Mazda 3
2.0-litre SkyActiv-G with 24V mild hybrid system. Reduces fuel consumption through regenerative braking and start-stop support.
Balanced Power
Enough power for daily driving and keeping up with traffic. The agile chassis lifts the Mazda 3 above rivals, but the engine holds back the fun.
Engine Weaknesses 4
As with all petrol direct-injection engines, combustion residues deposit on the intake valves. PCV oil vapour bakes on under heat. Becomes noticeable from around 80,000–120,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough idle, cold-start misfires, slight power loss, increased fuel consumption
In extreme cold after extended parking, the rubber elements of the engine mounts harden and cause body vibrations. Mazda documented the problem under service information R046/19.
Symptoms: Vibrations in the interior in cold weather after extended parking; disappears once the engine warms up
Identical to the non-hybrid PE-VPS: faulty hydraulic valve lifters produce tapping noises from around 30,000–40,000 km. Revised HLAs available from spring 2022. Warranty repair for newer vehicles.
Symptoms: Deep ticking at warm idle. Noise can be localised by disconnecting the oil pressure sensor.
The integrated starter-generator serpentine belt in the M-Hybrid system can squeal with wear. Easy replacement using a Gates belt; DIY repair is affordable. Early maintenance from around 60,000 km is recommended.
Symptoms: Whistling or squealing from the engine bay, especially on start-up or during load changes. Can also present as a belt rubbing sound.
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller can allow fuel to penetrate, causing the impeller to swell. This may result in the engine stalling or failing to start. Affected: model years 2019–2020.
The i-Activsense system displays the message 'Safety and driving assistance systems partially deactivated'. Common causes are camera or radar contamination, sun glare or software problems. The fault is often not stored in memory.
After just a few winter months the exhaust system and wheel bolts show heavy surface rust. Mazda cuts corners on surface treatment; the 17 mm wheel nuts in particular have poor chrome plating.
MOT inspectors regularly flag the BP for front lighting and brake disc defects. Brake discs need renewing more often than the class average. Headlights show failures and misalignment.
At very low temperatures the rubber blocks of the engine mounts develop unpleasant vibrations. Mazda documented the problem under Service Information R046/19. Primarily affects vehicles from first registration 2019–2021.
The clock spring wiring (airbag module/steering wheel) chafes and produces metallic scraping or clicking when turning the wheel. Problem documented since 2019, but also occurs on vehicles from later model years.
A faulty ventilation flap in the heater box vibrates at 2,500–3,000 rpm and creates loud cabin noise. Loose plastic trim in the glovebox area amplifies the rattling. Heater box replacement costs up to €3,000.
The digital instrument cluster shows pixel faults or dropout in individual display areas. The problem is known to Mazda and is resolved by dealers under goodwill or warranty via instrument cluster replacement.