Mazda MZR-CD 2.0/2.2 (RF, R2)Timing chain
Timing chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD on the MZR-CD
The 2.2-litre redesign (2008-2013) replaced the 2.0's belt with a timing chain that, according to fiches-auto.fr and gebrauchtwagenberater.de, stretches more than expected on the Mazda6 and Mazda3, and, being the same engine, presumably on the CX-7 too; a rattle when cold is the first warning.[1][2][3][4]
Why this rating?
Critical severity: It can destroy the engine or gearbox, or affects safety.
Frequency common: Fiches-auto.fr documents 5 cases of chain replacement among 9 reports for the Mazda6 (GH) 2.2 163 hp, and mentions more cases on the Mazda3 (BL) 2.2; gebrauchtwagenberater.de independently confirms it as a known problem on both the Mazda6 II and the Mazda3 II ("gab es öfter Probleme mit der Steuerkette", there were frequent problems with the chain). Two independent sources with different methodologies pointing to the same weak point leads us to classify it as 'frequent' despite the small sample size at fiches-auto.fr; there is no manufacturer campaign to correct it.[1][2][3][4]
Symptoms
- A metallic rattle on a cold start, which gebrauchtwagenberater.de describes as a warning that the chain has lengthened, is usually the first sign.[3]Chain noise: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- If the noise is ignored, the chain can jump teeth or break and damage the engine internally.[3]Engine knock: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
- A metallic rattle on a cold start, which gebrauchtwagenberater.de describes as a warning that the chain has lengthened, is usually the first sign.[3]Noise on start-up: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
The chain's hydraulic tensioner does not always compensate properly for its lengthening with use; fiches-auto.fr also records cases of failure of the tensioner itself.[1]
Gebrauchtwagenberater.de describes chain lengthening as a characteristic weak point of this 2.2, on both the Mazda6 and the Mazda3.[3][4]
If it is not repaired: Gebrauchtwagenberater.de warns that a badly stretched chain can end in catastrophic engine failure ("kapitale Motorschäden"); fiches-auto.fr documents a case of sump or block failure on a 180 hp Mazda6 2.2 at 245,000 km.[1][3]
Affected cars and years
It affects only the 2.2 MZR-CD (2008-2013), which uses a chain instead of the 2.0's belt; documented on the Mazda6 GH and Mazda3 BL. We have found no specific reports for the CX-7, which uses the same 2.2 engine.[1][2][3][4]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2 MZR-CD 125-185 (R2, 2008-2013) | 2008–2013 | R2 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Mazda
- Mazda 3 II2009–2013
- Mazda 6 II2007–2012
- Mazda CX-72009–2012
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the timing chain with its tensioner (full kit); if it has jumped or broken, a major engine repair.[1][2]
Owner reports in France (fiches-auto.fr) put the chain and tensioner replacement at €750-1,250 on a Mazda3 2.2 and €1,700-1,719 on a Mazda6 2.2; we have found no published price in Spain.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Start the engine from cold and listen for a few seconds: a metallic rattle is a reason not to buy without a prior inspection.
- On a high-mileage 2.2, ask whether the chain and tensioner have already been replaced.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Timing chain and tensioner (kit)
Drives the camshafts in sync with the crankshaft; if it lengthens or jumps, the engine can be damaged internally.
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links
How to prevent it
- Do not ignore a new rattle on a cold start: have the chain stretch checked as soon as possible.[3]
- Change the oil at the recommended frequency: poor-quality oil speeds up wear on the chain and its tensioner.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 2.0 and the 2.2 in the timing?
The 2.0 uses a timing belt, while the 2.2, redesigned in 2008, switched to a chain; it is precisely that chain that can lengthen over time.[5]
Is chain noise on a cold start serious?
Yes: gebrauchtwagenberater.de describes it as the first warning before a serious engine failure, so it should be checked without delay.[3]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other MZR-CD faults
- High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerationsOn the 2.0 and 2.2 MZR-CD, injector seals that age badly and incomplete particulate filter regenerations on short journeys can let unburnt diesel into the sump, diluting the oil and leaving the engine with less lubrication.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbocharger wear or failureThe MZR-CD's variable-geometry turbo appears among the faults cited by Mazda6 and Mazda3 owners, with cases of whistling, loss of boost pressure and, in one documented case, a repair of over €3,600 in France; it tends to be made worse if the oil has previously been diluted.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon on the injectors, EGR valve and intakeUrban use and short journeys encourage carbon to build up on the injectors, EGR valve and intake of the MZR-CD, with loss of power and jerking; documented on the Mazda6 and Mazda3, on both the 2.0 and the 2.2.
More faults with the timing chain on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 and 1.4 TSITiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2015) the chain can stretch and the tensioner fall short; if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons. Volkswagen admitted the defect in 2012 and revised the chain and tensioner between 2010 and 2011.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400Appears at around 30,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N47Rear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 Ingenium diéselTiming chain stretchYes: the timing chain on the 2.0 Ingenium diesel can slip or stretch prematurely and put the engine out of time, with a risk of serious failure. It is documented on the Evoque, Discovery Sport, XE, E-Pace and F-Pace, with engine failures between 90,000 and 130,000 km in several owner reports.Repair (garage): €4,000–€7,000Appears at around 90,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the timing chain's hydraulic tensioner can lose pressure and let the chain slacken; if it skips teeth or breaks, it can destroy the engine. It is a documented problem on Fiat, Opel, Suzuki and Ford cars with this engine, mainly linked to long oil change intervals.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 70,000 km
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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 (2008-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2009-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Mazda 6 II: Bekannte Probleme und Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda 3 II (2009-2013): Typische Probleme & Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Mazda diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Mazda CX-7Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German