MZR-CD vs 1.9 D / dTi: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.9 D / dTi carries less risk than the MZR-CD: 52/100 versus 64/100 (both high risk). The MZR-CD has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD»; the 1.9 D / dTi has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Damaged cylinder head and head gasket (naturally aspirated 1.9 D)».

Risk index

MZR-CD

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

1.9 D / dTi

High risk · 3 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 2 November 202622 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 1.9 D / dTi reliable?

Renault's 1.9 D, 1.9 TD and 1.9 dTi diesels (F8Q, F8Qt and F9Q with an injection pump) have a reputation for longevity, but owner reviews repeat three weak points: the injection pump and cylinder head gasket on the naturally aspirated 1.9 D, and the auxiliary belt, EGR and turbo on the dTi. The common-rail 1.9 dCi is a different engine.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 7 of the 1.9 D / dTi faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of MZR-CD and 1.9 D / dTi
Item	MZR-CD	1.9 D / dTi
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	—	1,870 cm³
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	105–185 hp	55–100 hp
Production	2002–2013^{[9][10][11][12][13]}	1988–2006^[5][14][15]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	64High risk	52High risk
Documented faults	4	7
Of high or critical severity	3	3
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical 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: Damaged cylinder head and head gasket (naturally aspirated 1.9 D) Critical severity: Brake servo vacuum pump: oil suction and loss of assistance High severity: Auxiliary and timing belt: breakage that can destroy the engine
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]}	1.9 D 55/65 hp (F8Q, naturally aspirated indirect injection, 1988-2006)^{[6][7][8][20]} 1.9 TD/dT 90-95 hp (F8Qt, turbo with indirect injection, 1991-2001)^[5][8] 1.9 dTi 80-100 hp (F9Q with mechanical pump, direct injection and turbo, 1997-2002)^{[8][20][21][22]}
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

1.9 D / dTi

See the 7 models with the 1.9 D / dTi

Other comparisons

With the MZR-CD

With the 1.9 D / dTi

Compare other engines

First engine

Second engine

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

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
Moteur F (Renault)Wikipédia (francés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
Renault Clio IIWikipédia (francés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Renault Clio 2 : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Renault Mégane 1 (1995-2002) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 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
Renault F-Type engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
Renault Clio IIWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 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 Renault Kangoo (1997-2007) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Renault Scénic 1 (1996-2003) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Renault Laguna 1 (1994-2001) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French