Mazda CX-30 Complaints (2023)

23 consumer complaints on file.

#11754216August 1, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
I am the original owner of a 2023 Mazda CX-30 AWD (VIN: [XXX]), purchased new on XXX from Mazda of Clearwater, [XXX]. This vehicle has experienced four separate warranty failure events involving critical safety systems within approximately 32 months and 44,530 miles of ownership. In June 2026, at approximately 44,500 miles, my 2023 Mazda CX-30 AWD exhibited sudden RPM lock and inability to shift, with delayed and jerky acceleration. Dashboard warning lights activated including transmission malfunction indicators. DTCs P0756 (Shift Solenoid B Stuck Off) and P0780 (Shift Malfunction) were set. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Mazda dealership. The dealer confirmed the concern and contacted Mazda's regional tech specialist. The valve body was replaced first per Mazda's direction; however, the vehicle continued to exhibit rough and delayed shifting on test drive. Mazda then directed the dealer to replace the full transmission assembly. The repair required 35 days at the dealership. This failure did not occur in isolation. The same vehicle had previously required warranty replacement of brake components (disc, caliper, pads) at approximately 26,400 miles due to a driveability concern, and battery and drive belt tensioner replacement at approximately 29,100 miles. An independent service record five months prior to the transmission failure confirmed transmission fluid was at correct level, ruling out neglect. The pattern of cascading safety-system failures — braking, electrical, and transmission — within 32 months on a low-mileage vehicle suggests a potential systemic manufacturing defect. The RPM lock and inability to shift at highway speeds represents a direct safety hazard to the driver and other motorists. All repairs were confirmed and performed by an authorized Mazda dealer under factory warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737807May 14, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Mazda. The contact stated that the vehicle was braking randomly while driving. There was an unknown malfunction code that flashed quickly. The steering was stiff and failed to turn. The steering wheel adjusted and guided the vehicle into the wrong lane. The RPM was sporadically reeving. The RPM increased, and the vehicle stalled without acceleration. There was smoke emerging from the hood. There was oil leaking. The vehicle failed to turn off and on. The fuel gauge and infotainment center were not working properly. The contact stated that while leaving the local dealer, the vehicle stalled. The battery was replaced. The vehicle was towed to another unknown local dealer who determined the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was replaced, but the failure recurred. The dealer determined that there was an oil leak and needed to replace the transmission, serpentine belt, and battery. The dealer informed me additional testing was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding a buyback, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734610April 29, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Unexpected Automatic Emergency Braking Activation at Highway Speeds in Cold Temperatures. Description: I am reporting a safety issue with a 2023 Mazda CX-30 involving the collision avoidance / automatic emergency braking system. While driving at highway speeds, the system activates a forward collision warning (audible alert and dashboard indicator), followed almost immediately by automatic braking, even when there are no vehicles, obstacles, or pedestrians ahead. Conditions When Issue Occurs: * Ambient temperature: below ~40°F (4°C) * Road conditions: cold, often icy or snowy * Speed: highway speeds 45-75 * Environment: clear roadway, no visible hazards * visibility : clear System Behavior: * Audible warning and visual alert activate * Automatic braking occurs approximately 0.5–1 second after the warning * No obstacle is present to justify intervention Safety Risk: This presents a serious safety hazard because: * Sudden braking at highway speeds creates a high risk of rear-end collision * The warning-to-brake interval is extremely short, leaving little time for driver override. * Occurs in low-traction conditions, increasing risk of loss of control. * The event is unexpected and not predictable by the driver. Frequency: * Occurred multiple times under similar cold-weather conditions. * Appears repeatable based on temperature range. Attempts to Resolve: * Sensors/camera appear clean and unobstructed. * No prior collision damage to the vehicle. * Issue persists despite normal operation otherwise. * Similar reports observed from other owners in online discussions. This is not a one time occurrence, in the section below, i noted the last event but this is a daily occurrence in temperatures below 42F.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724381March 14, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While driving down the road a vehicle in front of me braked to stop for a bus loading kids, as I stepped on the brakes nothing happened and the vehicle surged forward. After the accident I viewed the vehicles onboard system status and it had logged several errors including errors to the activsense driver assist control. I used the vehicle’s emergency assist button and contacted 911, and reported the incident to ride share and contact my spouse. Police report lists the wrong time and vehicle but does have the correct vin number
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11716259February 6, 2026
SUSPENSION, WHEELS, STEERING
While attempting a left-hand turn, the steering wheel suddenly became stiff and unresponsive, as if the mechanical gear had bound. This sudden resistance made it impossible to complete the turn, causing the vehicle to strike a curb at low speed. A post-accident inspection at Lee Johnson Mazda (RO# 649854) confirmed extensive damage, including a bent inner tie rod, a damaged front wheel bearing/hub assembly, and wheel/tire damage totaling over $6,500. The dealership stated no electronic fault codes were present in the computer, but the physical behavior matches the 'sticky steering' symptoms currently under federal investigation for other Mazda models (Recall 24V022 / RQ26002). I believe a mechanical failure in the steering gear caused the collision.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712291January 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2023 Mazda CX-30, which is currently under full manufacturer warranty, was brought to the dealer on October 10, 2025, specifically to address a safety defect involving white chemical particulates blowing through the HVAC vents. The dealership confirmed the failure of the "evaporative coating", which resulted in unidentified chemical byproduct being discharged directly into the passenger cabin.The vehicle remained out of service for 103 days due to this manufacturing defect. Upon receiving the Repair order (RO# 77004584) today, January 20, 2026, I discovered a significant safety concern that violates standard warranty repair protocols: the technician admitted to receiving two separate heater unit boxes that were damaged during shipping and subsequently 'transferred all salvageable items "from one damaged unit to the other to make one complete unit". As a consumer with a vehicle under warranty, I am entitled to a repair using new, undamaged factory parts. I am extremely concerned about the structural and functional integrity of a "reconstructed" HVAC system assembled from damaged components. Furthermore, despite the confirmed chemical emission, no professional decontamination of the interior was performed. The manufactures is now using financial threats of storage and rental car fees to force me to accept this substandard, "cannibalized" repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706042December 19, 2025
ENGINE
One day after oil and filter change, engine LOW OIL LEVEL light illuminated on dash. Engine oil dipstick displays full oil level; no signs on oil leaks under the vehicle. Appears to be failed oil level sensor. Upon restarting the vehicle, LOW OIL LEVEL light is turned off. Intermittently returns after some time of driving. Have not observed light turning itself off without shutting down the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679806August 11, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While coasting slowly through a parking lot at approximately 5-8mph I tapped the brake to slow further while making a tight turn and to safely pass a vehicle also turning towards me. This caused the car to lurch and accelerate as though my foot was on the gas pedal, but it wasn't. I had to step hard on the brake to bring it under control.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649705March 21, 2025
AIR BAGS
While driving at approximately 20 mph on a residential road during slushy conditions, the side curtain airbags deployed without warning. There was no collision, no impact, and no indication of a rollover or crash. A police officer arrived and completed a report, which noted no crash had occurred. The airbag deployment caused damage throughout the vehicle, and the car has since been declared a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer initially delayed responding for over two weeks. When they did respond, they claimed the airbags deployed properly based on “connected data” indicating a possible rollover. However, they refused to provide any proof of this data, any Event Data Recorder (EDR) data, or any technical explanation of what triggered the deployment. No warning lights or messages were displayed before the deployment. The local dealership that had the vehicle inspected the physical damage but did not confirm a rollover or any significant structural event. Mazda has refused to release their investigation data and instead closed the case without transparency. This deployment caused significant damage and created safety and financial risk. I am concerned that this incident may reflect a larger issue in airbag deployment logic that other owners may also face.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648286March 14, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
Others are at risk and below details how my safety was compromised. Powerlift gate/ trunk closed on my head and did not stop. It knocked me onto the ground and opened up a bloody gash on my head. Went to emergency room in the hospital to have them treat me with my head injury as I was bleeding with a head wound laceration. They sealed the wound with glue as it was in my hairline and gave aspirin for the head pain. There should be a safety feature on the power liftgate that alerts it if person or object is in the way. Other brands of vehicles have this safety feature. It is liability and there is concern for others of this happening that could potentially result in death. My injury has not fully healed as I know have recurring headaches and there will be a large scar left on my head. The vehicle is available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11647398March 10, 2025
AIR BAGS
On February 18, 2024, at approximately 12:00 PM, while driving at 20 mph in slushy but clear conditions, my 2023 Mazda CX-30’s curtain airbags deployed unexpectedly despite no significant collision occurring. •What system failed? oThe curtain airbag system deployed improperly without a crash, severe impact, or rollover. oThe Event Data Recorder (EDR) should contain critical information on why the airbags deployed, but Mazda has refused to release this data. •How was safety put at risk? oThe airbags deployed while the vehicle was moving, which could have startled the driver and caused a crash. oThe deployment caused unnecessary damage to the vehicle, increasing repair costs. •Has the problem been confirmed or inspected? oPolice Report: No major collision documented. oInsurance Review: Travelers Insurance inspected the vehicle and found minimal external damage—most damage was due to the airbag deployment itself. oMazda Dealership Response: Tulley Mazda refused to retrieve EDR data, stating that Mazda considers it "proprietary." •Has the manufacturer responded? oI have been put on hold for hours, denied access to a case manager, and have received no meaningful response. oMazda appears to be refusing to investigate why the airbags deployed and will not provide any technical explanation. •Were there any warnings or error messages? oNo warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared prior to the event. oThe curtain airbags deployed without any indication of an impending crash. Why this is a safety issue: If my Mazda CX-30’s airbags deployed unexpectedly at 20 mph, this could happen to other Mazda vehicles at higher speeds, creating a dangerous situation for drivers and passengers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646507March 5, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Thin paint peeling off plastic surfaces
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625023November 13, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN
I purchased a brand new 2023 Mazda CX – 30 from Cooley Mazda on September 27, 2023. I was excited to upgrade from my 2011 Mazda 3, however I have had issues early on. On June 7, 2024, I brought my 2023 Mazda CX – 30 in for diagnostic testing for front end noise and a shifting issue. I went out for a drive with the Technician and was told the noise I was hearing was from the weight of the car on the suspension, I disagreed. The Technician also experienced the shifting issue I spoke of, and I was told that the car needed to learn my driving technique, again I disagreed. At this point the vehicle only had 4014 miles on it. On July 25, 2024, I brought the vehicle in for its 1st oil change and tire rotation, as well as for the same noise and shifting issues. This time they found an issue with the front driver side front wheel bearing. They did not have the part in stock, so I had to wait for a call to schedule to come back once the part came in. Again, they claimed there was no shifting issue with the vehicle. At this point the vehicle only had 5079 miles on it. On August 7, 2024, I brought the vehicle in for replacement of the front driver side front wheel bearing. On my drive home I heard the same noise I brought it in for repair for. At this point the vehicle only had 5468 miles on it. On September 4, 2024, I brought the vehicle in for a NYS Inspection and for diagnostic testing on the noise and shifting issues, again they took the car out, did not experience the issue, but put it on the lift and did some testing which determined the car needs a new rear differential. At this point the vehicle only had 6219 miles on it. The rear differential was replaced and the vehicle still has shifting issues. It hesitates, sometimes doesn't advance when the gas pedal is pressed. The vehicle also hesitates at 38-40 and 58-60 mph while just holding your foot steady on the gas pedal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11582495April 12, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes failed at a stop light. I was waiting at a red light waiting to get on the freeway . Brake was completely pressed, when my car started rolling forward. I kept trying to apply more force to brakes but was unable to stop the vehicle until it rolled into the car in front of me. I then had my car towed to Mazda and was told my accident was a result of human error. Inspection was done and no results were found. If my brakes had failed at any other moment my accident could have been deadly. There is a brake recall for my year make and model but my vin number is not yet apart of that recall. My car was barely a year since purchase I am the first owner .
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11581304April 5, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds in the rain, the driver’s side windshield wiper failed to clear the water on the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, on several occasions, where it was diagnosed that the wiper blades and wiper arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579625March 26, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The fuel gauge is non linear and erroneous. It is a safety issue because the level of fuel left is unpredictable and I have run out of gas in unfamiliar areas because of this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11567357January 23, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION
I have been the owner of a 2023 Mazda CX-30 since July 2023. On [XXX], 2023, I received automated warnings on the dashboard and through the Mazda App stating, "ActiveSense system malfunction. ActiveSense advanced safety and driver support system may not operate correctly." The service department at the dealership where I purchased the car explained that the sensors had overheated due to the hot weather. Unfortunately, a similar warning appeared on the dashboard on [XXX], and this time it resulted in damage to the car. On that day at 13:33, while maneuvering into a parking spot in the parking garage with my foot on the brake pedal, the car suddenly and rapidly accelerated and collided with a concrete post. Fortunately, I am unharmed but shaken, and the front of the car sustained damage. Immediately after the incident, I contacted the service department, explained the situation, and requested an emergency service to assess the car. The service department conducted checks on the brakes and suspension, performing a full-circle inspection. Their report stated, "Could not find any evidence to support the customer's claim." The service advisor expressed disbelief in the issue I described, stating he had not heard of such problems before. Contrary to the service advisor's disbelief, records on NHTSA.gov reveal numerous instances of sudden unintended acceleration while pushing on brakes for Mazda CX cars (CX5, CX30, CX50). These instances have occurred and have been reported nationally/across numerous states in the USA. I am urging Mazda to thoroughly investigate all reported complaints, issue recalls for affected cars, and enhance their safety features. As of now, there have been no reported fatalities, and it is crucial for Mazda to take proactive measures in investigating and addressing our claims to prevent any potential harm caused by errors in the ActiveSense system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11555691November 17, 2023
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Blind spot monitoring started going off almost constantly on driver side after about a month later the rear cross traffic warning stopped working I took the vehicle to the dealer and nothing was replaced or corrected problem persist.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542824September 6, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Immediately after leasing my vehicle (2023 Mazda CX 30 Turbo) & leaving the dealer (no test drive), I noticed the windshield had a distorted view to it with a wavy/orange peel look covering the entire windshield. When looking at the cars in front of you, road signs, road lines, buildings they all had a orange peel/wavy distorted look to them. After 20 minutes of driving it starts to make you feel dizzy, sick, distorts vision & is very annoying. I went online & found a TSB from Mazda for the 20-22 models for the same problem. I reported my windshield to the dealership who verified, took photos & replaced the windshield through Mazda warranty. HOWEVER, the second windshield is worse than the first. The dealer really didn't know what to say so I have given up. The car is brand new and the driving back & forth to the dealer (in another city) in the first month has put way too many miles & took a lot of time (I was there 3 weekends in August for this issue). I did more investigating & have found many Mazda CX 30 Turbo owners with the exact same complaint, some have had the windshield replaced multiple times & still have the same issue (which is why I don't want to go through the aggravation of getting another one done just to end up with the same/worse situation like I'm in now with the new one). A quick google search & you will find many complaints. There is obviously something wrong with the glass Mazda is using for the CX 30 models. I had a CX 5 loaner from the dealer & it was fine. I now only drive my new car basically to work & home. 20 minutes in and you start to feel dizzy, which is not a good feeling. I hope someone can look into this further so I & other CX 30 owners can get a permanent solution for this or the next 3 years are going to be miserable. The car is brand new & I hate driving it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11532740July 17, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
This is already related to Mazda's recall #23V-275 BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL CONCERN. My car was already involved in crash which I firmly believe that it was related to the brake pedal issue since the brakes didn't hold off the car and the brake assist system was never activated during the accident. Mazda is claiming that my ABS system serial number is a good part, and their dealership claimed that the problem couldn't be reproduced after they held the car for 11 days! I made several attempts to contact Mazda USA but I am not getting tractions for weeks.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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