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R2

2.2 MZR-CD 125-185 (R2, 2008-2013) engine: faults and reliability

Mazda MZR-CD 2.0/2.2 (RF, R2) version

With caution

It retains the 2.0's sensitivity to oil dilution and carbon build-up, and adds a problem of its own: fiches-auto.fr and gebrauchtwagenberater.de independently document timing chain stretch as a known weak point on the Mazda6 and Mazda3. Check that there is no chain noise when cold and review the service history.[1][2][3][4]

Years
2008–2013
Power
125–185 hp
Faults that affect it
4
3 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
3
in our database

8 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

2008 redesign: displacement increased to 2,184 cc, chain-driven timing instead of a belt, injection pressure of up to 2,000 bar with 10-hole injectors and a twin-cam cylinder head. It powered the Mazda6 (GH) from late 2008, the Mazda3 (BL) from 2009 and, from 2009, the CX-7, where it added an SCR system with AdBlue to meet the Euro 5 standard.[5][6][7][8]

Engine codes of this version: R2.

Faults of the R2 engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CDThe 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.
  2. 2High 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.
  3. 3High 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.
  4. 4Medium 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.

Cars fitted with the R2 engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Mazda

Frequently asked questions

Is the R2 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It retains the 2.0's sensitivity to oil dilution and carbon build-up, and adds a problem of its own: fiches-auto.fr and gebrauchtwagenberater.de independently document timing chain stretch as a known weak point on the Mazda6 and Mazda3. Check that there is no chain noise when cold and review the service history.[1][2][3][4]

What faults does the R2 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: timing chain stretch on the 2.2 MZR-CD (critical severity), oil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerations (high severity), turbocharger wear or failure (high severity) and carbon on the injectors, EGR valve and intake (medium severity).

Which cars use the R2 engine?

Mazda 3 II (2009–2013), Mazda 6 II (2007–2012) and Mazda CX-7 (2009–2012).[1][2][6][7][8]

Are you buying a car with the R2 engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

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

  1. Fiabilité Mazda 6 (2008-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Fiabilité Mazda 3 (2009-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. Mazda 6 II: Bekannte Probleme und Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Mazda 3 II (2009-2013): Typische Probleme & Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. Mazda diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Mazda6Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Mazda3Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Mazda CX-7Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German