Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Mazda · Compact SUV · 2015–2024 Custom Search

Mazda CX-3 DK

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.9 / 5.0 · Based on 7 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

150 PS

CX-3 · Benzin

Strongest Petrol — Small SUV, Big Grin

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

122–150 PS

2.0L e-SkyActiv-G Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

150–184 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.

1.5L SkyActiv-D · Diesel· 105 PS
2015 2018

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.
    300–2,000 $
  • !! 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.
    80–250 $
  • !! 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.
    200–900 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

1.8L SkyActiv-D · Diesel· 116 PS
2018 2024

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.
    300–2,500 $
  • !! 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.
    80–300 $
  • !! 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.
    200–800 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.0L SkyActiv-G · Petrol· 120–150 PS
2015 2024

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 $
  • !! 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 $
  • ! 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 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!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

tuev

TÜV Report 2026

Above average

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.

2025-11
pannenstatistik

ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2025

Above average

The CX-3 shows excellent breakdown figures and is one of the most reliable compact SUVs.

2025-04
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
107 complaints · 2015–2024
  1. 01 Electrical
    24
  2. 02 Other
    16 ⚠ 1
  3. 03 Fuel System
    15
  4. 04 Backup Camera/Sensors
    10
  5. 05 Lighting
    10

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (24 complaints)
Other (16 complaints)
Fuel System (15 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Alfa Romeo Tonale 965

Compact SUV (2022–2024)

Same Segment

BMW X1 U11

Compact SUV (2022–2026)

Same Segment

BMW iX1 U11

Compact SUV (2022–2026)

Same Segment

Genesis GV70 JK1

Compact SUV (2022–2025)

Same Segment

Kia Niro SG2

Compact SUV (2022–2024)

Same Segment

Lexus NX AZ20

Compact SUV (2022–2025)

Explore more

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? +
The Mazda CX-3 DK has 40 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda CX-3 DK? +
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), PE-VPS-MH (2.0L e-SkyActiv-G), S8-DPTS (1.8L SkyActiv-D). The most reliable engine is the PE-VPS-MH (2.0L e-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 CX-3 DK engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mazda CX-3 DK. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mazda CX-3 DK engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda CX-3 DK — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} With 110 kW in the light CX-3 body the result is an unusually agile SUV that genuinely puts a smile on your face. Communicative steering, taut chassis and a rev-happy 2.0-litre make a convincing package. For SUV buyers who enjoy driving.
Is the Mazda CX-3 DK worth buying used? +
The Mazda CX-3 DK is a good choice as a used car — 4 of 7 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda CX-3 DK? +
The Mazda CX-3 DK is available with engine variants from 75 to 190 hp. Petrol: P5-VPS (1.5L SkyActiv-G), PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G), PE-VPS-MH (2.0L e-SkyActiv-G), HF-VPH (2.0L SkyActiv-X). Diesel: SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D), S8-DPTS (1.8L SkyActiv-D), S5-DPTS (1.5L SkyActiv-D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee