Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi vs MZR-CD: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi carries less risk than the MZR-CD: 43/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Broken teeth on the camshaft gear (2017 campaign)»; the MZR-CD has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD».

Risk index

Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

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 2 November 202621 sources How we work

Is the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi reliable?

These are the diesels of the Isuzu D-Max: the 2.5 twin-turbo (4JK1) and the 1.9 Ddi (RZ4E) of the European range, and the 2.5 and 3.0 of the Latin American Chevrolet D-Max. Auto Express speaks of enviable reliability; what is documented is diesel in the oil of the 2.5 on short journeys, soot in the EGR and a 2017 campaign for the camshaft gear.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 3 of the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi 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 Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi and MZR-CD
Item	Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi	MZR-CD
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	—	—
Timing	Gears	Timing belt (dry)
Power	117–177 hp	105–185 hp
Production	since 2012^{[4][9][10][11]}	2002–2013^{[12][13][14][15][16]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	43Moderate risk	64High risk
Documented faults	3	4
Of high or critical severity	2	3
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Broken teeth on the camshaft gear (2017 campaign) High severity: Diesel in the oil and clogged particulate filter on short journeys Medium severity: EGR valve blocked by soot	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	1.9 Ddi 163 hp (RZ4E, European D-Max from 2017)^[1][4]	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	2.5 TD twin-turbo 163 hp (4JK1, European D-Max 2012-2017)^[2][4] 2.5 and 3.0 TD (4JK1 and 4JJ1, Latin American Chevrolet D-Max 2012-2020)^[3][17]	2.0 MZR-CD 121-143 (RF, 2002-2005, no DPF)^[5][7][18] 2.0 MZR-CD 105-143 (RF, 2005-2010, with DPF)^{[5][7][18][19]} 2.2 MZR-CD 125-185 (R2, 2008-2013)^{[6][8][20][21]}
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

Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

MZR-CD

Other comparisons

With the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

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.

Isuzu D-Max reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 16 October 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026
Tips for buying a second-hand pickup: Isuzu D-MaxFarmers Weekly · Motoring press · published 17 December 2020 · consulted 2 November 2026
Isuzu MU-X & D-Max common problems and solutionsUnsealed 4X4 · Motoring press · published 12 June 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026
Isuzu D-Max: Camshaft Gear Teeth May Break (R/2017/194)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · published 10 July 2017 · consulted 2 November 2026
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
Isuzu D-MaxWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
Isuzu D-MAX 2. Generation (2012-2017): Modelle, Technische DatenADAC Autokatalog · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Isuzu D-MAX 2. Generation, 1. Facelift (2017-2020): Modelle, Technische DatenADAC Autokatalog · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
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
Isuzu D-Max ProblemsCarsGuide · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 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