Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda CX-30 or the Mazda CX-30?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Mazda CX-30 is cheaper to maintain — about $1,949 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 2.5L I4 Skyactiv-G and the 2.0L I4?

Across 31 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Mazda CX-30 or Mazda CX-30?

The Mazda CX-30 has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Mazda CX-30 has 2 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

2026 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 Mazda CX-30 — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

2026

2024

Engine

2.5L I4 Skyactiv-G

2.0L I4

Drivetrain

FWD

Transmission

automatic

Fuel

gas

Cost of Ownership

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$6,968

0.12 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$8,917

0.15 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEMazda CX-30 — Saves you $1,949 over 5 years (28% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.4 hrs$1,200 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$1,020 / 5yr

Turbo Oil Consumption (2.5T Models)

— hrs

— hrs$1,138 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.4 hrs$480 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.0 hrs$380 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr

12V battery

0.4 hrs$260 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$275 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

0.6 hrs$210 / 5yr

Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)

— hrs

— hrs$455 / 5yr

Spark plugs

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$230 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

0.3 hrs$210 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr

Water pump

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

3.2 hrs$210 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

3.0 hrs$162 / 5yr

3.5 hrs$185 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

1.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

Coolant flush

0.8 hrs$170 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Alternator

1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$110 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Transmission Oil Cooler Line Seepage

— hrs

— hrs$193 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.5 hrs$85 / 5yr

1.8 hrs$94 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.4 hrs$80 / 5yr

Ignition coil

0.8 hrs$80 / 5yr

Thermostat

0.8 hrs$56 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$77 / 5yr

Rear Transmission Mount Failure

— hrs

— hrs$114 / 5yr

Fuel Filter Clogging (Turbo Models)

— hrs

— hrs$100 / 5yr

Lane Departure Camera Condensation/Failure

— hrs

— hrs$50 / 5yr

Active Recalls

★ WINNER

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

2 open

🏆

ADVANTAGEMazda CX-30 — 2 fewer open recalls from the NHTSA

Fluid Capacities

Mazda CX-30

brake · FMVSS 116 DOT 4

coolant10.00 qt · Mazda FL22

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SN Plus

power_steering · N/A

transmission_auto10.00 qt · Mazda FZ

washer3.50 qt · All-season or winter-rated

Mazda CX-30

brake · DOT 3 Brake Fluid

coolant7.50 qt · Mazda Long Life Coolant FL22 (Green)

engine_oil4.50 qt · Mazda Genuine 0W-20

power_steering0.00 qt · Electric Power Steering (No Fluid)

transmission_auto10.00 qt · Mazda ATF FZ

washer3.50 qt · Windshield Washer Fluid

The Verdict

🏆

THE WINNER

2026 Mazda CX-30

2.5L I4 Skyactiv-G

Mazda CX-30 is cheaper to maintain (saves ~$1,949 over 5 years)
Mazda CX-30 has 2 fewer open NHTSA recalls

Based on objective maintenance and recall data. Driving feel, looks, brand loyalty, and ownership experience are separate (and very valid) considerations.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.