Mazda CX-3 Skyactiv-D problems
The Mazda CX-3 used the Skyactiv-D from 2016 to 2021 (CX-3 1.5 Skyactiv-D and CX-3 1.8 Skyactiv-D). 3 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 CX-3, the safest option is the Skyactiv-G.
Engine score on this car
4.6 out of 10Low reliability
Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the CX-3. How we calculate it
Overall score for the Mazda CX-3
6.6 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
- CX-3 1.5 Skyactiv-D · CX-3 1.8 Skyactiv-D
- Faults that affect it
- 3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Verdict for the versions it uses
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][3]
1.8 Skyactiv-D 116 (S8-DPTS, 2018-present)since 2018 · 116 hp · S8-DPTS, S8-DPTR
With cautionIt 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]
Faults that affect the CX-3
Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The Skyactiv-D has 4 documented faults in total.
- 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.
What to check before buying a used Mazda CX-3 Skyactiv-D
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 (2016–2021)
Oil dilution with diesel during DPF regenerations
High severityTurbo wear or failure from lack of lubrication
High severityCarbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors
Medium severityOther engines and gearboxes of the Mazda CX-3
Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.
Faults of the Mazda CX-3 outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.
- 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
- Critical severityFrequency: RareSuspensionThe bolt between the steering knuckle and the shock absorber can work loose and leave the car without steeringOn cars built up to December 2015, the bolted joint between the suspension steering knuckle and the shock absorber can work loose, which can leave the car unable to steer. Mazda corrects it by checking and retightening or replacing the joint at an official dealer.
- Critical severityFrequency: RareElectrical systemA DC converter fault can cause a short circuit and a fire riskOn cars built up to April 2017, the control unit of the DC converter can malfunction and cause a short circuit that damages the converter itself, with a risk of fire. Mazda corrects it by checking the component at an official dealer.
- 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.
Buying a Mazda CX-3 Skyactiv-D?
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The Mazda CX-3 has 2 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mazda CX-3 Skyactiv-D reliable?
The Mazda CX-3 used the Skyactiv-D from 2016 to 2021 (CX-3 1.5 Skyactiv-D and CX-3 1.8 Skyactiv-D). 3 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 CX-3, the safest option is the Skyactiv-G.
What faults does the Mazda CX-3 Skyactiv-D 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) and carbon build-up in the intake, EGR and injectors (medium severity).
Which engine should you choose for the Mazda CX-3?
The safest option is the Skyactiv-G, with a «Buy» verdict.
Own a Mazda CX-3 Skyactiv-D? 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.
- Mazda CX-3Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Fiabilité Mazda CX-3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2013-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Mazda CX-30Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Mazda 3 (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