Injector copper seals leaking
usually 80,000–160,000 km · High risk
Signs: Ticking, soot around injectors, smell
Fix: Replace seals early before carbon builds up
€200–800
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
2.0 / 2.2 MZR-CD diesel
Diesel · 1,998 / 2,184 cm³ · 89–136 kW
4
model generations
2
known faults
40,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Diesel. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 4 model generations, among them: Mazda6 (GG/GH), Mazda5, Mazda3 (BL), Mazda3 (BK).
The most expensive known risk is oil pump strainer clogging (2.2 R2AA): it usually appears at 100,000–180,000 km and costs €300–4,000 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Diesel |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 / 2,184 cm³ |
| Power | 89–136 kW |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 · ACEA C2 / B5 · ~5.6 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | RF7J, R2AA, R2BF, RF5C |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Oil pump strainer clogging (2.2 R2AA)
usually 100,000–180,000 km · High risk
Signs: Oil pressure loss — can destroy the engine
Fix: Short oil intervals; clean strainer
€300–4,000
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Mazda6 (GG/GH) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Mazda3 (BK) 2003–2009Mazda3 (BL) 2009–2013Mazda5 2005–2015Mazda6 (GG/GH) 2002–2012
Common questions
Does the 2.0 / 2.2 MZR-CD diesel engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 2.0 / 2.2 MZR-CD diesel engine take?
5W-30 · ACEA C2 / B5 · ~5.6 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 2.0 / 2.2 MZR-CD diesel engine?
The faults with the highest risk: oil pump strainer clogging (2.2 R2AA) (100,000–180,000 km, €300–4,000); injector copper seals leaking (80,000–160,000 km, €200–800).
Which cars have the 2.0 / 2.2 MZR-CD diesel engine?
Mazda6 (GG/GH), Mazda5, Mazda3 (BL), Mazda3 (BK).
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026