Mazda CX-3
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.
Strongest Petrol — Small SUV, Big Grin
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.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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
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
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
The oil control valve on the variable valve timing system is prone to seal leakage. Oil enters the intake system and increases carbon deposits. Can amplify misfires.
Symptoms: Oil film visible around the OCV housing, increased oil consumption, misfire codes from oil contamination
The PE-VPS develops tapping or ticking noises from around 30,000 km due to faulty hydraulic valve lifters. Mazda released revised HLA versions from spring 2022. Warranty replacement is possible on newer vehicles.
Symptoms: Deep, slow ticking at operating temperature, particularly at low revs. Noise disappears when the oil pressure sensor is disconnected.
As a direct-injection engine the PE-VPS does not clean its intake valves with fuel. From around 80,000 km without BeDi treatment, carbon deposits become so severe that only walnut blasting helps. A measurable power loss of around 10 hp is typical.
Symptoms: Gradual power loss, increased fuel consumption, rough idle behaviour. No sudden symptoms — deterioration occurs over months.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Vehicles produced between February 2015 and April 2017 can develop a short circuit in the DC/DC converter due to a programming error. The battery no longer charges and the engine can cut out while driving. Recall with software update.
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.
Around 390,000 vehicles worldwide including the CX-3 were recalled because the tailgate gas strut brackets can rust and break when exposed to salt spray. Affected: production December 2007 to December 2015.
On the Mazda CX-3 DK, worn steering joints are regularly listed as a defect during MOT inspections. This can cause play to develop in the steering. Typical problem from the second MOT interval.
LED headlights on the CX-3 are frequently flagged by MOT inspectors. Voltage drops on cold start can interfere with the automatic headlight levelling system. A software update is available for affected vehicles.
The MZD Connect display on the CX-3 is prone to screen cracks without any external impact and slow system response. Early models suffer from sluggish navigation and stuttering display rendering.
Owners report very thin body panels on the CX-3 that dent with minimal force. The paint is also susceptible to stone chips, leading to paint damage on the front and bonnet.