2023 Mazda CX-30 Problems & Owner Complaints

Service Brakes 7 4 crash 1 injury

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11724381, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11582495, 2024 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11567357, 2024 · crash

Forward Collision Avoidance 5 2 crash 1 injury

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11724381, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11532740, 2023 · crash

“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 sn…”
NHTSA complaint #11734610, 2026

Unknown Or Other 5 2 crash 1 injury

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11724381, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11567357, 2024 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11712291, 2025

Suspension 3 2 crash

“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 c…”
NHTSA complaint #11716259, 2026 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11567357, 2024 · crash

“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 vehicl…”
NHTSA complaint #11625023, 2024

Air Bags 2

“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” indicat…”
NHTSA complaint #11649705, 2025

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11647398, 2025

Back Over Prevention 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11555691, 2023

“I'm reporting significant safety issues. All are related as they indicate that the error rejection for the sensors are not properly calibrated. These false positive errors are dangerous. It affects the automatic emergency braking, forward collision, blind spot, and cross traffic warning systems. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The sensor responsible for detecting road impediments and cross-traffic/blindspots. I'm not sure how to provide it for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? YES - wh…”
NHTSA complaint #11530708, 2023

Electrical System 2

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11754216, 2026

“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,…”
NHTSA complaint #11737807, 2024

Power Train 2

“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11754216, 2026

“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 vehicl…”
NHTSA complaint #11625023, 2024

Steering 2 1 crash

“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 c…”
NHTSA complaint #11716259, 2026 · crash

“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,…”
NHTSA complaint #11737807, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11679806, 2025

“It happened twice already when I step on the break pedal the car goes accelerated feels like you step on the gas pedal that is the problem the first incident I stopped and parked next to the gate because I need to put the code of the gate to open then when I come back to my car and step on the break to release the transmission from P parking ️ then the car goes accelerate too fast almost hit the gate good thing I release the break pedal then hit again or step again the break pedal. The second time I was with my wife she’s parking backward then the car goes accelerated backward. She just stepp…”
NHTSA complaint #11520797, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11581304, 2024

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11542824, 2023

Engine 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11706042, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“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,…”
NHTSA complaint #11737807, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11579625, 2024

Lane Departure 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11555691, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1 1 injury

“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 t…”
NHTSA complaint #11648286, 2025 · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 1

Wheels 1 1 crash

“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 c…”
NHTSA complaint #11716259, 2026 · crash