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Mazda · Supermini · 2014–2024 Custom Search

Mazda 2 DJ

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

4.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

116 PS

2 · Benzin

Quick City Car

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

90–116 PS

1.5L e-SkyActiv-G Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations


Engine Overview

The Mazda 2 DJ is available with 3 engine variants — from 75 to 116 hp.

1.5L SkyActiv-D · Diesel· 105 PS
2014 2022

1.5-litre SkyActiv-D with low compression ratio. Economical small-car diesel with good low-end pull.

  • !! DPF Clogging from 110,000 km

    The 1.5 SkyActiv-D shows the same DPF sensitivity as its larger siblings. Short-trip use prevents complete regeneration, and the DPF clogs faster than average.

    Symptoms: Warning message 'DPF check required', noticeably elevated fuel consumption, occasional engine power limiter active, bluish exhaust smoke.
    300–2,000 $
  • !! Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress from 20,000 km

    The small 1.5 regenerates the DPF more frequently because the smaller engine is under greater load. Fuel entry into the oil is a structural characteristic and requires shorter service intervals.

    Symptoms: Oil level rises above MAX mark, fuel smell on dipstick, onboard computer signals early oil change requirement.
    80–250 $
  • !! EGR Carbon Buildup and Intake Valves from 90,000 km

    Soot deposits from exhaust gas recirculation accumulate in the intake tract and on the intake valves of the small diesel. Cleaning is often necessary at higher mileages.

    Symptoms: Hesitation at part throttle, power loss, rough idle, elevated fuel consumption, occasional engine warning light.
    200–900 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.5L e-SkyActiv-G · Petrol Mild-Hybrid· 90–116 PS
2021 2024

1.5-litre SkyActiv-G with 24V mild hybrid system. The integrated starter-generator assists on pull-away and reduces fuel consumption.

  • !! Carbon build-up on intake valves from 80,000 km

    Like all SkyActiv-G direct-injection engines, the mild-hybrid 1.5 is prone to intake valve carbon deposits. Chemical cleaning every 40,000 km and walnut blasting from 80,000 km are recommended.

    Symptoms: Rough cold start, power loss under full throttle, increased fuel consumption, uneven idle
    185–800 $
  • !! M-Hybrid 12 V lithium starter battery — premature failure from 60,000 km

    The M-Hybrid system uses a special 12 V lithium-ion starter battery. Premature capacity loss occurs with predominantly short-trip use; replacement costs significantly more than a conventional lead-acid unit.

    Symptoms: Engine start problems, warning in the instrument cluster, reduced mild-hybrid recuperation
    300–600 $
  • ! ISG belt of the mild-hybrid system squeals from 50,000 km

    The serpentine belt of the integrated starter-generator (B-ISG) can squeal or produce vibrations due to wear or ageing. Silicone spray is a temporary fix; permanent replacement is recommended. Warranty coverage may apply.

    Symptoms: Squealing from the engine bay, particularly on cold starts or under acceleration. Noise can be intermittent.
    80–250 $

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.5L SkyActiv-G · Petrol· 75–116 PS
2014 2024

1.5-litre SkyActiv-G with high compression ratio (13:1) and chain drive. Economical and lightweight with very good efficiency.

  • !! Recall: fuel pump impeller can crack

    The low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack and deform, potentially causing engine stall while driving. Affected: Mazda2 2019–2020, CX-3 2019, Mazda3 2018.

    Symptoms: Sudden engine stall while driving, engine start problems, fuel supply interruption
    0–0 $
  • !! Carbon build-up on intake valves from 80,000 km

    Direct-injection carbon build-up on intake valves from crankcase breather oil mist. Power loss, misfires and increased fuel consumption from around 80,000 km without prior treatment.

    Symptoms: Rough cold start, power loss under full throttle, increased fuel consumption, uneven idle
    185–800 $
  • !! Switchable hydraulic lash adjusters (HLA) with air bubbles

    On certain vehicles, switchable hydraulic lash adjusters (HLA) are known to trap air bubbles in the oil gallery. Mazda has released modified HLAs as a fix.

    Symptoms: Loud tapping or knocking immediately after a cold start; noise disappears once the engine is fully warmed up
    300–700 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Rear shock absorbers leaking — premature failure

On the Mazda 2 DJ rear shock absorbers start leaking oil from around 35,000–40,000 km. The TÜV Report rates this area with 2.5% serious defects. Many replacements were still carried out under warranty.

Symptoms: Poor ride comfort, excessive body bounce, oil film visible on damper rod on inspection
from 40,000 km
Low

Test Reports

tuev

TÜV Report 2026

Above average

The Mazda2 scores above average for brake performance and lighting, showing high long-term quality.

2025-11

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Explore more

Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda 2 DJ (2014–2024) — 15 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, HVAC, Electronics, Interior. Considered reliable: P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G), P5-VPS-MH (1.5L e-SkyActiv-G).

2 (S5-DPTS, 2014–2022) — Be Careful: DPF Clogging, Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress, EGR Carbon Buildup and Intake Valves. Power: 105 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 DJ have? +
The Mazda 2 DJ has 15 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda 2 DJ? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G), P5-VPS-MH (1.5L e-SkyActiv-G). The most reliable engine is the P5-VPS-MH (1.5L e-SkyActiv-G) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G).
Which Mazda 2 DJ engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mazda 2 DJ. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mazda 2 DJ engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda 2 DJ — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The stronger engine in the lightweight 2 delivers surprising fun. Quick in town, nimble on country roads — an underrated driver's car.
Is the Mazda 2 DJ worth buying used? +
The Mazda 2 DJ is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda 2 DJ? +
The Mazda 2 DJ is available with engine variants from 75 to 116 hp. Petrol: P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G), P5-VPS-MH (1.5L e-SkyActiv-G). Diesel: S5-DPTS (1.5L SkyActiv-D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee