Mazda 2
1.5-litre SkyActiv-G with high compression ratio (13:1) and chain drive. Economical and lightweight with very good efficiency.
Frugal Companion
Fine for city use, tight on country roads. The light weight at least keeps performance acceptable.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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
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
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
A manufacturing deviation in the electric coolant control valve allows coolant to enter the dry chamber. The valve opens too early, the engine warms up more slowly. Known as TSI R054-21.
Symptoms: Extended warm-up phase, blue coolant warning light illuminated longer than normal, poor heater output at idle
With predominantly short-trip use, petrol enters the engine oil as the direct-injection engine never fully reaches operating temperature. Oil viscosity drops and lubrication deteriorates.
Symptoms: Petrol smell in the oil, rising oil level between service intervals, oil level above maximum
Older P5-VPS units start consuming oil from around 100,000 km due to hardened valve stem seals. On a small engine the repair is manageable but should be carried out together with valve train servicing.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on start-up after the car has sat, intermittent oil consumption, brief puffs of smoke on overrun.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Vehicles produced October 2017 to May 2020 are affected by a recall for micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller. The pump can fail and the engine can stall while driving. Free replacement at dealers.
A known warranty case on the Mazda 2 DJ: both rear seatbelts no longer retract correctly. The problem affects multiple vehicles and was initially not acknowledged as a defect by some dealers.
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.
On the Mazda 2 DJ (up to July 2016) faulty brazing joints from the supplier were fitted, leading to leaking evaporators and condensers. Many cases were handled under warranty. Evaporator replacement is particularly labour-intensive.
On the Mazda 2 DJ individual doors can stop responding to the central locking. The cause is corroded contacts in the door locks, faulty actuators or a control unit problem. Typically occurs from 60,000–100,000 km.
The Mazda 2 DJ fails MOT/TÜV inspections above average for lighting defects. Headlights and rear lights are cited as weak points in inspection evaluations. Regular lighting checks are recommended.
Reports & Tests
9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2014–2024). Most reported: Steering (3), Suspension (3), Body Structure (2).