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MotorFiable

MZR-CD vs 1.4 D-4D: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.4 D-4D carries less risk than the MZR-CD: 48/100 (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 1.4 D-4D has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Turbocharger failure».

Risk index

MZR-CD

64

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

1.4 D-4D

48

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

20 sourcesHow 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 1.4 D-4D reliable?

Yes, generally: the 1.4 D-4D (1ND-TV) is one of Toyota's most widespread small diesels, with a reputation for reasonable reliability. The documented weak points are the injectors, the turbo, the EGR valve, the diesel particulate filter (on versions that have one) and the clutch and dual-mass flywheel assembly, with cases spread between 2002 and 2018 across the Yaris, Corolla, Auris, Urban Cruiser, Verso-S and MINI One D.[5][6][7][8][9]

See the 6 of the 1.4 D-4D faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of MZR-CD and 1.4 D-4D
MZR-CD1.4 D-4D
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement—1,364 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power105–185 hp75–90 hp
Production2002–2013[10][11][12][13][14]2002–2018[5][15]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)64High risk48Moderate risk
Documented faults46
Of high or critical severity32
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD
  2. High severity: Oil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerations
  3. High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure
  1. High severity: Turbocharger failure
  2. High severity: Oil build-up in the intercooler of the 1.4 D-4D (2014 campaign)
  3. Medium severity: Injector wear and failure
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.4 D-4D 75 (1ND-TV, 75 hp, 2002-2005)[7][9]
  • 1.4 D-4D 90 (1ND-TV, 88-90 hp, 2004-2018)[6][8][20]
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

Other comparisons

With the MZR-CD

With the 1.4 D-4D

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Sources

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

  1. Fiabilité Mazda 6 (2002-2008)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité Mazda 6 (2008-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Mazda 6 I: Bekannte Probleme und Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Mazda 6 II: Bekannte Probleme und Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. Toyota ND engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Toyota Yaris 2 (2005-2011) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Toyota Yaris (1999-2005) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Toyota Auris (2007-2012) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Mini Mini (2001-2006) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Mazda diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Mazda6Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  12. Mazda3Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  13. Mazda5Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  14. Mazda CX-7Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  15. Toyota Corolla (E120)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  16. Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2003-2009)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  17. Japanische Zuverlässigkeit? Ärger mit den Dieseln von Mazda und Toyotagebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  18. Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2009-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  19. Mazda 3 II (2009-2013): Typische Probleme & Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  20. Toyota Corolla (2002-2007) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French