NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mazda CX-30 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 achieved a five-star overall NHTSA crash performance rating. This, combined with standard crash-avoidance technology, contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100, positioning it in the Exceptional band. Prospective owners should, however, confirm resolution of the three recall campaigns issued for this model year.
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 ranks 3 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
The 2020 Mazda CX-30, a new nameplate for the model year, earns an Exceptional 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. This high rating is supported by a near-maximum crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology. The vehicle’s defect record sub-score of 16.5 out of 20 reflects three active recall campaigns issued within the first year of production. The brake caliper bolt recall stands as the most critical operationally. Under-torqued fasteners in this system could compromise front braking force, a condition not immediately evident to the driver. Additionally, a recall concerning the liftgate introduces a structural drop risk, which could lead to injury during loading. The third recall addresses an AWD-specific fuel-system hose. While this recall volume is not uncommon for a new platform's debut, it warrants close attention. Owner complaints reinforce the recall data, with 31 total complaints and seven specifically referencing Service Brakes, aligning directly with the brake caliper recall's real-world impact. Despite these initial defect campaigns, the 2020 CX-30's complete suite of standard crash-avoidance technology establish a genuinely strong safety foundation for its inaugural year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mazda CX-30 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 AWD achieved a 15 percent rollover risk, rated four out of five stars, despite a "No Tip" dynamic test result. This is the only category that did not earn the highest possible score; the vehicle was awarded five out of five stars for overall protection, frontal protection, and side protection. All crash-test categories received a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15159
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mazda CX-30 have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets the power liftgate structure, which may partially drop when fully opened. The second addresses front brake caliper mounting bolts that may not meet torque specifications, a direct braking-system concern. The third involves the evaporative vent hose on AWD-equipped vehicles, flagging a fuel-system fitting issue. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should confirm remedy status by VIN.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE21V086000
Risk: If the power liftgate unexpectedly lowers while a person is accessing the rear storage area of the vehicle, it can increase their risk of injury.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power liftgate control module software and inspect the serial number of the power liftgate drive unit, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4621B.
Reported 2021-02-18
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER20V346000
Risk: Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.
Reported 2020-06-12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS20V347000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, the engine may stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the evaporative vent hose in the fuel tank. If the hose is disconnected, it will be reconnected and the charcoal canister with some related parts will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 29, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4520F.
Reported 2020-06-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
Owners have filed 31 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including one alleged crash and no reported fires, injuries, or deaths. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other components (9 reports), followed by Service Brakes (7), Electrical System (5), Fuel/Propulsion System (5), and Engine (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
Before purchasing a used 2020 Mazda CX-30, shoppers must confirm that all three open recall campaigns have been completed by a Mazda dealer. Unresolved recall work, including issues with the brake caliper bolt and liftgate, is performed at no cost to the current owner and can be verified via the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup tool.
- This is the first model year of the CX-30 nameplate, so the 93/100 Safety Index has no prior-year baseline to compare against, making it a standalone launch-year benchmark.
- The front brake caliper mounting bolt recall, issued in June of the first production year, is safety-critical because improperly torqued bolts can reduce braking effectiveness without triggering a warning to the driver.
- The rollover rating of four out of five stars with a 15 percent risk figure is the only NHTSA crash category below five stars, and the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result, providing important context for that score.
- All 31 owner complaints are unverified NHTSA allegations, but the seven Service Brakes reports are worth noting alongside the brake caliper recall when evaluating a specific used unit's service history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mazda CX-30 places
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mazda CX-30 safety questions
Was the 2020 Mazda CX-30 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mazda CX-30, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Mazda CX-30 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mazda CX-30 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-30 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-30. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-30. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CX-30 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Cadillac XT6 | 92/100 | 5 of 5 | 4 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15159), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-30 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 3 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.