
NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Mazda CX-30 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 22 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 AWD SUV achieved a perfect score for its crash avoidance technology. This strong performance underpins its overall star rating from NHTSA. With a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, the CX-30 AWD places in the Exceptional band. Prospective owners should note the model carries one active recall; verifying its resolution is prudent for those considering a used example.
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 AWD SUV received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 ranks 28 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 | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 22 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 28 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Mazda CX-30?
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 holds its Safety Index at 92/100, matching the 2022 model year exactly and sustaining the Exceptional band for a second consecutive year. That consistency is not accidental. The crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70 reflects the full five-star NHTSA ratings across overall, frontal, and side categories, and the avoidance-tech subscore hits a perfect 10 out of 10, supported by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment. What distinguishes this specific year is the defect-record subscore of 16 out of 20, a figure shaped by the one recall campaign targeting the ABS control unit, a component directly related to braking performance. That recall is notable because Service Brakes also tops the complaint list with six unverified allegations, the highest single-component complaint count in the dataset. The 22 total unverified owner reports include alleged claims of five crashes and two injuries, figures that deserve attention even as they remain unconfirmed. The rollover rating of four stars and a 15 percent risk figure are the only crash-test results that prevent a higher crash-protection ceiling.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Mazda CX-30 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 achieved a 15 percent rollover risk, earning a four-star rating from NHTSA in that specific category. This follows its five-star performance in frontal and side impact protection, contributing to an overall five-star safety rating. The dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17235
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Mazda CX-30 have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers the 2023 CX-30. It targets the anti-lock brake system control unit, affecting certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles built by Mazda North American Operations. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but shoppers should confirm remedy status by VIN before purchase.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE23V275000
Risk: Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS HCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5823D.
Reported 2023-04-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Mazda CX-30?
NHTSA has logged 22 unverified owner allegations for the 2023 CX-30. The most frequently reported components are Service Brakes (6 alleged reports), Forward Collision Avoidance (5), and Unknown or Other (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects, and include reported claims of 5 crashes and 2 injuries.
22 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Mazda CX-30?
The 2023 CX-30's recall record includes a significant issue regarding the anti-lock braking system. Specifically, an ABS control-unit recall has been issued for this model year. This is a critical safety item, and any prospective owner should ensure the specific vehicle's VIN is checked against the NHTSA recall database to confirm the remedy has been applied. An unaddressed recall of this nature represents a direct safety concern for the braking system.
- The 2023 CX-30 carries exactly one NHTSA recall, targeting the anti-lock brake system control unit shared with certain 2022 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles, making VIN-specific recall verification essential for used-market buyers.
- The Safety Index held at 92/100 from 2022 to 2023, meaning no measurable safety regression occurred between those two model years under MotorCaliber's scoring methodology.
- Service Brakes is both the subject of the sole recall campaign and the top complaint category with six unverified allegations, a convergence that makes brake-system remedy confirmation a priority for this specific year.
- Forward Collision Avoidance generated five unverified complaint allegations, the second-highest component count, even though NHTSA lists forward collision warning as standard equipment on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Mazda CX-30 places
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Mazda CX-30 safety questions
Was the 2023 Mazda CX-30 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Mazda CX-30, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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 2023 Mazda CX-30 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Mazda CX-30 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Mazda CX-30. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Mazda CX-30?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 22 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17235), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-30 2023.
- 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 28 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.