Inspired by the fourth-generation Mazda3, the CX-30 is a smaller and lighter crossover SUV. It’s a compact SUV with all the features you might desire in a crossover at a price you can afford. It looks great, drives well, and has lots of security features.
The first production year for this vehicle was 2019; therefore, there are only a few model years to buy. However, as you probably already know, specific production years are more reliable than others.
In this article, we will review the top Mazda CX-30 years you can buy and some of the worst models you should definitely avoid.
The worst years to avoid Mazda CX-30 are 2020 and 2021. The best years to buy a Mazda CX-30 are 2022 and 2023. This result was concluded from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA, Edmund, JD Power, Car Complaints, and Kelley Blue Book.
Worst Years To Avoid Mazda CX-30
Due to potential dependability issues and the high number of complaints within a few years, the following Mazda CX-30 raises severe doubts, and a wise buyer should avoid these model years.
- 2020 Mazda CX-30
- 2021 Mazda CX-30
2. Worst Year: 2021 Mazda CX-30 (3.61 Rating)
The 2021 CX-30 is not a reliable year to buy. We’ll tell you how. 66 complaints and two recalls have been filed against the 2021 CX-30, with more than half of those issues affecting the vehicle’s engine. Some owners complain about battery, network, and engine oil, and some worry about engine damage due to oil consumption issues.
In addition, two customers have complained that the windshield’s bent glass hindered their ability to see. Electrical system faults have been recorded five times, with some of these problems resulting in auto light and power steering malfunctions. Problems with the brakes, the speedometer, and the airbags are also common.
Remember that the only evidence for these problems comes from customer complaints. The 2021 CX-30’s long-term dependability was unknown because it was a relatively new model. However, you should use caution when shopping for a used CX-30 SUV with the help of these reports.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 2 recalls and 66 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.1/5.0 consumer and 7.9 expert reviews.
- J.D. Power: 81/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5/5.0 consumer and 4.7 expert ratings.
1. Worst Year: 2020 Mazda CX-30 (3.27 Rating)
It is commonly accepted that you should not buy a car from the first year it was manufactured, whether you are buying new or old. The 2020 CX-30 is the first CX-30 to be sold in the United States; however, it is not a debut model. No matter what, this is still one of the worst years to buy a used Mazda CX-30.
NHTSA reports 17 complaints lodged against the 2020 Mazda CX-30, leading to three recalls. The engine, the fuel system, and the service brakes receive the most complaints. Moreover, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 has already displayed signs of battery failure. The owner claims that, while driving, the vehicle’s engine light and battery light illuminated simultaneously.
Automatic emergency braking, or AEB, is another function that could cause problems for customers. Some users have reported that the vehicle’s AEB system has been accidentally activating, resulting in sudden stops even when there are no hazards in the vehicle’s path.
Lunging and chirping noises from the transmission have been recorded in the 2020 Mazda CX-30. At about 40,000 miles (64,373.7 km), the issue became apparent. The owner said the transmission was making a chirping noise, and the automobile was unsafe to drive because it lunged and hunted for gears.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 3 recalls and 17 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.3/5.0 consumer and 7.9 expert reviews.
- J.D. Power: 83/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5/5.0 consumer and 4.7 expert ratings.
Best Years To Buy Mazda CX-30 Used
If you want to get the most out of your money and reduce the chances of expensive repairs, you should get the most reliable model year of the Mazda CX-30.
- 2022 Mazda CX-30
- 2023 Mazda CX-30
2. Best Year: 2022 Mazda CX-30 (4.06 Rating)
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is a great choice if you can spend a little more money on a newer model. With only one recall (so far), the 2022 CX-30 has earned a respectable reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from Consumer Reports.
Based on their research of a wide range of sources and data, the experts at U.S. News & World Report have concluded that the 2022 Mazda CX-30 has an above-average expected reliability rating of 8.3/10.
The vehicle’s endurance and durability are enhanced by the premium materials and user-friendly features found within. The model’s incorporation of Mazda’s acclaimed Skyactiv technology contributes to its success by enhancing the vehicle’s speed, gas mileage, and reliability.
The CX-30’s base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is a powerful and efficient performer among its many available powertrain options. This engine has been deployed in several Mazda models, displaying a track record of durability.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 1 recall and 13 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.3/5.0 consumer and 7.9 expert reviews.
- J.D. Power: 71/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5/5.0 consumer and 4.7 expert ratings.
1. Best Year: 2023 Mazda CX-30 (4.55 Rating)
2023 CX-30 improves upon the formula that made its forerunners so popular, providing a ride and handling that set a new benchmark for compact SUVs.
Although the 2023 model is still quite new, early evaluations and industry talk suggest it maintains the CX-30’s excellent track record and introduces additional features, making it the best year to buy. Its innovative style and top-notch functionality win praise from professionals and fans alike.
The 2023 CX-30 has been updated with cutting-edge features that improve its safety and dependability compared to previous models. This model year also gets the Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and more are some of the advanced safety features standard on this model.
This model’s powertrain options are both quick and efficient, giving drivers a great compromise between performance and fuel economy.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 1 recall and 5 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.3/5.0 consumer and 7.9 expert reviews.
- J.D. Power: 83/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5/5.0 consumer and 4.4 expert ratings.
Common Mazda CX-30 Problems
What if, God forbid, you get your used Mazda CX-30, and it already has a busted engine? It may be the most common issue with the Mazda CX-30.
Here are some of the common problems you can encounter in Mazda CX-30:
- Issues with the Engine, like faulty fuel systems or leaks
- Issues with the Transmission
- Defective power steering system
- The Headlights Aren’t Aligned
- Problematic safety features like braking system.
- Defective wheels
- Issues with the Windshield and Wipers
FAQs
Is Purchasing Mazda CX-30 Worth The Price?
Buying a used model will be a good investment if you can’t afford a brand-new Mazda CX-30. The price difference between a used 2022 Mazda CX-30 and a brand-new one is several thousand dollars, which is still a significant amount compared to the cost of an older used vehicle.
Do not commit to a purchase without first obtaining a vehicle history report. The only foolproof way to determine whether or not the car in front of you is actually worth your time and money is to obtain a vehicle history report.
How Reliable is the Mazda CX-30?
Mazda CX-30s have only a few model years and still have a good track record. Despite its recent advent, evidence from multiple sources suggests this car is reliable.
Motorbiscuit.com says that the Mazda CX-30 is rated five out of five for dependability. This may suggest that newer Mazda CX-30 models are more dependable than their predecessors.
Moreover, the Mazda CX-30 has earned a respectable 4/5 reliability rating from repairpal.com, ranking fifth out of 32 brands. All these stats show that Mazda CX-30 is a reliable car to own.
Is it Expensive to Maintain A Mazda CX-30?
Even after you’ve paid for a used Mazda CX-30, ongoing costs will be associated with keeping it in good condition. One positive aspect is that this might not be excessive. After 5 years, the maintenance cost of a Mazda CX-30 will be around $1,903 and $7249 for 10 years.
Other SUV models cost about $1880 annually, on average. While over 10 years, that’s significantly more than $7200. But even if you obtain one of the more dependable years for the Mazda CX-30, you still face approximately a 21.93% chance of needing an expensive repair.
Wrap Up
The Mazda CX-30 is an excellent subcompact SUV for vacationers, commuters, and families who frequently go on road trips. Especially if you need a used car to save money, go for one of the newer Mazda CX-30s. Overall, doing research, reading owner reviews, and talking to experts are all great ways to learn more about the performance and reliability of a Mazda CX-30.
