Mazda 3
1.5-litre SkyActiv-G with high compression ratio (13:1) and chain drive. Economical and lightweight with very good efficiency.
Sensibly Mobile
The base engine handles city traffic and is economical. The good platform hints at what more power would unlock.
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
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.
Suspension springs develop squeaking from 100,000 km, especially at low speed over bumps. Shock absorbers are flagged at later MOT inspections. The firm suspension shows wear earlier.
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.
Front brake discs and pads need renewing more frequently than on comparable vehicles. Discs can be below minimum thickness from as early as 50,000–60,000 km.
Early BM models exhibit a notchy shift feel, especially in the morning with a cold gearbox. Engaging gears requires noticeably more effort. The problem diminishes once the gearbox warms up.
Seats develop creaking and squeaking from around 50,000 km, especially the driver's seat. The cause is friction points in the seat frame. The problem is well known and often can only be fixed by removing the seat.