MZR-CD vs 2.3 dCi (M9T): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 dCi (M9T) carries less risk than the MZR-CD: 32/100 (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 2.3 dCi (M9T) has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo».

Risk index

MZR-CD

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

2.3 dCi (M9T)

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 5 October 202618 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 2.3 dCi (M9T) reliable?

The 2.3 dCi M9T is a van diesel with good durability if maintenance is kept up. The weak points cited are the EGR and the turbo, the injectors, and the particulate filter in urban use; the sources are mostly opinion websites.^[5][6]

See the 5 of the 2.3 dCi (M9T) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of MZR-CD and 2.3 dCi (M9T)
Item	MZR-CD	2.3 dCi (M9T)
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	—	2,300 cm³
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Chain
Power	105–185 hp	100–180 hp
Production	2002–2013^{[7][8][9][10][11]}	since 2010^[5][6][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	64High risk	32Moderate risk
Documented faults	4	5
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: Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo Medium severity: Faulty injectors on the 2.3 dCi Medium severity: Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogged in urban use
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	up to €2,300Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turboPublished figure^[5][13]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	2.3 dCi 100-125 hp (M9T)^[6] 2.3 dCi 130-145 hp (M9T)^[6]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	2.0 MZR-CD 121-143 (RF, 2002-2005, no DPF)^[1][3][14] 2.0 MZR-CD 105-143 (RF, 2005-2010, with DPF)^{[1][3][14][15]} 2.2 MZR-CD 125-185 (R2, 2008-2013)^{[2][4][16][17]}	2.3 dCi 150-180 hp (M9T, some twin-turbo)^[6] 2.3 dCi in the Navara D23 (NP300)^[18]
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

2.3 dCi (M9T)

Other comparisons

With the MZR-CD

With the 2.3 dCi (M9T)

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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
Renault Master III 2.3 dCi 130: fiabilité, pannes et coûtsCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Renault Master 2.3 dCiCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 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 Master (tercera generación)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Fiabilité du Renault Master RT 2.3 dCi: analyse complèteCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
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
Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language