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2.3 MZR DISI Turbo vs Mitsubishi PHEV: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Mitsubishi PHEV carries less risk than the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo: 24/100 (low risk) versus 63/100 (high risk). The 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI Turbo»; the Mitsubishi PHEV has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Corroded air flow sensor: the petrol engine does not start to charge the battery».

Risk index

2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

Mitsubishi PHEV

24

Low risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

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

13 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo reliable?

Mazda's 2.3 DISI Turbo (L3-VDT, 2005-2013) is powerful but demanding: the timing chain, the turbo and oil sludge are its weak points; only buy one with a good oil service history.[1][2][3]

See the 3 of the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo faults

Is the Mitsubishi PHEV reliable?

Yes, with caveats: the OCU ranks the Outlander PHEV first for reliability among used plug-in hybrids. What is documented are isolated campaigns (spark plugs and software, air flow sensor, fuel hose) and a possible loss of battery capacity, cited by one source and one study without figures. The Eclipse Cross PHEV, which uses the same system, has no documented faults of its own.[4][5][6][7][8]

See the 5 of the Mitsubishi PHEV faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo and Mitsubishi PHEV
2.3 MZR DISI TurboMitsubishi PHEV
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement2,261 cm³—
TimingChainChain
Power256–263 hp163–224 hp
Production2005–2013[1][9]since 2013[10][11][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk24Low risk
Documented faults35
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI Turbo
  2. High severity: Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI Turbo
  3. Medium severity: Oil consumption and sludge in the 2.3 DISI Turbo engine
  1. Medium severity: Loss of traction battery (high-voltage) capacity
  2. Medium severity: Spark plugs and petrol engine software on the Outlander PHEV (campaign R3033111)
  3. High severity: Corroded air flow sensor: the petrol engine does not start to charge the battery
Most expensive documented repairup to €2,200Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI TurboPublished figure[2]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 2.4 Eclipse Cross PHEV (4B12, 13.8 kWh battery, 2021-2024)[7][8]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo 256-260 hp (L3-VDT, 2005-2009)[1][2]
  • 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo (L3-VDT, 2010-2013)[1][2]
  • 2.0 Outlander PHEV (4B11, 12 kWh battery, 2013-2018)[6][7][13]
  • 2.4 Outlander PHEV (4B12, 13.8 kWh battery, 2018-2021)[4][5][6]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

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 MZR DISI Turbo

Mitsubishi PHEV

Other comparisons

With the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

With the Mitsubishi PHEV

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.

  1. Mazda L engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  2. Problemas Mazda CX-7Totalrenting · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  3. 2009 Mazda CX-7 engine problemsCarComplaints · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026
  4. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, el híbrido enchufable de segunda mano más fiable según la OCUHíbridos y Eléctricos · Motoring press · published 14 May 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Mitsubishi Outlander (II & III) – Bekannte Probleme und MängelGebrauchtwagenberater (Alemania) · Motoring press · published 2 March 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  6. Baterías de híbrido enchufable: cuándo habrá que sustituirlas (Outlander PHEV)Autofácil · Motoring press · published 7 May 2020 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisiónDVSA (Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  8. El Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV sí llegará a Europa, incluida España, en 2021Híbridos y Eléctricos · Motoring press · published 18 October 2020 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Mazda CX-7Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  10. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  11. Mitsubishi OutlanderWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  12. Mitsubishi 4B1 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  13. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2013 – 2014): alerta A12/1947/19 (sensor de caudal de aire)car-recalls.eu (alertas Safety Gate / RAPEX) · Other source · published 13 December 2019 · consulted 8 October 2026