MZR-CD vs 1.2 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.2 TDI carries less risk than the MZR-CD: 45/100 (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 1.2 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump».

Risk index

MZR-CD

High risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

1.2 TDI

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 202619 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 1.2 TDI reliable?

A three-cylinder diesel with a single homologated output (75 hp) that Volkswagen fitted to the low-consumption versions of its smallest models between 2009 and 2014. It belongs to the EA189 family and was added to the list of engines in the emissions scandal a few days later. Its timing belt also drives the water pump and the high-pressure pump, so do not put off replacing it; also keep an eye on the turbo, the EGR and the particulate filter.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 5 of the 1.2 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of MZR-CD and 1.2 TDI
Item	MZR-CD	1.2 TDI
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	—	1,199 cm³
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	Timing belt (dry)
Power	105–185 hp	75 hp
Production	2002–2013^{[9][10][11][12][13]}	2009–2014^[7][8]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	64High risk	45Moderate 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	Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update High severity: Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump High severity: Failing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smoke
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	up to €2,000Blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)Published figure^[14]
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][15] 2.0 MZR-CD 105-143 (RF, 2005-2010, with DPF)^{[1][3][15][16]} 2.2 MZR-CD 125-185 (R2, 2008-2013)^{[2][4][17][18]}	1.2 TDI common rail 75 hp (CFWA, 2009-2014)^[5][19]
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

1.2 TDI

Other comparisons

With the MZR-CD

With the 1.2 TDI

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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
Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Volkswagen emissions scandalWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
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
Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
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
Bomba de agua del coche: la avería de más de 1.500 euros que arrastra la correa de distribuciónMotor16 · Motoring press · published 21 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish