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Mazda · Compact · 2013–2018

Mazda 3 BM

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.7 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

120–165 PS

2.0L SkyActiv-G Benzin

Skyactiv-G 120 — the ideal all-rounder

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

75–116 PS

1.5L SkyActiv-G Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

150–184 PS

2.2L SkyActiv-D Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The Mazda 3 BM is available as Limousine and Schrägheck — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Limousine
3 Engines 2× Good Choice 1× Stay Away!
view Limousine →
Schrägheck
3 Engines 2× Good Choice 1× Stay Away!
view Schrägheck →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mazda 3 BM is available with 3 engine variants — from 75 to 184 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.2L SkyActiv-D · Diesel· 150 PS
2013 2018
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
1.5L SkyActiv-G · Benziner· 101 PS
2013 2018
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
2.0L SkyActiv-G · Benziner· 120–165 PS Engine Change
2013 2018
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
2013 2018
Good Choice 6 weaknesses

The Mazda 2.2L SkyActiv-D (Diesel, 150 PS) has the SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The Mazda 1.5L SkyActiv-G (Benziner, 101 PS) has the P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.

The Mazda 2.0L SkyActiv-G (Benziner, 120–165 PS) comes with 2 different engines: PE-VPS (2013–2018, Good Choice) und PE-VPS (2013–2018, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L SkyActiv-G!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●MZD Connect infotainment freezes or fails to start

The MZD Connect system crashes, shows a black screen or fails to recognise navigation and USB devices. Problems occur particularly in cold temperatures. The cause is often the SD card or faulty firmware.

Symptoms: Screen stays black on startup, navigation unavailable, USB devices not recognised, system unresponsive to inputs
Ad MZD Connect SD Karte Mazda 3 BMInfotainment Mazda3 BM UpdateCMU Mazda 3 BM
 Low
●Battery failure as the most common breakdown cause

According to ADAC statistics, battery failure is the most common breakdown cause on the Mazda 3 BM. Especially on vehicles with frequent short trips or start-stop systems, the battery is due for replacement after 4–5 years.

Symptoms: Engine will not start, sluggish starter motor, ECU errors after voltage drop
Ad battery Mazda 3 BMstarter battery Mazda3 BM EFB AGM
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
669 complaints · 2013–2018
Electrical
156 ⚠ 4
Other
135 ⚠ 2
Brakes
89 ⚠ 14
Backup Camera/Sensors
60 ⚠ 1
Engine
54 ⚠ 5

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (156 complaints)
⚠ Other (135 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (89 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 25 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda 3 BM (2013–2018) — 19 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Interior, Brakes. Considered reliable: P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G), PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G).

3 (SH-VPTS, 2013–2018) — Stay Away!: Camshaft Seized, Severe Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 150 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Mazda 3 BM have? +
The Mazda 3 BM has 19 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda 3 BM? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G), PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G). The most reliable engine is the P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G). Problem engine: SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D) — stay away!
Which Mazda 3 BM engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mazda 3 BM. 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 3 BM engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda 3 BM — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The 2.0-litre Skyactiv with 120 hp is the balanced choice in the 3 BM — lively, economical and pleasant to shift. In corners the 3 BM rewards with precise steering and a sporty chassis. The lateral forces build up progressively through a well-calibrated steering rack.
Is the Mazda 3 BM worth buying used? +
The Mazda 3 BM 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 3 BM? +
The Mazda 3 BM is available with engine variants from 75 to 184 hp. Petrol: P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G), PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G). Diesel: SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee