33 of the
380 complaints filed about the Mazda CX-30
are about the braking system —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
When I first got my Mazda CX30 2024 New lease ,my Breaks were very weak & didn't perform as new. Only 2 years later w 9K miles on it, Mazda states my breaks need to be replaced. My rotors need to be shave. A whole list of services on a car thats 2 years old. My concern is, break service at 9K confirm my car wasn't new and that Mazda put my Safety at risk w Old Breaks... Mazda is hiding somerhing about my breaks playing games...in the mean time I feel my safety is in jeopardy with defective breaks that maza should fully cover under warranty. Which they won't honor. Putting my safety in jeopardy
NHTSA complaint #11754347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Mazda dealership. The dealer confirmed the concern and contacted Mazda's regional tech specialist. The valve body was replaced first per Mazda's direction; however, the vehicle continued to exhibit rough and delayed shifting on test drive. Mazda then directed the dealer to replace the full transmission assembly. The repair required 35 days at the dealership. This failure did not occur in isolation. The same vehicle had previously required warranty replacement of brake components (disc, caliper, pads) at approximately 26,400 miles due to a driveability concern, and battery and drive belt tensioner replacement at approximately 29,100 miles. An independent service record five months prior to the transmission failure confirmed transmission fluid was at correct level, ruling out neglect. The pattern of cascading safety-system failures — braking, electrical, and transmission — within 32 months on a low-mileage vehicle suggests a potential systemic manufacturing defect. The RPM lock and inability to shift at highway speeds represents a direct safety hazard to the driver and other motorists. All repairs were confirmed and performed by an authorized Mazda dealer under factory warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11754216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The automatic braking turned on while I was accelerating. My car is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I could have been rear ended because my car automatically braked at an unpredictable time in rush hour traffic with someone very close behind me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? It has happened to me maybe 4 times before but the dealer hasn't been able to reproduce it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? It first happened soon after I bought my car new.
NHTSA complaint #11744391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On June 3rd, 2026, about 1:15 PM, I braked in the rain because there was a stopped car in front of me. The brakes did not work; the Automatic Emergency brakes did not work; the Forward Collision Warning did not work and I hit the car in front of me causing a 3 car accident. As I hit the car I saw the Forward Collision Warning come on and then go out. Unfortunately, the brakes worked after that and the Mazda Collision Center cannot find anything wrong with the brakes. I note that the 2022 and 2023 models of the same car did have recalls related to the brakes. The claim is still open and I have not yet received the final damage report. Yesterday I was told the revised estimate is $16,000 and my car and the middle care with front and rear and damage are considered totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11743896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2025 Mazda CX-30 experienced a sudden complete loss of power while driving at highway speed with no prior warning lights or indications of malfunction. Immediately before shutdown, steering became extremely stiff due to loss of power steering assist. Vehicle was steered towards the shoulder during highway speed of 65mph and was electrically inoperable while rolling, this includes the loss of hazards, power steering and electronic brake lock engagement.
NHTSA complaint #11740473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was sold this 2024 Mazda cx30 from Ken ganley kia located in mentor Ohio (44060) the vehicle started showing major electrical issues. when they occur I have no control of the functions of anything in the cabin (infotainment, heat/air, braking system,) just to name a few. My wife and I were assured we were purchasing a good safe and reliable used vehicle. I feel this vehicle is extremely unsafe and unpredictable and ken ganley kia of mentor refuse to take this unsafe vehicle back or even pay for the repairs. I am utterly disappointed such a big name in the auto industry could turn there back on a customer not only that let a young family pull off in a unpredictable electrical nightmare of a vehicle and refuse to stand by it.
NHTSA complaint #11722344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 2 mph into his garage, his right foot had slipped between the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, and he was unable to get his foot out from under the pedals. The contact stated that the front end of his vehicle crashed into his garage wall. The contact stated that there was some damage to the front grill and the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that he had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or collision shop. The contact had called the manufacturer and was advised that there was no action that could be taken to adjust the distance separating the brake pedal from the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that his foot had been trapped on two other occasions. The failure mileage was approximately 700.
NHTSA complaint #11715886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact rented a 2024 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, an "i-ACTIVSENSE Partially Disabled Front Radar Malfunction" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact attempted to exit the highway; however, the vehicle failed to stop upon depression of the brake pedal. The contact continued to pump the brakes and even engaged the emergency brakes, but the vehicle failed to stop. Due to the failure, the contact crashed into the vehicle in front of her as the "Vehicle System Malfunction, Have the Vehicle Inspected" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact later sought medical attention for pain in her back; the other driver sustained injuries; however, the injuries are unknown as she did not seek medical attention from the paramedics that arrived at the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent mechanic, where it remained in their possession. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had yet been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38.377.
NHTSA complaint #11703230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving normally at highway speed on I-880 South, the braking system failed to decelerate the vehicle. When the brake pedal was pressed firmly, there was no normal slowing—only a sliding sensation, as if the wheels locked and the car moved forward on ice. This led to a collision with a stopped vehicle ahead. The following day, the Mazda App displayed a red alert message: “Brake system malfunction. Braking effectiveness may be decreased.” The vehicle’s airbags deployed very forcefully, causing bruising to both driver and passenger, even though the impact was not severe. Three days before the incident, the vehicle had a scheduled maintenance and recall service at a Mazda dealer, including a brake inspection and air-bag recall repair. The vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance company and is currently stored at Copart Hayward, CA. The problem has not been inspected by Mazda yet, but a formal safety review is requested. The issue posed serious safety risks due to total loss of braking control and unexpected air-bag deployment.
NHTSA complaint #11693587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On April 15th, 2025, my 2022 Mazda CX-30 experienced a sudden malfunction while I was driving. Despite having the automatic emergency braking system and forward collision warning, the car failed to slow down or alert me before I hit another vehicle during a pile-up. Right after the collision, my dashboard lit up with multiple error messages about the forward collision system, brake system, and sensor malfunctions. I had the car towed to the dealership, where a full diagnostic scan was performed. It revealed multiple hard fault codes, including U0415 (Invalid Data Received from ABS Control Module), which I later found was listed in a recent Mazda recall (23V-487) affecting my exact safety system—but Mazda told me my VIN was not included. The vehicle was inspected by a certified Mazda dealership. Mazda has refused to take full responsibility despite the safety system failing and the car still being under warranty. My safety was put at direct risk because the brake system did not function when it should have, causing a wreck that could have been avoided.
NHTSA complaint #11659966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a recall that doesn't include my car. In March before my service due date I got several critical notices on the dash) I-Activsense System malfunction, IActivsense advanced safey and driver support system not operating correctly, Have vehicle inspected. 2) Braking System Malfunction, Stop the vehicle in a safe place, 3)Safety and Driver Support Systems Partially Disabled 4) Vehicle Satus Monitor Serious Malfunction (1) Brake System Malfunction, Vehicle Warning Messages 1..IActivsense System Malfunction next service, which was in 4k miles. This with 19,700 miles on the car (bought with less then 5k on it). I pulled off the road and ate and got back in and all lights gone however 3/7, 3/18, 3/21, 3/22 it all came on again but was gone on arrival to dealership. I had brake fluid checked and it was almost empty, unusual and I know if it leaks and gets wet it corrodes discs, and that is the recall and that is what happened. So far no satisfaction from Mazda other than me paying to have it fixed including a complete brake system flush which should NOT be due till about 50k. I know CX 30 was recalled for this issue, they missed mine. Last service invoice In August says brakes are good, all fluids topped off, yet brake fluid was almost empty and corrision is not even front to rear, salt air is the same on both sides of my car. And why and where is the fluid? I had a third party check it before going in for service (he didn't touch because I'm under warranty but is experienced person in business) .. I will upload Aug and April service invoices. iNVOICE AT 15,374 miles states brakes are good and all fluids topped off, SO in 7 months brakes are destroyed fluid is empty at 19,687 miles. What happened if it wasn't recall problem? Warranty? I believe it should have been in recall.
NHTSA complaint #11656532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the messages "i-Activsense Malfunction", "In Vehicle Network malfunction" and "ABS Malfunction" were displayed. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an unknown harness failure; however, the part was not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was provided a rental. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71.
NHTSA complaint #11643903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the interior rear mirror loosened and eventually fell from the roof of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Critical Brake System Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11641757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle in the parking garage at her workplace, the contact reversed and then straightened the steering wheel; however, after shifting to drive and attempting to drive 6-10 feet forward into the parking space, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into a pillar before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the engine had revved up, and the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound before the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle failed to stop as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags deployed as intended; however, a warning light indicating an air bag malfunction illuminated afterwards. The contact stated that the front driver's side and knee air bags had deployed as designed. The contact sustained pain and bruises on the left side of the chest, on the upper part of the left breast, on the left leg, and on the right wrist and right arm. The vehicle automatically called 9-1-1 for Emergency Assistance, but the contact declined to receive medical assistance. The contact was able to walk away from the scene. No Police report was filed. The contact was unsure whether there was any property damage. The vehicle was towed from the scene and totaled by the Insurance Company. The contact stated that the failure had occurred once before while driving at approximately 60-65 MPH, and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, but the contact was able to depress the brake pedal and regained control of the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
NHTSA complaint #11635826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front and rear brakes premature wear, would have failed safety inspection under 30,000 miles but brakes were inspected just outside of warranty with metal on metal. RIGHT rear coil spring snapped lower middle of coil while driving on flat even ground. Just outside of warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11596869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. My car was barely a year since purchase I am the first owner .
NHTSA complaint #11582495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 garage with my foot on the brake pedal, the car suddenly and rapidly accelerated and collided with a concrete post. Fortunately, I am unharmed but shaken, and the front of the car sustained damage. Immediately after the incident, I contacted the service department, explained the situation, and requested an emergency service to assess the car. The service department conducted checks on the brakes and suspension, performing a full-circle inspection. Their report stated, "Could not find any evidence to support the customer's claim." The service advisor expressed disbelief in the issue I described, stating he had not heard of such problems before. Contrary to the service advisor's disbelief, records on NHTSA.gov reveal numerous instances of sudden unintended acceleration while pushing on brakes for Mazda CX cars (CX5, CX30, CX50). These instances have occurred and have been reported nationally/across numerous states in the USA. I am urging Mazda to thoroughly investigate all reported complaints, issue recalls for affected cars, and enhance their safety features. As of now, there have been no reported fatalities, and it is crucial for Mazda to take proactive measures in investigating and addressing our claims to prevent any potential harm caused by errors in the ActiveSense system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11567357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car was running in parking garage without ignition being turned on. When I entered the car, the motor wouldn't catch at all, and message popped up saying the there was a brake malfunction. All the lights were on, so it did not seem to be a battery problem, but the drive function was dead. Several months ago the car started racing while i was driving and i couldnt get it to stop. I finally, while still driving, turned off the ignition and rolled off the road. After a few minutes, i restarted the engine. it had stopped racing and i drove it to the Mazda dealership. They didnt find anything wrong. So this latest incident, Jan. 3rd, involved an uninitiated running vehicle that was parked, and the brake malfunction console notice that said "brake malfunction". Again, the prior incident involved the same vehicle racing on a roadway and necessitated the turning off the ignition while on a major road and rolling the car onto the shoulder. There is something wrong with this car involving the engine and brakes. Triple A came to tow it to the dealership and utilized an alternator to start it, which enabled them to drive it to the tow truck.
NHTSA complaint #11563320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.