2021 Mazda CX-30: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Mazda CX-30?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Mazda CX-30 than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Mazda CX-30

  13.6% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Shock absorbers6× usual
  Mazda CX-30

  8.4% All 2021 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Brake pads1.6× usual
  Mazda CX-30

  9.8% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 2021 Mazda CX-30 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Mazda CX-30 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  20% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  20% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  9% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  2% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2021 Mazda CX-30

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Battery and electrical faults

  All engines

  Battery problems are the biggest complaint in What Car?'s survey, followed by other electrical faults, infotainment freezes and unexpected warning lights.

  At the viewing: Make sure it starts easily and no warning lights show, and test the infotainment and phone connection.

  Source: What Car?: Mazda CX-30 reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Mazda CX-30

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2021 Mazda CX-30 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2021 Mazda CX-30 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2021 Mazda CX-30 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?