Turbo Mazda: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Mazda models it appears in.

- High severityFrequency: Very frequent1.6 HDiTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)On the 16-valve 1.6 HDi/TDCi engines (2004-2011) the turbo can seize because carbon deposits from the oil clog the mesh filter in the union that feeds it. It is a serious, repeat fault: if only the turbo is replaced without cleaning the circuit, it fails again.Repair (garage): €700–€1,050
In 3 I
- High severityFrequency: CommonSkyactiv-DTurbo 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.
In 3 III, 6 III, CX-3, CX-5 I and CX-5 II
- High severityFrequency: Common2.3 MZR DISI TurboPremature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI TurboThe 2.3 DISI Turbo's turbo, with faults documented mainly on the CX-7, wears out through poor lubrication and causes blue smoke, loss of power and oil consumption; replacing it costs around €2,200 in Spain.Repair (garage): €2,200Appears at around 100,000 km
In 3 I, 3 II, 6 I and CX-7
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalMZR-CDTurbocharger wear or failureThe MZR-CD's variable-geometry turbo appears among the faults cited by Mazda6 and Mazda3 owners, with cases of whistling, loss of boost pressure and, in one documented case, a repair of over €3,600 in France; it tends to be made worse if the oil has previously been diluted.
In 3 I, 3 II, 5 I, 6 I, 6 II and CX-7
- Medium severityFrequency: Occasional1.4 HDiPremature turbo wear from poor lubricationThe BorgWarner KP35 turbo of the 8-valve version can wear out early when the oil degrades and forms carbon deposits, reducing its lubrication. It is a minority but recurring fault: it appears in just over 9% of the reports collected for the 68 hp version.
In 2 I

By Mazda model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Engines and gearboxes involved

Parts for your Mazda for faults with the turbo

Add the model and engine in the shop, or better still the registration plate or VIN, to see only the parts that fit.

Turbo
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Frequently asked questions

What faults with the turbo do Mazda cars have?

In 12 models from Mazda there are 5 documented faults with the turbo. The most important: turbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter), turbo wear or failure from lack of lubrication and premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI Turbo. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which Mazda models have the most problems with the turbo?

Mazda 3 I (3 faults), Mazda 6 I (2 faults), Mazda CX-7 (2 faults) and Mazda 3 II (2 faults).

Which Mazda engines have faults with the turbo?

1.4 HDi (1 fault), 1.6 HDi (1 fault), 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo (1 fault), MZR-CD (1 fault) and Skyactiv-D (1 fault).