NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mazda CX-30 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 98 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects excellent crash-test performance and a complete suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. However, the vehicle's defect record tempers these positive attributes, preventing it from reaching the prior year's Exceptional threshold.
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 ranks 37 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 | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 98 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 37 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, with perfect scores in frontal and side crash tests. Its rollover resistance was rated at 4 stars, with a 15 percent risk of rollover. The vehicle's crash protection sub-score was a strong 66 out of 70. Avoidance technology scored a perfect 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. However, the 2021 model year's Safety Index rating of 88 Strong represents a five-point decrease from the prior year's 93 Exceptional rating. This decline is largely attributable to the defect record component, which scored 12 out of 20. Two recall campaigns were issued in the same month. One recall addressed a tire valve air-leak risk, a concern also present in the 2021 Mazda3. The second recall involved a power liftgate that could partially lower when open, affecting 2020-2021 CX-30 units. Additionally, 98 unverified owner complaints, primarily detailing engine issues, contributed to the lower defect sub-score. These complaints warrant careful consideration from potential owners.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mazda CX-30 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 AWD achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. While its frontal and side crash protection both received perfect 5-star ratings, the rollover assessment presents a slight reduction. The vehicle was rated 4 out of 5 stars for rollover, with a 15 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15171
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 Mazda CX-30. The first addresses tires and valve stems: air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve, a condition Mazda shares with the 2021 Mazda3. The second targets the structure and liftgate: on certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles, the power liftgate may partially lower when fully opened. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory based on available NHTSA data.
TIRES:VALVE21V101000
Risk: A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four tire air valves with new parts, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4721B.
Reported 2021-02-22
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
NHTSA has logged 98 unverified owner allegations for the 2021 CX-30. The most frequently alleged problem area is the engine, cited in 48 reports. Unverified allegations also cluster around the electrical system (13 reports), forward collision avoidance (12), and visibility and wipers (9). These are consumer-reported claims, not established findings.
98 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
Both the tire valve and power liftgate recall campaigns for the 2021 CX-30 necessitate specific VIN confirmation through NHTSA's database for any prospective buyer. Open recalls transfer with vehicle ownership, making verification of remedy completion a critical step for consumer safety.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index of 88 represents a five-point decline from the 2020 CX-30's score of 93, driven specifically by a lower defect record sub-score of 12 out of 20 rather than any change in crash-test results.
- Both 2021 recall campaigns were issued in February of the same model year: one for a tire air valve that may suddenly leak, and one for a power liftgate that may partially lower when fully opened on 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles.
- NHTSA has received 98 unverified complaints for this model year, with 48 of those alleging engine-related issues, making the engine the single most reported concern by a wide margin over all other components.
- The rollover sub-rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 15 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result is the only crash category where the 2021 CX-30 falls short of a perfect NHTSA score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mazda CX-30 places
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mazda CX-30 safety questions
Was the 2021 Mazda CX-30 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mazda CX-30, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Mazda CX-30 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-30 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-30. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 98 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15171), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-30 2021.
- 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 37 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.