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Mazda · Compact · 2013–2018 Custom Search

Mazda 3 BM

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

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

165 PS

3 · Benzin

Strongest Petrol — Balanced and Quick

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 Sedan and Hatchback — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mazda 3 BM is available with 3 engine variants — from 75 to 184 hp.

2.2L SkyActiv-D · Diesel· 150 PS
2013 2018

2.2-litre SkyActiv-D with extremely low compression ratio (14:1) for a diesel. Clean combustion without a NOx storage catalytic converter, long-lived with regular oil changes.

  • !! Camshaft Seized from 80,000 km

    Insufficient surface hardening of the exhaust camshaft leads to heavy wear with metal particles in the oil. Secondary damage to the vacuum pump and turbocharger is possible. Primarily affects build years 2012–2015.

    Symptoms: Warning 'Low oil pressure – engine damage possible', fault code P0056F, jerky gearbox, metal particles visible in oil on change.
    500–5,000 $
    Ad Camshaft SH-VPTS Mazda 2.2 dieselRocker arm SH-VPTSVacuum pump Mazda CX-5 diesel
  • !! Severe Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress from 30,000 km

    DPF regeneration injects fuel into the cylinder, which passes the piston and enters the oil. Dilution rates of up to 20–25% are possible. Increased engine wear and turbocharger bearing damage can follow.

    Symptoms: Oil level rises above MAX mark, fuel smell in oil, onboard computer shortens oil change interval, up to 20% diesel detectable in oil analysis.
    100–400 $
    Ad Oil change SH-VPTS Mazda 2.2D SkyActivOil 0W-30 DPF Mazda diesel
  • !! Leaking Injector Seals from 100,000 km

    Failed flame protection seals on the injectors allow hot combustion gases into the oil system. The oil cokes up and blocks the oil sump strainer, leading to pressure loss and engine damage.

    Symptoms: Rapidly ageing oil with fuel smell, elevated oil consumption, engine oil warning light, in severe cases oil pressure loss and piston damage.
    400–8,000 $
    Ad Flame protection seal injector Mazda 2.2 SkyActiv-DInjector seal SH-VPTSInjector seal Mazda CX-5

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.5L SkyActiv-G · Petrol· 101 PS
2013 2018

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 $
    Ad fuel pump Mazda2 DJ recallfuel pump CX-3 Laufrad
  • !! 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 $
    Ad Walnussstrahlen intake valvee P5-VPSBeDi cleaning Mazda 1.5 SkyActiv
  • !! 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 $
    Ad hydraulic lifter HLA Mazda SkyActiv-G 1.5schaltbare bucket tappet Mazda2 CX-3 P5-VPS

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.0L SkyActiv-G · Petrol· 120–165 PS
2013 2018

2.0-litre SkyActiv-G with 13:1 compression ratio and chain drive. Core engine of the SkyActiv fleet with a wide power range from 88 to 121 kW.

  • !! Carbon build-up on intake valves from 110,000 km

    Direct-injection carbon build-up on intake valves from crankcase breather oil mist. Typically occurs between 100,000–160,000 km. Walnut blasting is the only lasting solution.

    Symptoms: Rough cold start with misfire codes P0300–P0304, sluggish throttle response, increased fuel consumption
    185–800 $
    Ad Walnussstrahlen intake valvee PE-VPS CX-5BeDi cleaning 2.0 SkyActiv-G
  • !! Low oil pressure — oil pump pressure relief valve from 80,000 km

    Particularly on early build years 2012–2014, contamination in the oil pump pressure relief valve can reduce oil pressure. Persistently low oil pressure accelerates bearing wear considerably.

    Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light illuminates, knocking noises from the engine, increased engine noise at low revs
    350–700 $
    Ad oil pump Mazda 2.0 SkyActiv-G PE-VPSDruckbegrenzungsventil oil pump Mazda CX-5 KE
  • ! Defective coolant control valve (thermostat)

    A manufacturing deviation in the electric coolant control valve allows coolant to enter the dry chamber. The valve opens too early. TSI R054-21 affects all SkyActiv-G engines.

    Symptoms: Extended warm-up phase, blue coolant warning light, poor heater output at idle
    150–400 $
    Ad coolantregelventil Mazda 2.0 SkyActiv-G PE-VPSthermostat Mazda CX-5 KE KF Mazda6 GJ

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

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

Test Reports

tuev

TÜV Report 2026

Average

Broken springs and failed suspension components cloud the picture. Brake disc wear is notably high.

2025-11
pannenstatistik

ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2025

Average

The Mazda3 BM sits in the mid-field of the compact class in breakdown statistics.

2025-04
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
669 complaints · 2013–2018
  1. 01 Electrical
    156 ⚠ 4
  2. 02 Other
    135 ⚠ 2
  3. 03 Brakes
    89 ⚠ 14
  4. 04 Backup Camera/Sensors
    60 ⚠ 1
  5. 05 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 Skyactiv-G 165 with 165 hp makes the 3 BM the first genuinely exciting version of the range. A lively engine, direct chassis and precise steering form a coherent package. Rev it out and the 3 BM shows what it's really made of — and that's impressive.
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