MZR-CD vs 2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI carries less risk than the MZR-CD: 38/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The MZR-CD has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD»; the 2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «VP44 injection pump and air mass meter failure».

Risk index

MZR-CD

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI

Moderate 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

Reviewed on 27 September 202621 sources How we work

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.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 4 of the MZR-CD faults

Is the 2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI reliable?

The 2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI (X20DTH/Y20DTH and Y22DTR) are the direct-injection diesels with a Bosch VP44 pump that Opel fitted between 1997 and 2005 to the Astra G, Vectra B and C, Zafira A, Signum and Omega B. German Wikipedia documents recurring VP44 pump and air mass meter failures in its early years, and a German used-car buying guide singles out the EGR valve as its main weak point even once the engine had matured, in the Vectra C.^[5][6]

See the 3 of the 2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of MZR-CD and 2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI
Item	MZR-CD	2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	—	—
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Chain
Power	105–185 hp	100–125 hp
Production	2002–2013^{[7][8][9][10][11]}	1997–2005^{[5][12][13][14][15]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	64High risk	38Moderate risk
Documented faults	4	3
Of high or critical severity	3	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	High severity
Main faults	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	High severity: VP44 injection pump and air mass meter failure High severity: Seized or leaking turbocharger Medium severity: Clogged or faulty EGR valve
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	2.0 MZR-CD 121-143 (RF, 2002-2005, no DPF)^[1][3][16] 2.0 MZR-CD 105-143 (RF, 2005-2010, with DPF)^{[1][3][16][17]} 2.2 MZR-CD 125-185 (R2, 2008-2013)^{[2][4][18][19]}	2.0 DTI 100-101 hp (X20DTH/Y20DTH, 1,995 cc, 1997-2005)^[5][6] 2.2 DTI 120-125 hp (Y22DTR, 2,172 cc, 2000-2005)^[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

MZR-CD

2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI

Other comparisons

With the MZR-CD

With the 2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI

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Sources

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

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
Opel Vectra BWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel Vectra C – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 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
Opel Zafira AWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel SignumWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel OmegaWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Opel OmegaWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
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
Fiabilité Opel Zafira - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Opel Vectra - avis et pannes des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French