1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC vs MZR-CD: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC carries less risk than the MZR-CD: 54/100 versus 64/100 (both high risk). The 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Turbocharger failure»; 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 / 2.2 i-DTEC

High risk · 3 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 / 2.2 i-DTEC reliable?

The i-DTEC is Honda's diesel family from 2008, with two four-cylinder blocks: the 2.2 (Accord, CR-V) and, from 2013, the 1.6 (Civic, CR-V, HR-V). It uses a timing chain instead of a belt and common-rail injection. The basic architecture has a good reputation for longevity, but the emissions system (DPF and EGR) and the turbocharger account for most of the faults documented by owners themselves.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC 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 / 2.2 i-DTEC and MZR-CD
Item	1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC	MZR-CD
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	—	—
Timing	Chain	Timing belt (dry)
Power	120–180 hp	105–185 hp
Production	2008–2020^[1][9][10]	2002–2013^{[11][12][13][14][15]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	54High risk	64High risk
Documented faults	5	4
Of high or critical severity	3	3
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	High severity: Turbocharger failure Critical severity: Timing chain wear or breakage at high mileage Critical severity: Diesel injector wear or failure	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	2.2 i-DTEC 150 (N22B1/B3/B4, from 2008)^[3][4][10]	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.6 i-DTEC 120 (N16A1, single turbo, from 2013)^[2][16] 1.6 i-DTEC 160 (N16A4, twin turbo, CR-V)^[3] 2.2 i-DTEC 180 Type S (N22B2, from 2010)^[1]	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 / 2.2 i-DTEC

MZR-CD

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

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.

Honda N engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2012-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2012-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2007-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · 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
Honda HR-VWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Avis et fiabilité Honda Accord (2008-2015)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 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
Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2017-2022)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
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