Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 30 vs Toyota Camry
How the Mazda CX 30 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mazda CX 30 vs Toyota Camry: The CX-30 has 35 complaints per year vs Camry's 214, and 10 recalls vs 31. CX-30 owners report oil consumption and electrical glitches, while Camry owners face transmission failures and brake loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 30 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 30
The Mazda CX-30, a subcompact crossover, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 35 per year over seven years. Owners frequently report engine oil consumption, electrical system glitches, and issues with forward collision avoidance and brakes. While not overwhelming, these patterns suggest potential ongoing maintenance and safety system concerns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a much higher complaint volume, averaging over 214 per year over a decade. Complaints are dominated by powertrain issues, including transmission problems and sudden acceleration reports, along with brake failures and electrical gremlins. This high rate indicates a more problematic ownership experience for many.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 30 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 247 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 35.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mazda CX 30
- 01ENGINE66
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER47
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE36
- 05SERVICE BRAKES34
Owners report excessive oil consumption, needing to add a quart every 3,000-3,500 miles, which can lead to engine damage if ignored. This is a significant recurring issue.
There are reports of sudden malfunctions where the automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning fail to activate, increasing crash risk. Also, some owners receive erroneous system malfunction warnings.
The adaptive cruise control and forward collision systems can be flawed, failing to recognize lanes or other vehicles, leading to unexpected braking or lack of response.
Brake-related complaints are notable, with some owners experiencing issues that could compromise stopping ability, though specific details are limited in the sample.
“There have been 3 different ongoing issues. The car was ordered and delivered brand new in April 2022. At 4,000 miles and again at 12,000 mile is would display low oil and require 1 quart of oil. The dealership acknowledged that it has an oil consumption issu…”
“It has an oil consumption issue. Every 3,000-3,500 miles is will give the oil low light. It will be 1 quart low. The car takes 6 quarts of 5w30 synthetic oil and requires oil changes every 7,500-8,000 miles. I have had to put a quart in every time. I have tak…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with grinding noises and failures requiring replacement. Some owners report sudden acceleration incidents, which are alarming and potentially dangerous.
Engine issues include a coolant valve bypass recall that may not cover all VINs, leading to safety concerns. Sudden acceleration is also reported, though it may be linked to powertrain.
Brake failure is reported, with instances of no response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills, posing a serious safety risk.
Electrical problems may contribute to brake and powertrain issues, but specific complaints are less detailed in the sample.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mazda CX 30 — 10 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy in the event of a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit with improved software or replace the unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7525E.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
The risk: Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
The risk: Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.
The 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.
The fix: 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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 30 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-30 has significantly fewer complaints per year (35 vs 214) and fewer recalls (10 vs 31), indicating a lower likelihood of encountering major issues. However, the Camry's higher volume may reflect its larger sales base, but the nature of complaints (sudden acceleration, brake failure) is more severe.
Key differences
- Mazda CX-30 owners frequently report engine oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups, while Camry owners report transmission failures and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has a much higher rate of brake failure complaints, including complete loss of braking, which is a critical safety concern.
- The CX-30 has issues with forward collision avoidance and electrical malfunctions, but these are less frequent than the Camry's powertrain problems.
- The Camry's recalls include air bag sensor and seat issues, while the CX-30's recalls focus on brake control modules and liftgate structure.
- Check for oil consumption by reviewing service records and asking about any low-oil warnings.
- Test the forward collision and adaptive cruise control systems to ensure they respond correctly.
- Inspect the transmission for any unusual noises or slipping during a test drive.
- Ask about any brake system recalls or repairs, and test brakes on a hill to ensure response.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls and previous complaints.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine and transmission.
- Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to braking, acceleration, and any warning lights.
- Check for oil consumption on the CX-30 by monitoring oil level after a long drive.
- For the Camry, ask about transmission service history and any pending recalls.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mazda CX 30 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 119 |
| 2025 | 25 | 153 |
| 2024 | 30 | 48 |
| 2023 | 23 | 62 |
| 2022 | 33 | 59 |
| 2021 | 100 | 155 |
| 2020 | 33 | 270 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mazda CX 30 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 30 vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda CX 30 total complaints
- 247
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mazda CX 30 total recalls
- 10
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda CX 30 avg complaints/year
- 35.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 30
- Mazda CX 30 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN