Mazda Premacy
2.0-litre common-rail diesel in various development stages (RF4F, RF5C, RF7J). Solid everyday diesel with good torque.
Stronger Diesel — Still No Fun
The 2.0-litre diesel with 101 hp has a bit more punch but remains a pure workhorse experience. In a compact van with this engine the goal is arriving, not driving. Those after driving pleasure pick the 2.0 petrol — those watching costs pick this.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The RF diesel is an interference engine. If the timing belt snaps, pistons and valves collide — the cylinder head must be replaced. Change interval: 80,000 km or 8 years.
Symptoms: Engine won't start after belt snap, no compression, metallic noises on start attempts
The solenoid valve beneath the injection pump leaks. Diesel seeps out and can attack coolant hoses and wiring looms. Diesel specialists replace only the valve rather than the entire pump.
Symptoms: Diesel smell in engine bay, visible fuel moisture beneath the injection pump, swollen coolant hoses
The Denso injection driver module (IDM, RF2A-18-701A) under the intake manifold develops earthing problems with age. Fault codes are often not set — difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms: Engine barely responds to throttle when cold, jerky acceleration below 1,500 rpm, normal behaviour above 2,500 rpm
The injector flame seals become porous and leak from around 120,000 km. Diesel mixture escapes and mixes with the engine oil, causing a sharp rise in oil consumption. A known production issue on the RF diesel engine.
Symptoms: Dark, heavily diluted engine oil; elevated oil consumption up to 1 litre/500 km; faint diesel smell at the engine.
The conical seating faces where the high-pressure fuel lines screw into each cylinder can develop leaks. Diesel smell after driving and persistently damp spots on the cylinder head are typical signs.
Symptoms: Strong diesel smell after shutdown; damp spots at line connections on the cylinder head; no visible leak when stationary.
The alternator of the RF diesel engine can fail from around 150,000 km due to bearing failure or regulator faults. The battery is no longer charged and the charge warning light illuminates.
Symptoms: Charge warning light on; battery discharges while driving; vehicle stalls.
The EGR valve carbons up and causes rattling noises and power loss. There are also wiring issues at the EGR electrics that promote temperature-dependent failures.
Symptoms: Rattling from the intake area, power loss especially after rain or cold start, impaired turbo response
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
Rust bubbles at the rear wheel arches have been reported after just 4–5 years of use. Additionally, the outer flange of the longitudinal member on the underbody corrodes and can fail the MOT. Welding repair is necessary.
Anti-roll bar rubber bushes and drop links wear prematurely and cause knocking noises when driving over bumps. All four mounting points should be replaced together during a repair.
Front wheel bearings on the Premacy CP become increasingly noisy with age. Typical droning that changes with steering input. Repair requires a hydraulic press to drive the bearing out of the steering knuckle.
Door lock actuator motors fail on older Premacy CP units; usually starts with one door and spreads to others. The central locking then operates only intermittently.
Front seats develop creaking noises with age, especially in cold conditions. The dashboard vibrates and rattles on rough roads. Typical age-related issue for this vehicle class.