2018 Mazda CX-3 problems

• 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][3]

  With caution

• 1.8 Skyactiv-D 116 (S8-DPTS, 2018-present)

  116 hp · S8-DPTS, S8-DPTR

  It is the most recent version and has the fewest accumulated kilometres on the road, so there are few reports of serious faults on fiches-auto.fr. Specialist sources describe the same design-related oil dilution risk as the rest of the family, so it is still worth watching the level.^[2][4][5]

  With caution

Faults that affect 2018 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.
• 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 2018 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: CommonClimate controlThe air conditioning loses refrigerant and stops cooling relatively oftenIt is one of the most repeated non-engine faults among CX-3 owners: the air conditioning gradually loses its cooling because of a gas leak in the condenser, in some cases with less than a year or only a few thousand kilometres of use.Appears at around 17,000 km
• Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringThe electric power steering can become heavy or uneven, especially on the motorwaySome owners describe uneven power steering, with abnormally high resistance above a certain motorway speed; the manufacturer acknowledges the problem and covers it under warranty when it is detected.Appears at around 6,000 km
• Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyThe rear seat belts may not retract properlySeveral owners describe the seat belt in a rear seat no longer retracting normally after a while, staying slack or locked, without the manufacturer acknowledging it as a systemic defect.