2.3 MZR DISI Turbo vs 1.6 THP: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo carries less risk than the 1.6 THP: 63/100 versus 64/100 (both 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 1.6 THP has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)».

Risk index

2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

High risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.6 THP

High risk · 2 serious faults

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

Reviewed on 5 October 202611 sources How 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 1.6 THP reliable?

The 1.6 THP turbo and its naturally aspirated sibling, the 1.6 VTi, make up the Prince family, developed together with BMW and also used by MINI: they do not have a reputation for reliability. Turbo versions built before 2012 carry a known problem of timing chain stretch, and the whole block shares a water pump described as fragile; the turbo versions add oil consumption and high-pressure fuel pump failures.^[4][5][6][7]

See the 5 of the 1.6 THP faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo and 1.6 THP
Item	2.3 MZR DISI Turbo	1.6 THP
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	2,261 cm³	1,598 cm³
Timing	Chain	Chain
Power	256–263 hp	120–270 hp
Production	2005–2013^[1][8]	2006–2018^[4][9][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	63High risk	64High risk
Documented faults	3	5
Of high or critical severity	2	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI Turbo High severity: Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI Turbo Medium severity: Oil consumption and sludge in the 2.3 DISI Turbo engine	Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012) High severity: Fragile water pump and heat exchanger Medium severity: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the turbo versions
Most expensive documented repair	up to €2,200Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI TurboPublished figure^[2]	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
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]	1.6 VTi 120 / 1.6 16v (EP6/EP6C, N12/N16, naturally aspirated)^[7] 1.6 THP medium output (EP6DT/EP6DTS/EP6CDT, N14/N18; 140-190 hp)^[5][6][11] 1.6 THP high performance (EP6CDXD/EP6FDTR/EP6CDTR, John Cooper Works N14/N18; 200-270 hp)^[5][6][7]
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 MZR DISI Turbo

1.6 THP

See the 16 models with the 1.6 THP

Other comparisons

With the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

With the 1.6 THP

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Sources

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

Mazda L engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Problemas Mazda CX-7Totalrenting · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
2009 Mazda CX-7 engine problemsCarComplaints · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026
Prince engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Distribution : les moteurs à problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Moteurs essence qui consomment de l'huileFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Liste des moteurs qui ont des soucis de refroidissementFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Mazda CX-7Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Peugeot 308Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Peugeot RCZWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
BMW Recalls Fuel Pumps. Mini Does NotMotoringFile · Motoring press · published 27 October 2010 · consulted 27 September 2026