2020 Mazda CX-30 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Fuel system and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

There’s no question that the 2020 Mazda CX-30 offers a sleek design and stands out in a crowd. Even the automaker claims that it “inspires confidence.” However, once customers get behind the wheel, confidence quickly diminishes with the trouble coming from the fuel system and the powertrain.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2021   2022

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Mazda CX-30

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Unknown Or Other
5
Fuel/propulsion System
4
Service Brakes
4
Engine
3
Electrical System
3
Structure:body
2
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
2
Seat Belts
1
Wheels
1

Problems with the Transmission

The powertrain is responsible for converting energy from the motor and sending it to the wheels. The main component of this system is the transmission, which must operate properly in order to provide a smooth ride.

However, this Edmunds review illustrates some problems. “The throttle was pretty sensitive at lower speeds and the transmission seemed to downshift almost too quickly and 2 gears unnecessarily.”

Considering how vital this system is, one would think that Mazda would have issued some communications to help technicians resolve the problems. However, there is nothing listed between the automaker and the service departments, leaving customers to fend for themselves. Instead of inspiring confidence, those behind the wheel are left feeling like they are on a thrill ride gone bad.

Problems with the Fuel System

The fuel system of a vehicle is just as important. Without the right amount of fuel, the engine can’t possibly operate correctly.

Yet, there’s an Edmunds review talking about these problems too. “My car does not have 2,000 miles on it yet and it’s been to the dealer TWICE! 2 recalls (ok that’s fine) but I’ve had my check engine light come on, low oil pressure light, and a vehicle system malfunction light. The first time I took it to the dealer they told me they fixed the sensor issue and checked my engine, oil, etc. everything was fine. 2 weeks later I’m halfway driving down to the shore and the same 3 lights come on again. Mazda told me they had fixed it but apparently not, very frustrating.”

It turns out that there are actually two recalls on the CX-30 already. The first, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V347000, talks directly about the fuel system. It states that all-wheel-drive models might have a disconnected evaporative vent hose, which can allow the fuel to leak out of the canister located in the back of the vehicle. Of course, any fuel leak increases the chances of a vehicle fire. It can also lead to an engine that stalls while driving.

The other recall, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V346000, talks about problems with the braking system. It appears that the front brake caliper mounting bolts on some vehicles were not tightened during assembly. If the calipers become loose while driving, braking performance can be reduced and the wheel rotation might be hindered. Overall, this defect is just one more way to get into an accident. With all this information, it is clear that the CX-30 does inspire some confidence. However, it only helps the driver feel confident that an accident or vehicle fire is imminent. Maybe it’s a good day to take the bus instead.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Mazda pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryEngine
DateMar 22, 2023
StateGA
Description
Every 1000 miles the low oil light comes on. I have 24000 miles on the car and this only started about 4000 miles ago. I have to add a quart of oil every 1-2000 miles.
CategoryElectrical System, Engine, Fuel/propulsion System
DateFeb 07, 2023
StateNY
Description
I bought mazda cx30 in 2020 and the battery already starts to fail. The engine light and the battery light are on suddenly when I was driving. Then, after a while, when I restart the engine and it starts to work again. However, it happens for two times within a week. I have sent the car to the auto zone and the nearby car auto repair company to check the car. However, they said they cannot detect anything as the engine light and the battery light are on again this time. It is so dangerous when the car suddenly stop in the middle of the road when I was driving. I am so lucky that this accident happened during rush hour and there were heavy traffic.
CategoryStructure:body
DateDec 27, 2022
StatePA
Description
Driver door cannot be opened from inside with either engine on or off. After I came home from work , I parked the car inside the garage and I could not get out of the car. It took me approximately 2-4 minutes. After that the car just opened. This is the second time in 4 months.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateOct 13, 2022
StateCA
Description
Check engine light is on mazda knows this model car has a manufacture defect based on a 3 page safety report I obtained. Requesting mazda to repair my vehicle at no charge to me.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes
DateJun 08, 2022
StateCO
Description
While driving across speer blvd in denver, co (6 lanes) the emergency assist brake engaged and brought my car to a complete stop. There were no cars or objects ahead of me and fortunately the cars behind me were able to stop.
CategoryElectrical System
DateJan 19, 2022
StateCA
Description
My key fob has failed 5 times and as a resuklt it drains the battery thus needing to gret a jump start. This is all in a two year period. I believe there is an issue with mazda key fobs
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes
DateOct 30, 2021
StateNJ
Description
The automatic emergency braking system is activated even if there is nothing in front of the car. The car stops on its own. This has happened 11 times. Yes, my car is available for inspection. I do not know when it's going to happen. My car has malfunctioned like this 11 times. I can get hit from behind since the car is suddenly and unexpectedly braking. The dealership has not been able to reproduce the problem. The local dealership told me that mazda is aware of the problem, but does not know what is causing it or how to fix it. The first time I brought my car into the dealership for this issue, I was told that mazda headquarters instructed the dealership to not release my car until I completed their "unintended braking form". My car has only been taken to the same dealership that I purchased it from. No others have examined my car. The dashboard displays brake and it sounds like someone is blowing a whistle. This happens at the same time as the car stops.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateMay 03, 2021
StateNJ
Description
On sunday may 2nd, the bose sound system speakers started emitting an extremely loud static/whistling that I was unable to turn off. My car was parked in the driveway at my shore house when this occurred. I could not turn it off!!! It was extremely damaging to my ears!! Had I been driving when this occurred I don't know what would have happened! I can't even think what would have happened if my dog was in the car!! No one should be subjected to that high pitch noise. Luckily, someone heard and saw what was going on and had to pop the hood and remove a chip or fuse that controls the system. Mazda just sent me a recall letter stating that a loud hissing may occur and the car needs to be brough to the dealer. They are completely downplaying the issue when in fact it could have been a very dangerous situation. Mazda needs to stop downplaying the issue and send a letter that reflects that. I've attached the mazda recall letter.
CategorySeat Belts
DateOct 12, 2020
StateFL
Description
Driver's side seat belt is too sensitive. Without even stopping abruptly, the seat belt becomes locked making it difficult if trying to lean forward to see if traffic is coming as seat belt doesn't unlock easily. I typically have to unclip the seat belt to let it retract then put it back on. This happens almost daily. Car doesn't have to be in motion either, I can be stopped and not all but most times if leaning forward the belt becomes locked. I've had many cars, none with this issue. Happens when slowing down or stopped and leaning.
CategoryFuel/propulsion System, Service Brakes, Unknown Or Other
DateSep 28, 2020
StatePA
Description
New model year and already 1. Safety and emission recall 4520f potential fuel leak 2. Safety recall 4420f front brake bolts may fall off 3. Drive off lot 1/20 and huge air gap with heat system - defective workmanship, 4. Ac in summer no good - defective workmanship these issues began in jan 2020, date below may night be exact and more trouble has continued with a/c and now fuel tank recall and brake recall. This is not a safe vehicle anymore. Sent letter to mazda headquarters with cc to dealership on 8/21/20. To date no response from manufacturer. I want a lifetime bumper to bumper warranty on this vehicle or full reimbursement toward a 2021 model. See image of letter sent. I should not have to worry about the safety of my vehicle with a new model. It is mazda experiment, not mine.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateSep 21, 2020
StateFL
Description
Instrument gauge cover scratches. This impacts the visibility of the speedometer.
CategoryStructure:body
DateSep 14, 2020
StateFL
Description
I see this as a potential safety issue. I have been made aware that the only way to open the rear hatch from inside my cx30 requires the need of a flathead screwdriver. Who routinely has this item in their car.
CategoryFuel/propulsion System
DateJul 27, 2020
StateNY
Description
My experience at sansone mazda was an absolutely nightmare. First off they had me in a lease of 10k down for a payment of 200$ a month, silly me. 7/1/2020 I bought a cx-30, on the floor the man had to jump start the car when I asked why he said it 'was because people play with the system'. The following morning the windshield wiper fluid symbol came up. 9 days later on 7/10/2020 I went to sign the rest of the papers and get the fluid serviced, this is where my headache began. The morning following a tropical storm my vehicle wouldn't start, called a tow truck to bring it back to sansone. Service said my engine was flooded but never took any action to release any of the water, repeatedly saying I was not covered. This same day the shop has closed at 4pm, I had checked my mazda app and my hood was open. Calling the following day the man over the phone said it was parked outside once again with the hood open, 2 minutes after the call it was closed. Today I went on car fax and found out the car had 1,600 miles( the car given to me had 25) and was serviced 3 times the month before upon an issue of 'manufacture safety recall' , along with the note of 'fuel tank may leak'. Went through insurance and 2 weeks into the claim I find out mazda sansone ignored gieco's calls and failed to send any pictures to my insurance company. The manager at mazda sansone ignored my calls, messages and failed to take part in any repair towards my week old vehicle. Everyone here is out for your money
CategoryEngine, Fuel/propulsion System, Service Brakes
DateJun 30, 2020
StateCA
Description
I was driving car on. The highway and as I prepared to exit I braked and the car hesitated for 2 seconds before brakes engaged. Car has also had hesitation upon acceleration periodically . This has been an issue upon just a few weeks of ownership. The break issue was just recently 7-29-20 I have taken the car to the local dealership about the driving/accelaration issue twice without resolution .
CategoryElectrical System, Unknown Or Other
DateJun 11, 2020
StateNC
Description
Last night, after we returned home, my wife removed a cup from our vehicle's cup holder. Shortly thereafter, an extremely loud sound of static began to be heard, emanating from the car's speaker system. Regardless of what we did the sound would not turn off, and remained ongoing for a period of about an hour. Nothing happened when we turned the speaker volume down, or turned the car on or off. It was not only loud, but also quite scary. We had the car towed to the dealership, but they indicated that they could find nothing wrong. They, however, also let us know that when they contacted mazda mazda indicated that other cars have been experiencing similar problems. Luckily this did not occur when we were driving, because it would have been quite distracting and could have led to a crash. *tr
CategoryWheels
DateJan 07, 2020
StateMI
Description
Right hand side tpms are reading 10 psi higher than actual pressure in tires. There is no manual reset for tpms in cx30 model. Attempts to have tpms auto detected by driving per owner manual did not fix incorrect high reading from tpms

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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