Mazda 3 BL
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
260 PS
2.3L DISI Turbo Benzin
260 hp, Front-Wheel Drive, Torque Steer Included
Legendary!170 PS
2.5L MZR Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good Choice260 PS
2.3L DISI Turbo Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Mazda 3 BL is available as Limousine and Schrägheck — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mazda 3 BL is available with 6 engine variants — from 90 to 260 hp.
The Mazda 1.6L CD (Diesel, 109–116 PS) has the Y6 (1.6L CD) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Mazda 2.2L MZR-CD (Diesel, 185 PS) has the R2AA (2.2L MZR-CD) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mazda 1.6L MZR (Benziner, 105 PS) has the Z6 (1.6L MZR) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mazda 2.0L MZR (Benziner, 150–151 PS) has the LF-DE (2.0L MZR) — rated: "Good Choice", 8 known weaknesses.
The Mazda 2.3L DISI Turbo (Benziner, 260 PS) has the L3-VDT (2.3L DISI Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mazda 2.5L MZR (Benziner, 170 PS) has the L5-VE (2.5L MZR) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: tailgate damper bracket corrodes and breaks Tailgate damper brackets can rust and break on salt contact. Mazda recalled around 2.2 million vehicles worldwide, approx. 96,000 in Germany. Affected: BL models up to August 2013. Symptoms: Tailgate no longer stays open, damper hanging loose or falling off, visible rust on damper bracket | Low | |
| Recall: seat height adjuster can break due to material weakness On vehicles up to build date 9/2010 the seat height adjuster can crack due to material weakness, or the retaining washers can detach, leading to complete failure. Approx. 23,000 vehicles affected. Symptoms: Seat suddenly drops, clicking noises from the height adjuster, seat cannot be locked in position | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 45 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda 3 BL (2009–2013) — 39 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: L3-VDT (2.3L DISI Turbo). Typical issues affect Other, Suspension, HVAC, Rust. Considered reliable: LF-DE (2.0L MZR), Z6 (1.6L MZR), L5-VE (2.5L MZR).
3 (Y6, 2009–2011) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Damage from Insufficient Oil Supply, High-Pressure Pump Generating Metal Particles, Diesel Particulate Filter Blocked. Power: 109–116 PS.
3 (R2AA, 2009–2013) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch, Camshaft Wear from Hardening Defect, Bi-Turbo Failure. Power: 185 PS.
3 (L3-VDT, 2009–2013) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Turbocharger seal leaks oil into engine, High oil consumption due to piston ring wear. Power: 260 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mazda 3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee