1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II vs MZR-CD: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II carries less risk than the MZR-CD: 52/100 versus 64/100 (both high risk). The 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Saturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations»; the MZR-CD has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD».

Risk index

1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II

High risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

MZR-CD

High risk · 3 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

Reviewed on 27 September 202620 sources How we work

Is the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II reliable?

The 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II are Fiat diesels with a solid mechanical base, but with known faults worth checking before you buy: the timing belt tensioner may need replacing before the official interval, the EGR valve clogs with urban use, the particulate filter becomes saturated if there are not enough long journeys, and the dual-mass flywheel and the occasional injector wear with mileage. There is no officially recognised recall campaign for these faults.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II faults

Is the MZR-CD reliable?

The MZR-CD is Mazda's most widespread diesel between 2002 and 2013, fitted to the Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda5 and CX-7. It is sensitive to short journeys: the injector seals and incomplete DPF regenerations can dilute the oil, and the EGR and intake build up carbon. The 2.2-litre redesign (from 2008), with a timing chain instead of a belt, adds the risk of that chain stretching and damaging the engine.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 4 of the MZR-CD faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II and MZR-CD
Item	1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II	MZR-CD
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	—	—
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	90–170 hp	105–185 hp
Production	since 2006^[9][10][11]	2002–2013^{[12][13][14][15][16]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	52High risk	64High risk
Documented faults	5	4
Of high or critical severity	2	3
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	High severity: Saturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerations Critical severity: Early tensioner wear and risk of timing belt failure Medium severity: EGR valve blocked by soot in urban use	Critical severity: Timing chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD High severity: Oil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerations High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure
Most expensive documented repair	up to €550Early tensioner wear and risk of timing belt failurePublished figure^[1]	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.6 MultiJet II (90-130 hp, 2006-2024)^[1][2] 2.0 MultiJet II (120-170 hp, 2008-2024)^[3][4]	2.0 MZR-CD 121-143 (RF, 2002-2005, no DPF)^[5][7][17] 2.0 MZR-CD 105-143 (RF, 2005-2010, with DPF)^{[5][7][17][18]} 2.2 MZR-CD 125-185 (R2, 2008-2013)^{[6][8][19][20]}
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II

See the 11 models with the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II

MZR-CD

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II

With the MZR-CD

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

Fiat Tipo: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Jeep Renegade: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Jeep Renegade (seit 2014) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 2 March 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiat Bravo : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Mazda 6 (2002-2008)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Mazda 6 (2008-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Mazda 6 I: Bekannte Probleme und Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda 6 II: Bekannte Probleme und Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiat JTD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Fiat Bravo (2007)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Jeep Renegade (BU)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Mazda diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Mazda6Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda3Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda5Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda CX-7Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2003-2009)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Japanische Zuverlässigkeit? Ärger mit den Dieseln von Mazda und Toyotagebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2009-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Mazda 3 II (2009-2013): Typische Probleme & Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German