Mazda CX-3 DK
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
150 PS
CX-3 · Benzin
Strongest Petrol — Small SUV, Big Grin
Fun to Drive!122–150 PS
2.0L e-SkyActiv-G Benzin
4 weaknesses
Good Choice150–184 PS
2.2L SkyActiv-D Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The Mazda CX-3 DK is available with 3 engine variants — from 75 to 190 hp.
1.5-litre SkyActiv-D with low compression ratio. Economical small-car diesel with good low-end pull.
- !! DPF Clogging from 110,000 km
The 1.5 SkyActiv-D shows the same DPF sensitivity as its larger siblings. Short-trip use prevents complete regeneration, and the DPF clogs faster than average.
Symptoms: Warning message 'DPF check required', noticeably elevated fuel consumption, occasional engine power limiter active, bluish exhaust smoke. - !! Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress from 20,000 km
The small 1.5 regenerates the DPF more frequently because the smaller engine is under greater load. Fuel entry into the oil is a structural characteristic and requires shorter service intervals.
Symptoms: Oil level rises above MAX mark, fuel smell on dipstick, onboard computer signals early oil change requirement. - !! EGR Carbon Buildup and Intake Valves from 90,000 km
Soot deposits from exhaust gas recirculation accumulate in the intake tract and on the intake valves of the small diesel. Cleaning is often necessary at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Hesitation at part throttle, power loss, rough idle, elevated fuel consumption, occasional engine warning light.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
1.8-litre SkyActiv-D with low compression ratio. Compact diesel for smaller models with good low-range torque.
- !! DPF Issues with Short-Trip Driving from 130,000 km
The 1.8 SkyActiv-D also tends toward incomplete DPF regeneration when used predominantly in urban short-trip conditions. Fuel enters the oil and reduces lubrication effectiveness.
Symptoms: DPF warning in instrument cluster, elevated fuel consumption, oil level rises above dipstick MAX mark from fuel ingress. - !! Fuel Ingress into Engine Oil from 25,000 km
Like all SkyActiv-D generations, the 1.8 is prone to oil dilution from frequent DPF post-injections. Regular oil analysis recommended; shortened service intervals necessary.
Symptoms: Oil level above MAX, fuel smell when checking oil, onboard computer shows shortened change interval, oil feels thin. - !! EGR Valve Failure from 80,000 km
Isolated reports of EGR valve failure on the 1.8 SkyActiv-D, sometimes at low mileage. Replacement solves the problem as cleaning alone is insufficient.
Symptoms: Engine warning, power loss, elevated consumption, fault codes in the P0404/P042E/P1412 range, occasional visible smoke.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - ! 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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Tailgate Inner Surface Lacks Adequate Rust Protection The CX-3's tailgate is not fully painted on the inside and lacks adequate rust protection. Rust appears in the reversing camera area and on the inner panel from as little as 1–2 years. Mazda offers protective film DBY0-62-864 as an official fix. Symptoms: Rust spots visible on the inner tailgate surface, paint bubbling in the reversing camera area, rust along the edges from 30,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2026
The CX-3 achieves top scores at inspection with above-average pass rates across all age groups. Only daytime running lights and brake discs show slight weakness.
2025-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2025
The CX-3 shows excellent breakdown figures and is one of the most reliable compact SUVs.
2025-04Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 47 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda CX-3 DK (2015–2024) — 40 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D). Typical issues affect Rust, Other, Electronics, Steering. Considered reliable: P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G), PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G), PE-VPS-MH (2.0L e-SkyActiv-G).
CX-3 (S5-DPTS, 2015–2018) — Be Careful: DPF Clogging, Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress, EGR Carbon Buildup and Intake Valves. Power: 105 PS.
CX-30 (HF-VPH, 2019–2021) — Be Careful: Recall: PCM air/fuel mixture, Roots supercharger failure, Stumble when switching into SPCCI mode. Power: 179–186 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mazda CX-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 CX-3 DK have? +
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Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mazda CX-3 DK engine is the most reliable? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee