalls under its belt. Most complaints are about the engine, fuel propulsion system, and service brakes.’
As per the NHTSA website, a Mazda CX-30 purchased in 2020 has already exhibited signs of battery failure. The owner reports that while driving, both the engine light and battery light suddenly illuminated. After turning off and restarting the engine, the vehicle appeared to function normally again. However, this issue has occurred twice within a week.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE MAZDA CX-30
There are only a handful of model years available, as the car was originally manufactured in 2019. So, what’s the most reliable Mazda CX-30 year, and can you get it? Read on to discover the answers to these questions and more.
Another potential pain point for consumers is the AEB, or automatic emergency braking feature. According to a few reports, the vehicle’s AEB system has been erroneously activating, causing abrupt stops, despite no obstacles. This issue has occurred 11 times and is intermittent and unpredictable, raising safety concerns due to the risk of rear-end collisions.
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has been reported to have transmission issues, specifically lunging and chirping. The problem was first noticed at around 40,000 miles. The owner reported hearing a chirping sound from the transmission and experienced the car lunging and hunting for gears, which made it unsafe to drive. However, it’s worth noting that this is just one report and might be an isolated incident.
2021 Mazda CX-30
CarComplaints.com has recorded a total of 74 complaints for the CX-30 model, in addition to two recalls. Shifting our attention to the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been 54 complaints lodged for the 2021 CX-30 model, with over half of these complaints specifically about the engine. As such, the 2021 model belongs on this list of Mazda CX-30 years to avoid because it’s even less reliable than the previous year.
Obviously, the most concerning factor that may affect the car’s long-term reliability is the engine issues. According to the reports, these engine problems include battery, network, and engine oil issues, with some owners expressing concern about possible engine damage due to oil consumption issues.
Visibility/wiper problems, specifically related to the windshield, are also common, with two complaints about warped glass impairing visibility. Electrical system issues have been reported five times, with some of these problems leading to auto light and power steering malfunctions.
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The vehicle’s Forward Collision Avoidance system has also been a source of concern, with three complaints about unexpected automatic braking that nearly caused accidents. Other issues include problems with powertrain, service brakes, vehicle speed control, and airbags.
Keep in mind that these issues are only sourced from consumer complaints. As a newer vehicle, the 2021 CX-30 had little information regarding its long-term reliability. However, these reports should enable you to exercise caution when shopping for a used CX-30 SUV.
Which Mazda CX-30 Years are Safe to Buy as Used?
If you don’t mind splurging on a newer model, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 is a solid choice. Consumer Reports rated the 2022 CX-30 a decent reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 and only has one recall (so far). Overall, the CX-30 is a relatively new lineup, and its overall reliability has yet to be determined. We’ll make sure to post updates once we learn more.
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