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Mazda · Supermini · 2007–2014

Mazda 2 DE

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

90–116 PS

1.6L CD Diesel

Agile Manual

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

102–103 PS

1.5L Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mazda 2 DE is available with 4 engine variants — from 68 to 116 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.4L TDCi · Diesel· 68 PS
2008 2010
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L CD · Diesel· 90–95 PS
2009 2010
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.3L · Benziner· 75–86 PS Engine Change
2007 2014
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2007 2010
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
2010 2014
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
1.5L · Benziner· 102–103 PS
2007 2010
Good Choice 6 weaknesses

The Mazda 1.4L TDCi (Diesel, 68 PS) has the Y4 (1.4L TDCi) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Mazda 1.6L CD (Diesel, 90–95 PS) has the Y6 (1.6L CD) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Mazda 1.3L (Benziner, 75–86 PS) comes with 3 different engines: ZJ-VE (2007–2014, Good Choice) und ZJ-VE (2007–2010, Good Choice) und ZJ-VE (2010–2014, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.3L!

The Mazda 1.5L (Benziner, 102–103 PS) has the ZY-VE (1.5L) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Tie rod ends wear prematurely

Tie rod ends on the Mazda 2 DE wear comparatively early, causing clicking when turning from standstill. MOT/TÜV reports list worn steering as a recurring defect. Replacing both sides including wheel alignment is recommended.

Symptoms: Clicking or creaking when turning from standstill, play in the steering, possible MOT advisory
from 80,000 km
Ad tie rod end Mazda 2 DEGJ6A-32-240 tie rod
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
31 complaints · 2007–2014
Steering
9
Suspension
5 ⚠ 1
Airbags
5 ⚠ 1
Seats
4
Brakes
3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Steering (9 complaints)
⚠ Suspension (5 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (5 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda 2 DE (2007–2014) — 21 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Steering, Suspension, HVAC, Rust. Considered reliable: ZJ-VE (1.3L), ZY-VE (1.5L).

2 (Y4, 2008–2010) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Pump Metering Valve Failure, Leaking Injector Seals, Glow Plugs Snap Off on Removal — Cylinder Head Damage Possible. Power: 68 PS.

2 (Y6, 2009–2010) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Damage from Insufficient Oil Supply, High-Pressure Pump Generating Metal Particles, Diesel Particulate Filter Blocked. Power: 90–95 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mazda 2? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mazda 2 DE have? +
The Mazda 2 DE has 21 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda 2 DE? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: ZJ-VE (1.3L), ZY-VE (1.5L). The most reliable engine is the ZY-VE (1.5L) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the Y6 (1.6L CD).
Which Mazda 2 DE engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mazda 2 DE. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mazda 2 DE engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda 2 DE — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} With the manual gearbox, the small Mazda shows its full character. Light, direct and surprisingly keen through corners.
Is the Mazda 2 DE worth buying used? +
The Mazda 2 DE is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda 2 DE? +
The Mazda 2 DE is available with engine variants from 68 to 116 hp. Petrol: ZJ-VE (1.3L), ZY-VE (1.5L). Diesel: Y4 (1.4L TDCi), Y6 (1.6L CD).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee