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Mazda CX-30 problems (2019–today)

We have documented 2 engines for the Mazda CX-30; the Skyactiv-D has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2][3][4][5]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Mazda CX-30 has several factory campaigns: an unintended braking event from Smart Brake Support and a camera fault, both shared with the Mazda3 (BP), plus loose brake caliper bolts and badly aimed LED headlights, which are specific to this car. On top of that, owners report that the Mazda Connect system freezes or leaves the screen black.[6][7][8][9][10][11]

Mazda CX-30 (2019–today)
Photo: LuvsMG481 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.4out of 10

Mazda CX-30 rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 12 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine6.6From 5.7 to 7.6 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension8.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Brakes8.11 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering8.0Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system8.61 fault
  • Headlights and lights8.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment7.32 faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior7.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.1 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety6.12 faults

Ranked 32 of 76 among the Compact SUVs with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Mazda CX-30

  1. 1High severity: Oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerationsSkyactiv-D engine
  2. 2Critical severity: Smart Brake Support can brake the car unintentionally while drivingAirbags and safety
  3. 3High severity: Adaptive LED headlight can be badly aimed and dazzle oncoming trafficAirbags and safety
  4. 4Medium severity: Carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectorsSkyactiv-D engine
  5. 5Medium severity: Mazda Connect infotainment system freezes or leaves the screen blackElectronics and infotainment

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

4 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Software fault in the camera control module. See the campaigns for the Mazda CX-30

16 sourcesHow we work

Skyactiv-D

Mazda Skyactiv-D 1.5/1.8/2.2 (S5-DPTS, S8-DPTS, SH-VPTS) · Diesel

In the CX-30
since 2019[7][12]
Name
CX-30 1.8 Skyactiv-D
Faults that affect it
2 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
43
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.8 Skyactiv-D 116 (S8-DPTS, 2018-present)since 2018 · 116 hp · S8-DPTS, S8-DPTR

    With caution

    It is the most recent version and has the fewest accumulated kilometres on the road, so there are few reports of serious faults on fiches-auto.fr. Specialist sources describe the same design-related oil dilution risk as the rest of the family, so it is still worth watching the level.[7][13][14]

Faults that affect the CX-30

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The Skyactiv-D has 4 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerationsOn the Skyactiv-D (1.5, 1.8 and 2.2), particulate filter regenerations can let diesel into the sump and raise the oil level. Mazda accepts some dilution as normal, but on short urban journeys the expected margin can be exceeded and harm the lubrication of the turbo and the camshaft.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectorsUrban use and short journeys encourage carbon build-up in the intake manifold, EGR valve and injectors of the Skyactiv-D, with loss of power and uneven running; it is documented on the CX-5, the Mazda6, the Mazda3, the CX-3 and the CX-30.

CX-30 Skyactiv-D pageAll versions and faults of the Skyactiv-D

Skyactiv-G

Safest option

Mazda Skyactiv-G 1.5/2.0/2.5 (P5-VPS, PE-VPS, PY-VPS) · Petrol

In the CX-30
since 2019[6][15]
Names
1.5 Skyactiv-G · 2.0 Skyactiv-G
Faults that affect it
4
Risk index on this car
24
Low risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)since 2012 · 155 hp · PE-VPS

    Buy

    According to the sources consulted, the Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3 and both generations of the CX-5 have no relevant engine fault pattern with this block; the ECU and fuel pump software of the CX-5 II and Mazda3 BP was corrected through manufacturer campaigns.[1][2][3]

  • 1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)since 2014 · 75–115 hp · P5-VPS, P5-VP

    Buy

    gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents no relevant engine failures on the Mazda2 or Mazda3 with this engine; the occasional oil consumption on the Mazda3 BM/BN is the only point to watch.[4][5]

Faults that affect the CX-30

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The Skyactiv-G has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelMicro-cracks in the fuel pump impellerBetween October 2017 and May 2020, Mazda built Mazda3 and CX-5 units with a fuel pump whose impeller can crack, swell and end up cutting off the fuel supply with the engine running; the manufacturer recalled the affected cars.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)On the CX-5 II built between 2017 and 2019, and the 2019 Mazda3 IV, incorrect engine ECU programming can cause loss of power or the engine to stall; Mazda fixes it with a software update acknowledged by Germany's KBA.
  3. Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectorsLike almost any direct-injection petrol engine, the Skyactiv-G accumulates carbon on the intake valves over the miles and can foul the injectors, with loss of power and a rough idle; gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents it on the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-3, CX-30 and CX-5.
  4. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationHigher-than-normal oil consumptionSome Mazda3 BM/BN with the Skyactiv-G engine use more oil than expected between changes; the manufacturer itself considers up to 0.8 litres per 1,000 km normal, but gebrauchtwagenberater.de recommends not ignoring higher figures and checking the level regularly.

CX-30 Skyactiv-G pageAll versions and faults of the Skyactiv-G

Faults of the Mazda CX-30 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Mazda CX-30

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 757 inspections of 600 cars registered between 2019 and 2022, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.7%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 1.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.6%.

    Average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.3%.

    Average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 7.5%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.4%.

    Average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 3.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.2%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 9.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 12.4%.

    Fewer defects than average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Mazda CX-30

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the Skyactiv-D (since 2019)

Oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations

High severity

Carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors

Medium severity

If it has the Skyactiv-G (since 2019)

Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller

Medium severity

ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)

Medium severity

Carbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectors

Low severity

Higher-than-normal oil consumption

Low severity

Wear parts for the Mazda CX-30

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Mazda CX-30?

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Own a Mazda CX-30? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mazda CX-30 reliable?

We have documented 2 engines for the Mazda CX-30; the Skyactiv-D has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the Mazda CX-30 has several factory campaigns: an unintended braking event from Smart Brake Support and a camera fault, both shared with the Mazda3 (BP), plus loose brake caliper bolts and badly aimed LED headlights, which are specific to this car. On top of that, owners report that the Mazda Connect system freezes or leaves the screen black.

Which Mazda CX-30 engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines we have documented, the safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict. According to the sources consulted, the Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3 and both generations of the CX-5 have no relevant engine fault pattern with this block; the ECU and fuel pump software of the CX-5 II and Mazda3 BP was corrected through manufacturer campaigns.[1][2][3]

What problems does the Mazda CX-30 have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the Mazda CX-30 has several factory campaigns: an unintended braking event from Smart Brake Support and a camera fault, both shared with the Mazda3 (BP), plus loose brake caliper bolts and badly aimed LED headlights, which are specific to this car. On top of that, owners report that the Mazda Connect system freezes or leaves the screen black. The most important documented faults are: smart Brake Support can brake the car unintentionally while driving (airbags and safety, critical severity), adaptive LED headlight can be badly aimed and dazzle oncoming traffic (airbags and safety, high severity), mazda Connect infotainment system freezes or leaves the screen black (electronics and infotainment, medium severity) and front brake caliper bolts can be loose or missing (brakes, critical severity).[6][7][8][9][10][11]

What faults does the Mazda CX-30 have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations (Skyactiv-D, high severity), carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors (Skyactiv-D, medium severity), micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller (Skyactiv-G, medium severity), ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV) (Skyactiv-G, medium severity) and carbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectors (Skyactiv-G, low severity).

What is the best year to buy a Mazda CX-30?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2 other years with the same rating (7.4/10); the worst rated is 2019 (6.4/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Mazda CX-30 have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 4 campaigns for the Mazda CX-30, such as software fault in the camera control module (2024). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[10]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Mazda CX-30 – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Fiabilité Mazda CX-30Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Mazda CX-30 / Mazda3 (2018-2019): activación involuntaria del Smart Brake SupportCar-recalls.eu · Other source · published December 2021 · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Mazda CX-30 (2019-2020): tornillos de la pinza de freno delanteroCar-recalls.eu · Other source · published August 2020 · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Mazda CX-30 / Mazda3 (2023): fallo de las cámaras de visiónCar-recalls.eu · Other source · published December 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Mazda CX-30 (2019-2020): ajuste del faro LED adaptativoCar-recalls.eu · Other source · published November 2020 · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Mazda CX-30Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. Fiabilité Mazda CX-3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2019-)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  16. Aviso a todos los propietarios de Mazda CX-5 Dieselkm77 · Motoring press · published 22 May 2013 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish