Mazda 3 I vs Volvo V50: which is more reliable?
According to the MotorFiable Score, the Mazda 3 I (6.0/10) has fewer serious documented faults than the Volvo V50 (5.6/10), mainly because of the faults in the rest of the car (suspension, brakes, electronics…).
| Item | Mazda 3 I | Volvo V50 |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Compact | Compact |
| Years | 2003–2009 | 2004–2012 |
| MotorFiable Score | 6.0 out of 10 | 5.6 out of 10 |
| Engine score | 4.6/10 | 4.7/10 |
| Most recommended engine | MZR gasolina · Buy | Volvo 5 cilindros gasolina · With caution |
| Score for the rest of the car | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Suspension | 7.9 out of 101 faultMedium severity | 6.0 out of 100 faults |
| Brakes | 8.8 out of 100 faults | 8.0 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Steering | 8.8 out of 101 faultMedium severity | 8.6 out of 100 faults |
| Gearbox and clutch | No documented faults | 6.8 out of 103 faultsHigh severity |
| Electrical system | 8.6 out of 101 faultMedium severity | 7.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Electronics and infotainment | 9.6 out of 101 faultLow severity | No documented faults |
| Bodywork and interior | 7.3 out of 102 faultsMedium severity | 8.7 out of 101 faultMedium severity |
| Airbags and safety | 8.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity | No documented faults |
Scores out of 10: the higher, the fewer serious documented faults. How we calculate them
Main faults of the Mazda 3 I
Outside the engine
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorFragile paint and bodywork corrosion on the Mazda 3 (BK)According to the reports gathered by fiches-auto.fr, the paint on the first-generation Mazda 3 is fragile and corrosion appears: it is the most cited non-mechanical fault in the listing (12 cases out of 140 reports).
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemStarter motor solenoid fault on the Mazda 3 (BK) that prevents startingTwo German sources, gebrauchtwagenberater.de and Auto Zeitung, indicate that the starter motor is a failure point on the Mazda 3 of this generation, with the starter solenoid specifically cited for the BK.
- High severityFrequency: RareAirbags and safetySteering wheel logo that breaks when the airbag deploys on the Mazda 3 (BK)A 2021 Safety Gate alert warned that the plastic logo on the steering wheel airbag cover of Mazda 3 BKs built until June 2006 can become brittle and break on deployment, throwing fragments at the occupants.
In their engines
- 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
- High severityFrequency: Very frequent1.6 HDiTiming belt failure and premature wearOn the 8-valve 1.6 HDi/e-HDi 112/115 built between October 2010 and September 2011 the belt could break and leave the car stranded. PSA covered the repair and in 2014 preventively replaced the belt and crankshaft sprocket on those that had passed 120,000 km.
- Critical severityFrequency: Common2.3 MZR DISI TurboTiming chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI TurboThe 2.3 DISI Turbo's timing chain and its tensioner wear sooner than expected, especially on pre-2010 units: a rattle when cold is the warning, and if it fails it can damage the engine.Appears at around 100,000 km
Main faults of the Volvo V50
Outside the engine
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchCracks and possible breakage of the right driveshaft on 2011-2012 Volvo V50sYes: a Safety Gate alert (A12/0501/13) covers the 2011-2012 C30, S40 and V50 because the right driveshaft can crack over time and, in the worst case, break and leave the car suddenly without drive. The UK register limits it to cars built between April 2011 and May 2012.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemWasher fluid leaking from the windscreen washer pump into the wiring and central electronic module on the Volvo V50Washer fluid can seep into the pump, run down the wires to the central electronic module and affect several functions of the car or, in serious cases, cause a fire. UK campaign R/2011/163 covers the C30, S40, V50 and C70 and replaces the pump's wiring harness.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesReduced brake servo assistance because of the non-return valve in the Volvo V50's vacuum pumpOn certain cold starts the vacuum pump can give less brake assistance: the car still brakes, but you have to press the pedal harder. UK campaign R/2009/052 (S40, V50, C30, C70, S80 and V70) replaces the pump's non-return valve.
In their engines
- 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
- High severityFrequency: Very frequent1.6 HDiTiming belt failure and premature wearOn the 8-valve 1.6 HDi/e-HDi 112/115 built between October 2010 and September 2011 the belt could break and leave the car stranded. PSA covered the repair and in 2014 preventively replaced the belt and crankshaft sprocket on those that had passed 120,000 km.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 HDiVariable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)On the 107/110 hp and, above all, 136-140 hp 2.0 HDi, the variable-geometry turbo fails relatively often: sometimes it is the whole turbo, but often it is the actuator, sensors or hoses, with loss of power and limp mode.