Mazda 3 III Skyactiv-D 150 hp problems
The Mazda 3 III used the Skyactiv-D from 2013 to 2019 (Mazda3 1.5 Skyactiv-D and Mazda3 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150). 4 documented faults affect it; the most important is “oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations” (high severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Mazda 3 III, the safest option is the Skyactiv-G.
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Engine score on this car
4.5 out of 10Low reliability
Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the 3 III. How we calculate it
Overall score for the Mazda 3 III
6.2 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown
Mazda Skyactiv-D 1.5/1.8/2.2 (S5-DPTS, S8-DPTS, SH-VPTS) · Diesel
- Names
- Mazda3 1.5 Skyactiv-D · Mazda3 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150
- Faults that affect it
- 4 · 3 of high or critical severity
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 cautionThe 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]
1.5 Skyactiv-D 105 (S5-DPTS, 2015-2018)2015–2018 · 105 hp · S5-DPTS, S5-DPTR
With cautionIt 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]
Faults that affect the 3 III
- 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.
What to check before buying a used Mazda 3 III Skyactiv-D 150 hp
Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.
If it has the Skyactiv-D (2013–2019)
Oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations
High severityTurbo wear or failure from lack of lubrication
High severityOil pump chain breakage and camshaft wear
Critical severityCarbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors
Medium severityOther engines and gearboxes of the Mazda 3 III
Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.
Faults of the Mazda 3 III outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorFuel leak caused by a broken tank vent pipeYes: some Mazda3 BM cars built in 2015 were recalled because the plastic joint between the fuel tank and its vent pipe can crack and let vapour or fuel escape, with a risk of fire near a source of ignition.
- 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).
Buying a Mazda 3 III Skyactiv-D 150 hp?
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The Mazda 3 III has 2 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mazda 3 III Skyactiv-D 150 hp reliable?
The Mazda 3 III used the Skyactiv-D from 2013 to 2019 (Mazda3 1.5 Skyactiv-D and Mazda3 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150). 4 documented faults affect it; the most important is “oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations” (high severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Mazda 3 III, the safest option is the Skyactiv-G.
What faults does the Mazda 3 III Skyactiv-D 150 hp have?
The documented ones that affect this car are: 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) and carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors (medium severity).
Which engine should you choose for the Mazda 3 III?
The safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict.
Own a Mazda 3 III Skyactiv-D 150 hp? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Mazda3Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2013-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Aviso a todos los propietarios de Mazda CX-5 Dieselkm77 · Motoring press · published 22 May 2013 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Mazda6Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Fiabilité Mazda CX-5 (2012-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Mazda CX-3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French