2.3 MultiJet vs MZR-CD: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 MultiJet carries less risk than the MZR-CD: 25/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The 2.3 MultiJet has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Camshaft breakage due to a manufacturing defect (Ducato, 2016-2017)»; the MZR-CD has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD».

Risk index

2.3 MultiJet

Moderate 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 9 October 202625 sources How we work

Is the 2.3 MultiJet reliable?

The 2.3 MultiJet (F1A) in the Fiat Ducato and Iveco Daily has few faults with a solid source: the best documented are three campaigns on the 2016-2019 Euro 6 Ducato (intercooler hose, EGR pipe and camshaft). Owners and garages also cite EGR, throttle body, injectors and AdBlue, almost always on forums or commercial websites, with no statistics.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}

See the 6 of the 2.3 MultiJet 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.^{[8][9][10][11]}

See the 4 of the MZR-CD faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.3 MultiJet and MZR-CD
Item	2.3 MultiJet	MZR-CD
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	2,287 cm³	—
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	95–160 hp	105–185 hp
Production	since 2002^{[12][13][14][15]}	2002–2013^{[16][17][18][19][20]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	25Moderate risk	64High risk
Documented faults	6	4
Of high or critical severity	2	3
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Camshaft breakage due to a manufacturing defect (Ducato, 2016-2017) Medium severity: EGR valve and throttle body clogged by carbon deposits and moisture Medium severity: Leaking or underperforming common-rail injectors	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	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	First-batch 2.3 Multijet / HPI (F1AE0481, 2006-2011)^[5][15] 2.3 Multijet II Euro 5 (F1AE3481, 2010-2016)^[5][21] 2.3 Multijet Euro 6 with dual EGR (Ducato, 2016-2019)^[1][2][3][6] 2.3 Multijet 2 Euro 6d with AdBlue (Ducato, 2019-2021)^[7] 2.3 F1A in the Iveco Daily VI (2014-present)^[3]	2.0 MZR-CD 121-143 (RF, 2002-2005, no DPF)^[8][10][22] 2.0 MZR-CD 105-143 (RF, 2005-2010, with DPF)^{[8][10][22][23]} 2.2 MZR-CD 125-185 (R2, 2008-2013)^{[9][11][24][25]}
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

2.3 MultiJet

MZR-CD

Other comparisons

With the 2.3 MultiJet

With the MZR-CD

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Sources

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

Fiat Ducato (2016-2017): manguito del intercooler (alerta Safety Gate A12/0285/18)car-recalls.eu (reproduce Safety Gate) · Other source · published 23 February 2018 · consulted 8 October 2026
Fiat Ducato (2016-2017): tubo de la EGR (alerta Safety Gate A12/1794/17)car-recalls.eu (reproduce Safety Gate) · Other source · published 16 December 2017 · consulted 8 October 2026
DVSA – base de llamadas a revisiónDVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 8 October 2026
Camshaft fault sparks Fiat Ducato recallUte and Van Guide (Australia) · Motoring press · published 7 March 2017 · consulted 8 October 2026
Ducato multijet 2.3 starting problem (hilo del foro)The FIAT Forum · Owners' forum · published 3 May 2014 · consulted 8 October 2026
Ducato P0401 P0402 P0236 P0238 and limp mode, 2017 Euro 6 (hilo del foro)The FIAT Forum · Owners' forum · published 5 December 2021 · consulted 8 October 2026
Fiat Ducato 2.3 MultiJet: AdBlue, SCR y modo de emergencia (diagnóstico)KFZ Dietrich (taller, Alemania) · Other source · published 10 September 2026 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
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 DucatoWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
Fiat Ducato (tipo 250, motores Multijet y Euro 6)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
Iveco Daily (motores HPI/F1A por generación)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
Iveco Daily IV 35C12 2.3 HPI: fiabilidadCarverif · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
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
Fiat Ducato and variants 2007 onCATMAG · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026
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