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Mazda 3 III problems (2013–2019)

We have documented 2 engines for the Mazda 3 III; the Skyactiv-D has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2][3][4][5]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the third-generation Mazda3 (BM, 2013-2019) had two recalls limited to specific manufacturing periods (windscreen wipers and a fuel leak), both already put right through the official network. The other documented weak points are minor: an infotainment system that freezes or drops connections, and front suspension noises caused by worn shock absorbers and bushes.[4][6]

Mazda 3 III (2013–2019)
Photo: EurovisionNim · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.2out of 10

Mazda 3 III rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 13 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine6.0From 4.5 to 7.5 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension6.81 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.9 times the defects normal for its age
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering8.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electrical system8.61 fault
  • Headlights and lights8.1Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment8.91 fault
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior7.61 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

Ranked 33 of 93 among the compact cars with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Mazda 3 III

  1. 1High severity: Oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerationsSkyactiv-D engine
  2. 2High severity: Turbo wear or failure from lack of lubricationSkyactiv-D engine
  3. 3Critical severity: Oil pump chain breakage and camshaft wearSkyactiv-D engine
  4. 4Critical severity: Fuel leak caused by a broken tank vent pipeBodywork and interior
  5. 5Medium severity: Carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectorsSkyactiv-D engine

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

2 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Recall for possible fuel leak at the tank vent pipe. See the campaigns for the Mazda 3 III

12 sourcesHow we work

Skyactiv-D

Mazda Skyactiv-D 1.5/1.8/2.2 (S5-DPTS, S8-DPTS, SH-VPTS) · Diesel

In the 3 III
2013–2019[6][7]
Names
Mazda3 1.5 Skyactiv-D · Mazda3 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150
Faults that affect it
4 · 3 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
55
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150/175 (SH-VPTS, 2012-2017)2012–2017 · 150–175 hp · SH-VPTS, SH-VPTR

    With caution

    The first CX-5s (built up to January 2013) had higher oil dilution than expected, which Mazda corrected with a free dipstick and software campaign; German-language Wikipedia also documents insufficiently hardened camshafts on 2013-2014 models that damaged turbos. A reasonable buy if you verify that the 2013 campaign was carried out and check the oil change history.[8][9][10]

  • 1.5 Skyactiv-D 105 (S5-DPTS, 2015-2018)2015–2018 · 105 hp · S5-DPTS, S5-DPTR

    With caution

    It has fewer published reports than the 2.2, but those available on fiches-auto.fr describe the same oil dilution pattern and the odd injector and even turbo case. Check the maintenance history before buying.[6][11]

Faults that affect the 3 III

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerationsOn the Skyactiv-D (1.5, 1.8 and 2.2), particulate filter regenerations can let diesel into the sump and raise the oil level. Mazda accepts some dilution as normal, but on short urban journeys the expected margin can be exceeded and harm the lubrication of the turbo and the camshaft.
  2. High severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbo wear or failure from lack of lubricationThe two-stage sequential turbo of the 2.2 Skyactiv-D appears as one of the most cited faults by CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 owners, especially when the oil has lost lubricating ability through dilution or when the camshaft on 2013-2014 units sheds metal particles.
  3. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingOil pump chain breakage and camshaft wearIn the worst cases, lack of lubrication on the 2.2 Skyactiv-D (from diluted or degraded oil) can end up breaking the oil pump chain or damaging the camshaft, cutting off oil pressure and potentially destroying the engine; fiches-auto.fr documents this breakage on the CX-5, the Mazda6 and the Mazda3.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectorsUrban use and short journeys encourage carbon build-up in the intake manifold, EGR valve and injectors of the Skyactiv-D, with loss of power and uneven running; it is documented on the CX-5, the Mazda6, the Mazda3, the CX-3 and the CX-30.

3 III Skyactiv-D pageAll versions and faults of the Skyactiv-D

Skyactiv-G

Safest option

Mazda Skyactiv-G 1.5/2.0/2.5 (P5-VPS, PE-VPS, PY-VPS) · Petrol

In the 3 III
2013–2019[4][12]
Names
1.5 Skyactiv-G · 2.0 Skyactiv-G
Faults that affect it
5
Risk index on this car
25
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)since 2012 · 155 hp · PE-VPS

    Buy

    According to the sources consulted, the Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3 and both generations of the CX-5 have no relevant engine fault pattern with this block; the ECU and fuel pump software of the CX-5 II and Mazda3 BP was corrected through manufacturer campaigns.[1][2][3]

  • 1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)since 2014 · 75–115 hp · P5-VPS, P5-VP

    Buy

    gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents no relevant engine failures on the Mazda2 or Mazda3 with this engine; the occasional oil consumption on the Mazda3 BM/BN is the only point to watch.[4][5]

Faults that affect the 3 III

  1. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsIntake shut-off valve software issue and engine stallingOn Mazda3 BM/BN units built up to 4 July 2018, incorrect ECU programming can deposit soot on the intake shut-off valve to the point of suddenly stalling the engine; Mazda fixed it with a software update.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelMicro-cracks in the fuel pump impellerBetween October 2017 and May 2020, Mazda built Mazda3 and CX-5 units with a fuel pump whose impeller can crack, swell and end up cutting off the fuel supply with the engine running; the manufacturer recalled the affected cars.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)On the CX-5 II built between 2017 and 2019, and the 2019 Mazda3 IV, incorrect engine ECU programming can cause loss of power or the engine to stall; Mazda fixes it with a software update acknowledged by Germany's KBA.
  4. Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectorsLike almost any direct-injection petrol engine, the Skyactiv-G accumulates carbon on the intake valves over the miles and can foul the injectors, with loss of power and a rough idle; gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents it on the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-3, CX-30 and CX-5.
  5. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationHigher-than-normal oil consumptionSome Mazda3 BM/BN with the Skyactiv-G engine use more oil than expected between changes; the manufacturer itself considers up to 0.8 litres per 1,000 km normal, but gebrauchtwagenberater.de recommends not ignoring higher figures and checking the level regularly.

3 III Skyactiv-G pageAll versions and faults of the Skyactiv-G

Faults of the Mazda 3 III outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Mazda 3 III

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 1,830 inspections of 750 cars registered between 2014 and 2018, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 8% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.2%.

    Many more defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.6%.

    Average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.3%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 10.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 14.1%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.4%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.6%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 4.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.9%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 13.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 16.3%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Mazda 3 III

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the Skyactiv-D (2013–2019)

Oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations

High severity

Turbo wear or failure from lack of lubrication

High severity

Oil pump chain breakage and camshaft wear

Critical severity

Carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors

Medium severity

If it has the Skyactiv-G (2013–2019)

Intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling

Medium severity

Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller

Medium severity

ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)

Medium severity

Carbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectors

Low severity

Higher-than-normal oil consumption

Low severity

Wear parts for the Mazda 3 III

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Mazda 3 III?

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Own a Mazda 3 III? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mazda 3 III reliable?

We have documented 2 engines for the Mazda 3 III; the Skyactiv-D has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the third-generation Mazda3 (BM, 2013-2019) had two recalls limited to specific manufacturing periods (windscreen wipers and a fuel leak), both already put right through the official network. The other documented weak points are minor: an infotainment system that freezes or drops connections, and front suspension noises caused by worn shock absorbers and bushes.

Which Mazda 3 III engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines we have documented, the safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict. According to the sources consulted, the Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3 and both generations of the CX-5 have no relevant engine fault pattern with this block; the ECU and fuel pump software of the CX-5 II and Mazda3 BP was corrected through manufacturer campaigns.[1][2][3]

What problems does the Mazda 3 III have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the third-generation Mazda3 (BM, 2013-2019) had two recalls limited to specific manufacturing periods (windscreen wipers and a fuel leak), both already put right through the official network. The other documented weak points are minor: an infotainment system that freezes or drops connections, and front suspension noises caused by worn shock absorbers and bushes. The most important documented faults are: fuel leak caused by a broken tank vent pipe (bodywork and interior, critical severity), wiper failure caused by corrosion in an electrical connector (electrical system, medium severity), infotainment system freezes and loses Bluetooth, USB or navigation (electronics and infotainment, low severity) and noises and knocking from the front suspension due to shock absorbers and bushes (suspension, low severity).[4][6]

What faults does the Mazda 3 III have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations (Skyactiv-D, high severity), turbo wear or failure from lack of lubrication (Skyactiv-D, high severity), oil pump chain breakage and camshaft wear (Skyactiv-D, critical severity), carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors (Skyactiv-D, medium severity) and intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling (Skyactiv-G, medium severity).

What is the best year to buy a Mazda 3 III?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2014 and 2013 (7.2/10); the worst rated is 2015 (6.3/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Mazda 3 III have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 2 campaigns for the Mazda 3 III, such as recall for possible fuel leak at the tank vent pipe. Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[4]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2013-2019) : pannes et problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Mazda3Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Aviso a todos los propietarios de Mazda CX-5 Dieselkm77 · Motoring press · published 22 May 2013 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Mazda6Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. Fiabilité Mazda CX-5 (2012-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Fiabilité Mazda CX-3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026