Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Mazda
  6. /
  7. CX-30
Mazda · Known Issues

2020 Mazda CX-30 Problems: 12 Known Issues

2020 model year · 2,450+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2020 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
Preview the XT6 example
Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,450+ owner reports, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 has 12 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Wear Contaminating ATF with Iron Powder - Chirp on 3-4 Upshift (TSB 05-005/23) ($1,500-$3,200 repair), Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts Loosen and Fall Out - Reduced Braking - Recall 20V346000 (4420F) ($0-$0 repair) and Disconnected Fuel Evap Vent Hose Causing Fuel Leak / Stalling (AWD) - Recall 20V347000 (4520F). The most commonly reported issue is Infotainment System Freezing / CarPlay Disconnecting with 1,800 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $400 to $3,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • CX-30 Transmission1
  • CX-30 Brakes1
  • CX-30 Fuel System1
  • CX-30 Electrical3
  • CX-30 Body/Panels2
  • CX-30 Cooling1
  • CX-30 Engine1
  • CX-30 Safety/Recalls1
  • CX-30 Suspension1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Brakes1
  • Fuel System1
  • Electrical3
  • Body/Panels2
  • Cooling1
  • Engine1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 12 Known Issues

NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.

Campaign #23V27500018/04/2023

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.

Campaign #25V35700029/05/2025

LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not automatically adjust from high beams to low beams as intended.

🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Mazda CX-30 problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Mazda CX-30. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or .

Other Mazda Models

Mazda CX-530Mazda CX-6027Mazda CX-5026Mazda MX-5 Miata22Mazda MX-621Mazda Mazda319

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mazda CX-30 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,450+ owner reports, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Wear Contaminating ATF with Iron Powder - Chirp on 3-4 Upshift (TSB 05-005/23), Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts Loosen and Fall Out - Reduced Braking - Recall 20V346000 (4420F), Disconnected Fuel Evap Vent Hose Causing Fuel Leak / Stalling (AWD) - Recall 20V347000 (4520F). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mazda CX-30 reliable?

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has 12 known issues documented across 2,450+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Wear Contaminating ATF with Iron Powder - Chirp on 3-4 Upshift (TSB 05-005/23) and Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts Loosen and Fall Out - Reduced Braking - Recall 20V346000 (4420F) and Disconnected Fuel Evap Vent Hose Causing Fuel Leak / Stalling (AWD) - Recall 20V347000 (4520F). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mazda CX-30 problems?

Repair costs for known Mazda CX-30 issues range from $0 to $3,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Wear Contaminating ATF with Iron Powder - Chirp on 3-4 Upshift (TSB 05-005/23), typically costs $1,500-$3,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2020-2024 Mazda CX-30 Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Wear Contaminating ATF with Iron Powder - Chirp on 3-4 Upshift (TSB 05-005/23)?

On CX-30 models with the 2.5L SkyActiv-G equipped with cylinder deactivation and the 6-speed automatic transaxle, the torque converter lock-up clutch wears excessively. The cylinder-deactivation calibration locks the converter up early and often, and the single-plate clutch uses… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,200. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 2,450+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Filter:
ALL YEARS202520242023202220212020

On the 2020-2024 Mazda CX-30 2.5L SkyActiv-G with cylinder deactivation (PY-VPS), on CX-30 models with the 2.5L SkyActiv-G equipped with cylinder deactivation and the 6-speed automatic transaxle, the torque converter lock-up clutch wears excessively. The cylinder-deactivation calibration locks the converter up early and often, and the single-plate clutch uses an aggressive high-metal-content friction material to survive it. The resulting iron powder contaminates the automatic transaxle fluid and embeds in the clutch pack that engages in 4th, producing a distinct chirp or stick-slip squeal on the 3-4 upshift - mechanically the same way a contaminated brake pad squeals. Mazda documented this in bulletin 05-005/23 covering 2020-2024 CX-30 along with other 2.5L CD applications. This is a wear-and-contamination failure, separate from the cylinder-deactivation shudder and the valvetrain rattle already catalogued.

Common Symptoms

  • Chirp or squeak from the transmission on the 3-4 upshift
  • Stick-slip noise under light throttle at cruising speed
  • Noise most noticeable when the transmission is warm
  • Slight shudder or vibration accompanying the noise
  • Dark or metallic-smelling automatic transaxle fluid

How to Fix

Diagnosis is by the characteristic chirp on the 3-4 shift; dealers confirm iron contamination in the ATF. The documented repair is torque converter replacement together with an ATF flush - at one point parts were constrained enough that dealers had to submit a MASH Hotline file and a MNAO PUSH order to obtain them, and some vehicles required transaxle replacement. There is no safety recall and no free remedy outside the powertrain warranty; in-warranty vehicles are covered. Out of warranty, expect torque converter and fluid service costs. An early ATF change will not reverse clutch wear that has already occurred.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $3,200

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2020 Mazda CX-30, certain 2020 CX-30 vehicles built October 22, 2019 through March 6, 2020 left the plant with front brake caliper mounting bolts that were not torqued to specification. Over time the bolts back out and can fall off entirely. A loose caliper produces a long, soft pedal and reduced braking force; a fully detached caliper can rotate into the wheel and jam it, causing loss of vehicle control. NHTSA campaign 20V346000 (Mazda Safety Recall 4420F) covers roughly 16,233 CX-30 units alongside about 7,804 Mazda3 units - this is a genuine safety recall, not a service alert. Note the shared assembly-line cause with the Mazda3; NHTSA names both nameplates explicitly.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunking or knocking noise from the front wheel when braking
  • Grinding or scraping from a front wheel while rolling
  • Soft or long brake pedal travel
  • Increased stopping distance
  • Vehicle pulls to one side under braking
  • Rattling from the front suspension area at low speed

How to Fix

Free recall remedy. Dealers inspect both front brake caliper mounting bolts and re-torque them to specification. If a bolt is missing or damaged the affected brake caliper assembly is replaced at no charge. Owners can verify eligibility by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda customer service (1-800-222-5500). Owner notification began July 24, 2020. Any vehicle showing a clunking or grinding front brake should be inspected before further driving.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2020 Mazda CX-30, on 2020 CX-30 AWD models, the fuel evaporative vent hose may be disconnected from the fuel sender unit due to a fuel-tank plant manufacturing error. After a full fill-up, liquid fuel can flood the charcoal canister and leak from the rear of the vehicle, creating a fire risk near an ignition source; the engine can also stall while driving.

Common Symptoms

  • Fuel smell or visible fuel leak from rear of vehicle after a full tank fill-up
  • Engine stalls while driving
  • Liquid fuel overflowing the EVAP charcoal canister
  • Emissions/check-engine warning

How to Fix

Recall 20V347000 (Mazda campaign 4520F) covers ~12,097 AWD vehicles. Dealers inspect the evaporative vent hose in the fuel tank, reconnect it if disconnected, and replace the charcoal canister and related parts, free of charge. Recall began July 29, 2020.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
Community reported
1,800 owners

On the 2020-2025 Mazda CX-30, the Mazda Connect infotainment system in CX-30 frequently freezes, reboots, or loses Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection. Issues are exacerbated by certain phone models and iOS/Android updates. Wireless CarPlay implementations are particularly unstable. Firmware updates from Mazda have improved but not fully resolved the issue.

Common Symptoms

  • Infotainment screen freezes and becomes unresponsive
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto disconnects mid-use
  • System reboots randomly while navigating
  • Audio cuts out and does not resume until restart
  • Backup camera display blank after system reboot

How to Fix

Update to the latest Mazda Connect firmware. Ensure phone software is current. For persistent issues, try a different USB cable (MFi-certified for Apple). Some owners report improvement after CMU module replacement. Disabling wireless CarPlay in favor of wired connection improves stability.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Anker A8153 six-foot MFi USB-A to Lightning data cable
    OEMAnker A8153

    Rule out a damaged or non-data Lightning cable during wired Apple CarPlay diagnosis Fitment/availability: Indexed direct item page identifies Anker A8153, USB-A to Lightning, six-foot, MFi-certified data transfer, sold by AnkerDirect, sh…

    Best Buy

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipUpdate firmware at dealer - each update improves CarPlay/AA stability
  • TipUse wired CarPlay instead of wireless - significantly more stable. MazdaCX30Forum.com infotainment thread
  • TipDelete and re-pair Bluetooth connection after firmware updates for best results
Typical repair cost:$0 - $800

Research This Issue

Based on 1,800 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified1,800 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2020-2024 Mazda CX-30, mazda issued Special Service Program SSPC5 for the CX-30 covering multiple control-module reprogramming concerns, the first of which is a battery concern: the climate control unit (CCU) and body control module (BCM) may not transition into sleep mode after the ignition is switched OFF. The modules stay awake and draw current continuously, flattening the 12V battery over a few days of non-use. Owners report the low-battery warning after short parking periods, no-start conditions, and in several documented cases repeated tow-ins with batteries that still pass Mazda's own load specification - the classic signature of a parasitic draw rather than a failed battery. Complaints persist on later model years beyond the original SSPC5 population, and the i-stop system's sensitivity to state of charge makes the symptom show up early as i-stop simply refusing to work. Note this is distinct from recall 25V357, which concerns what the air bag sensor does after a battery is already dead.

Common Symptoms

  • Battery management low-charge warning message after the car sits a few days
  • No-start or slow crank after short periods of non-use
  • i-stop auto start-stop stops functioning
  • Repeated battery replacements that do not cure the problem
  • Battery tests good but goes flat again
  • Electrical accessories reset or behave erratically after a flat battery

How to Fix

For vehicles covered by SSPC5, Mazda dealers reprogram the CCU and BCM (a USB flash-drive software update taking roughly 7 minutes) free of charge; U.S. owners were notified by mail no later than April 17, 2021. This is a Special Service Program, not a safety recall, so it is not VIN-searchable on NHTSA - ask the dealer to check SSPC5 eligibility by VIN. For vehicles outside the program, have a parasitic draw test performed with the modules allowed to time out before condemning the battery; many owners report the drain warning stops after fitting a higher-quality replacement battery, but that treats the symptom rather than the module sleep fault.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2020-2021 Mazda CX-30, cX-30 vehicles equipped with the optional Bose audio system may emit a loud static or buzzing noise from some or all speakers, caused by an inappropriate control program in the audio amplifier. The noise occurs independently of what is playing and independently of driving status or whether the engine is running - owners describe a bizarre buzzing with the source muted or off. Mazda addressed it with Special Service Program SSPC4, an amplifier software update applied to Bose-equipped cars regardless of whether the owner had complained. Some vehicles were initially given a replacement amplifier before Mazda traced the fault to amplifier firmware, so a hardware swap is not the correct first step.

Common Symptoms

  • Loud static or white noise from one or more speakers
  • Buzzing from the speakers when nothing is playing
  • Noise present with the audio system muted or off
  • Noise present with the engine off and ignition on
  • Intermittent, not repeatable on demand

How to Fix

Free Special Service Program SSPC4 at a Mazda dealer: an audio amplifier software update delivered by USB. As with SSPC5 this is a Special Service Program rather than a safety recall, so it will not appear in a NHTSA VIN lookup - ask the dealer to check SSPC4 eligibility by VIN. Amplifier replacement should only be considered if the noise persists after the firmware update is confirmed applied. SSPC4 is commonly performed alongside SSPC5 in a single visit.

Find a Mazda dealer

Choose to share your location for this search, or enter an area below. Your search location is sent to Google to find dealers.

Open Mazda dealer map in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they service Mazda vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2020-2021 Mazda CX-30, on affected 2020-2021 CX-30s, the fully-opened power liftgate can partially lower on its own when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope. Mazda traces it to insufficient frictional retaining force in certain power liftgate drive motor units combined with reduced support-spring force in high ambient temperatures, so a person reaching into the cargo area can be struck.

Common Symptoms

  • Open liftgate slowly drops or sags on its own
  • Liftgate won't stay fully raised when parked nose-up on an incline
  • Worse in hot weather

How to Fix

Recall 21V086000 (Mazda campaign 4621B) covers ~13,857 vehicles. Dealers reflash the power liftgate control module software and inspect the liftgate drive unit serial number, replacing the drive unit if necessary, free of charge. Recall began April 8, 2021.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2020-2021 Mazda CX-30, 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles leak water into the passenger compartment from the rear doors, entering at the bottom of the service hole behind the rear door trim panel. Mazda identified two causes: the service hole cover's seal rubber lacks resistance to surfactants and deteriorates when the vehicle is washed with detergent, and separately the lower tabs of the service hole cover may not have been fully engaged during factory assembly. Water tracks down inside the door, past the failed seal, and pools in the rear footwell carpet. Mazda documented the repair in bulletin 09-020/21 (with related revisions in the 09-039/20 and R089/20 series) and changed the service-hole cover seal material in mass production. Owners typically discover it as a damp or soaked rear carpet and a persistent musty smell after heavy rain or a car wash.

Common Symptoms

  • Wet or soaked carpet in the rear passenger footwell
  • Water intrusion after rain or after washing the vehicle
  • Musty or mildew smell inside the cabin
  • Damp rear door trim panel or water marks on the door card
  • Fogged windows that will not clear
  • Water sloshing sound from inside a rear door

How to Fix

Under the bulletin, dealers replace the rear door service hole covers with the revised parts and re-seal them with new butyl tape. Any technician removing a rear door trim panel on these cars should apply fresh butyl tape to the service hole cover on reassembly rather than reusing the original seal. There is no safety recall and no free campaign remedy - the repair is warranty-covered within the basic warranty period. Wet carpet and underlay should be pulled and dried to prevent mould and corrosion of floor-mounted connectors; drying alone without replacing the cover will not stop the leak.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $450

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
650 owners

On the 2020-2025 Mazda CX-30, the A/C condenser in the CX-30 is prone to developing pinhole leaks from road debris impact and corrosion. The condenser sits exposed behind the front grille with minimal protection. Refrigerant loss causes gradual A/C performance degradation until the system stops cooling entirely.

Common Symptoms

  • A/C blows warm air gradually worsening over weeks
  • A/C works intermittently - cool in morning, warm in afternoon
  • Visible oily residue on A/C condenser (refrigerant leak)
  • A/C compressor cycles on and off rapidly (low charge)

How to Fix

Replace A/C condenser and recharge system with R-134a refrigerant. Install a condenser stone guard or grille screen to protect from future debris impact. Check for secondary leaks at hose connections during replacement.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • TYC 30143 A/C condenser with receiver-drier
    OEMTYC 30143

    Replace a confirmed leaking condenser on the naturally aspirated CX-30 branch Fitment/availability: Live direct page identifies TYC 30143 for 2020-2025 Mazda CX-30 naturally aspirated applications, built-in receiver/drier, 12 in stock an…

    PartsGeek
  • Genuine Mazda BDWK-61-480B A/C condenser with drier
    OEMMazda BDWK-61-480B

    Replace a confirmed leaking condenser on the 2021-2025 CX-30 2.5 Turbo branch Fitment/availability: Indexed direct dealer item page identifies BDWK-61-480B for 2021-2025 CX-30 with 2.5L turbo, includes the drier, and showed sale price/Ad…

    MazdaParts.us

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipHave A/C system UV dye tested to confirm condenser as leak source before replacing
  • TipUse R-134a with UV dye added for future leak detection - MazdaCX30Forum.com A/C thread
Typical repair cost:$400 - $900

Research This Issue

Based on 650 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified650 owner reportsLast reported by owners Dec 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2020-2025 Mazda CX-30, cX-30s with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G equipped with cylinder deactivation can develop a tapping/rattling noise from the valve train area. Mazda traces it to the switchable hydraulic lash adjusters (HLAs) used by cylinder deactivation, which malfunction when air bubbles accumulate in the oil passage. Note: cylinder deactivation was offered on 2020 and again 2023-2025 CX-30s (not 2021-2022).

Common Symptoms

  • Tapping or rattling from the valve train / top of engine
  • Noise more noticeable at idle or low rpm
  • Vibration or shudder when cylinder deactivation engages

How to Fix

Per Mazda Service Alert SA-026/23, the procedure is to purge trapped air (running the engine at ~2,500-3,000 rpm) and, where the noise persists, replace the switchable HLAs with a revised version (a revised service cylinder head assembly has also been established) to reduce air entrapment.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2020-2025 Mazda CX-30, cX-30 owners report the i-Activsense automatic emergency braking system activating with no real obstacle (phantom braking) or grabbing when maneuvering around vehicles at low speed, with the system noticeably more sensitive than rivals even at its lowest setting. Owners also report combined brake-system and i-Activsense malfunction messages with driver-assist features partially disabled, sometimes attributed by dealers to sensors overheating in hot weather.

Common Symptoms

  • Automatic emergency braking activates with no real obstacle (phantom braking)
  • Brakes grab when maneuvering around cars/obstacles at low speed
  • Brake system and i-Activsense malfunction messages appear together
  • Driver-assist systems show as partially disabled
  • Sometimes attributed to sensor overheating in hot weather

How to Fix

For false AEB activation, owners can lower sensitivity or temporarily cancel via the i-Activsense switch. No formal Mazda recall/TSB has been published specifically for CX-30 phantom braking; for the malfunction-message cluster, dealers inspect the front sensors/ABS wheel speed sensors and wiring. This issue is documented through owner complaints and forums rather than an official campaign.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2020 Mazda CX-30, early-production 2020 CX-30 vehicles built before October 15, 2019 exhibit a rattle from the front suspension when driving over bumps or wavy road surfaces. Mazda traced it to the strut upper mounting rubber: insufficient clearance between the rubber and the metal bracket of the mounting rubber during assembly lets the two knock against each other over suspension travel. The mounting rubber was modified in production to restore the correct clearance. Bulletin 02-004/21 (issued February 22, 2021, superseding earlier revisions) covers the 2020 CX-30 and 2019-2020 Mazda3. A follow-on step in the bulletin family addresses vehicles built before January 1, 2022 where the mounting rubber replacement alone does not resolve the noise. Owner threads separately report clunking and knocking over rough pavement, and Mazda issued related bulletins for front suspension rattle (SA-057/22) and oil weeping from front struts (02-004/22a) - so a rattling front end on these cars is worth inspecting for a leaking damper as well.

Common Symptoms

  • Rattle from the front suspension over bumps
  • Knocking or clunking on wavy or broken pavement
  • Noise absent on smooth roads
  • Noise from the top of the strut tower area
  • Oil film or weeping visible on the front strut body

How to Fix

Under bulletin 02-004/21 dealers replace the front strut upper mounting rubbers with the modified parts. Where the noise persists on vehicles produced before January 1, 2022, the documented escalation is replacement of both front strut dampers. Warranty-covered within the basic warranty period; there is no recall and no free campaign remedy outside warranty. Before authorizing strut replacement, have the technician confirm the noise source and check for oil weeping on the damper bodies, which Mazda covers under a separate bulletin.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $900

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Campaign #24V649000
03/09/2024

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.

Campaign #21V08600018/02/2021

TIRES:VALVE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.

Campaign #21V10100022/02/2021

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

get a full repair guide

What is the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts Loosen and Fall Out - Reduced Braking - Recall 20V346000 (4420F)?

Certain 2020 CX-30 vehicles built October 22, 2019 through March 6, 2020 left the plant with front brake caliper mounting bolts that were not torqued to specification. Over time the bolts back out and can fall off entirely. A loose caliper produces a long, soft pedal and reduced… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Disconnected Fuel Evap Vent Hose Causing Fuel Leak / Stalling (AWD) - Recall 20V347000 (4520F)?

On 2020 CX-30 AWD models, the fuel evaporative vent hose may be disconnected from the fuel sender unit due to a fuel-tank plant manufacturing error. After a full fill-up, liquid fuel can flood the charcoal canister and leak from the rear of the vehicle, creating a fire risk near… Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2025 Mazda CX-30 Infotainment System Freezing / CarPlay Disconnecting?

The Mazda Connect infotainment system in CX-30 frequently freezes, reboots, or loses Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection. Issues are exacerbated by certain phone models and iOS/Android updates. Wireless CarPlay implementations are particularly unstable. Firmware updates from Ma… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2025 Mazda CX-30 A/C Condenser Leak?

The A/C condenser in the CX-30 is prone to developing pinhole leaks from road debris impact and corrosion. The condenser sits exposed behind the front grille with minimal protection. Refrigerant loss causes gradual A/C performance degradation until the system stops cooling entire… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2025 Mazda CX-30 Cylinder Deactivation Valvetrain Tapping/Rattle (Switchable HLA Air Entrapment) - SA-026/23?

CX-30s with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G equipped with cylinder deactivation can develop a tapping/rattling noise from the valve train area. Mazda traces it to the switchable hydraulic lash adjusters (HLAs) used by cylinder deactivation, which malfunction when air bubb… Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2025 Mazda CX-30 i-Activsense False Emergency Braking & Spurious Brake/Driver-Assist Warnings?

CX-30 owners report the i-Activsense automatic emergency braking system activating with no real obstacle (phantom braking) or grabbing when maneuvering around vehicles at low speed, with the system noticeably more sensitive than rivals even at its lowest setting. Owners also repo… Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2021 Mazda CX-30 Power Liftgate Unexpectedly Lowers - Recall 21V086000 (4621B)?

On affected 2020-2021 CX-30s, the fully-opened power liftgate can partially lower on its own when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope. Mazda traces it to insufficient frictional retaining force in certain power liftgate drive motor units combined with reduced support-s… Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2021 Mazda CX-30 Rear Door Service Hole Cover Seal Failure - Water Leak into Rear Passenger Floor (TSB 09-020/21)?

2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles leak water into the passenger compartment from the rear doors, entering at the bottom of the service hole behind the rear door trim panel. Mazda identified two causes: the service hole cover's seal rubber lacks resistance to surfactants and deteriorates w… Repairs typically run $0-$450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2024 Mazda CX-30 Climate Control Unit and Body Control Module Fail to Enter Sleep Mode - Parasitic 12V Battery Drain (SSPC5)?

Mazda issued Special Service Program SSPC5 for the CX-30 covering multiple control-module reprogramming concerns, the first of which is a battery concern: the climate control unit (CCU) and body control module (BCM) may not transition into sleep mode after the ignition is switche… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Front Strut Upper Mounting Rubber Clearance Defect - Rattle Over Bumps (TSB 02-004/21)?

Early-production 2020 CX-30 vehicles built before October 15, 2019 exhibit a rattle from the front suspension when driving over bumps or wavy road surfaces. Mazda traced it to the strut upper mounting rubber: insufficient clearance between the rubber and the metal bracket of the… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: low.

What is the 2020-2021 Mazda CX-30 Bose Audio Amplifier Control Program Fault - Loud Static from Speakers (SSPC4)?

CX-30 vehicles equipped with the optional Bose audio system may emit a loud static or buzzing noise from some or all speakers, caused by an inappropriate control program in the audio amplifier. The noise occurs independently of what is playing and independently of driving status… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: low.