2017 Mazda 3 problems

• 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150/175 (SH-VPTS, 2012-2017)

  150–175 hp · SH-VPTS, SH-VPTR

  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.^[3][4][5]

  With caution

• 1.5 Skyactiv-D 105 (S5-DPTS, 2015-2018)

  105 hp · S5-DPTS, S5-DPTR

  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.^[2][6]

  With caution

Faults that affect 2017 cars

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)

  75–115 hp · P5-VPS, P5-VP

  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.^[8][9]

  Buy

• 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)

  155 hp · PE-VPS

  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.^[10][11][12]

  Buy

Faults that affect 2017 cars

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemWiper failure caused by corrosion in an electrical connectorYes: Mazda recalled Mazda3 BM cars built between July 2015 and July 2017 because a deposit of metal particles in a connector can interrupt the current feeding the wiper motor and leave the wipers not working.
• Low severityFrequency: CommonElectronics and infotainmentInfotainment system freezes and loses Bluetooth, USB or navigationIt is one of the most repeated complaints about the Mazda3 BM: the MZD Connect infotainment system can freeze, restart on its own or lose its Bluetooth, USB, GPS or radio connection. A German used-car guide independently confirms that the system can feel slow in daily use.
• Low severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionNoises and knocking from the front suspension due to shock absorbers and bushesSome Mazda3 BM cars develop creaking or knocking in the front suspension with use, attributed to the top mounts, shock absorbers, bushes or front bearings; a German used-car guide confirms that springs and shock absorbers are among the usual reasons for failing the German inspection (TÜV).