Rust (rear arches, sills, subframe)
usually 80,000–300,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Bubbling rear arches — very common
Fix: Rust repair / cavity wax
€300–1,500
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Mazda3 (BL)
2009–2013
3
engines covered
11
known faults
7
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Mazda3 (BL) was built from 2009 to 2013.
For this generation we cover 3 engines and 11 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
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.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3–2.5 MZR / Duratec HE petrol | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 · API SL/SM / Ford WSS-M2C913 · ~4.3 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v) | Diesel | Belt · 150,000 km / every 96 mo | 5W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / Ford WSS-M2C913-C · ~3.75 L · every 15,000 km |
| 2.0 / 2.2 MZR-CD diesel | Diesel | Chain | 5W-30 · ACEA C2 / B5 · ~5.6 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Faults by engine
1.3–2.5 MZR / Duratec HE petrol
Ignition coils / throttle body
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Misfire, uneven idle
Fix: Replace coil, clean throttle body
€100–300
1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v)
Turbo failure (oil starvation, 16v)
usually 80,000–200,000 km · High risk
model years 2004–2011 only
Signs: Whistle, blue smoke, oil loss — carbon blocks the oil feed filter
Fix: Replace turbo, oil feed pipe with filter, clean the sump
€700–1,600
Injector copper seal leak → carbon build-up
usually 80,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Ticking, diesel / soot smell, carbon around injectors
Fix: Replace seals early; remove carbon
€200–900
DPF additive (Eolys) / DPF
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: 'Additive level low' / DPF warning
Fix: Refill additive, clean or replace DPF
€150–1,200
EGR valve / cooler
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode, power loss
Fix: Clean or replace
€200–600
2.0 / 2.2 MZR-CD diesel
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
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
Oil level rising (DPF regeneration)
usually 60,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Oil above max
Fix: Change oil early
€0–150
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Automatic (torque converter)
Torque converter / valve body
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts
Fix: Fluid service, repair
€300–2,500
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 1.3–2.5 MZR / Duratec HE petrol engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| 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 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests in the Netherlands by age
Share of this model's Dutch fleet that had a defect in each system at a roadworthiness test (APK) in 2025. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and fuel. Sample: 2,568 cars.
| age (years) | 12–14 | 15–19 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 5.5 % | 4.9 % |
| Suspension | 6.6 % | 9.0 % |
| Steering | 0.8 % | 2.0 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 17.3 % | 16.6 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 26.3 % | 28.2 % |
| Body and corrosion | 0.1 % | 0.1 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 1.2 % | 3.0 % |
Most common engine versions in the EU
New cars of this generation registered in the EU, Iceland and Norway 2010–2025: 80,015, of which 0 in Croatia. The share shows how common each version is.
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3–2.5 MZR / Duratec HE petrol1.6 (1,598 cm³) · Petrol | 31.4 % | 2010–2012 | — | — |
| 1.3–2.5 MZR / Duratec HE petrol1.6 (1,598 cm³) · 77 kW (105 hp) · Petrol | 23.0 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v)1.6 (1,560 cm³) · Diesel | 16.4 % | 2010–2012 | — | — |
| 1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v)1.6 (1,560 cm³) · 85 kW (116 hp) · Diesel | 8.6 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.3–2.5 MZR / Duratec HE petrol2.0 (1,999 cm³) · Petrol | 6.5 % | 2010–2012 | — | — |
| 1.3–2.5 MZR / Duratec HE petrol2.0 (1,999 cm³) · 110 kW (150 hp) · Petrol | 3.8 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 2.0 / 2.2 MZR-CD diesel2.2 (2,184 cm³) · Diesel | 2.9 % | 2010–2012 | — | — |
| 2.0 / 2.2 MZR-CD diesel2.2 (2,184 cm³) · 136 kW (185 hp) · Diesel | 1.5 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.3–2.5 MZR / Duratec HE petrol2.0 (1,999 cm³) · 111 kW (151 hp) · Petrol | 1.4 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| PetrolPetrol | 1.2 % | 2010–2012 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Owner complaints in the US
Which systems owners reported to the US agency NHTSA and at what mileage. Complaints are not confirmed faults and some relate to recalls. Sample: 1,046 complaints.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (7). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Engine / loss of power Soot may accumulate around the intake shutter valve on the inlet side of the engine25/07/2019 · R/2019/187
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Vacuum pump may wear prematurely.17/09/2018 · R/2018/236
- Fuel system Fuel injector software does not control the electric current correctly17/09/2018 · R/2018/288
- Lights Injector mounting nuts tightening force may be insufficient17/09/2018 · R/2018/289
- Suspension / axles Tailgate may drop down without warning31/05/2017 · R/2017/163
- Seats Mounting points for seat runner may fail31/05/2017 · R/2017/150
- Lights Engine may stall21/10/2014 · R/2014/134
Common questions
Does the Mazda3 (BL) have a timing chain or a timing belt?
1.3–2.5 MZR / Duratec HE petrol: chain; 1.5 / 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v): belt · 150,000 km / every 96 mo; 2.0 / 2.2 MZR-CD diesel: chain.
What are the known problems with the Mazda3 (BL)?
The faults with the highest risk: oil pump strainer clogging (2.2 R2AA) (100,000–180,000 km, €300–4,000); turbo failure (oil starvation, 16v) (80,000–200,000 km, €700–1,600); injector copper seal leak → carbon build-up (80,000–200,000 km, €200–900); injector copper seals leaking (80,000–160,000 km, €200–800). The full list by engine is on this page.
What should you check when buying a used Mazda3 (BL)?
Before you buy, ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN that the recalls have been done (7 have been published for this model). If the engine has a timing belt, ask for the invoice for its replacement: with no proof, assume it has not been done. On the test drive, watch for these signs: oil pressure loss — can destroy the engine; whistle, blue smoke, oil loss — carbon blocks the oil feed filter. The full checklist is in the guide to buying a used car.
Other generations
Mazda2 (DE) 2007–2014Mazda2 2014–Mazda3 (BK) 2003–2009Mazda3 (BM / BN) 2013–2019Mazda3 (BP) 2019–Mazda5 2005–2015Mazda6 (GG/GH) 2002–2012Mazda6 (GJ) 2012–
Models with the same engines
These models share engines with this car, so they share some of its faults too.
Ford Focus II 2004–2011Volvo S40 / V50 2004–2012Mazda MX-5 (NC) 2005–2015Peugeot Expert II 2007–2016Volvo C30 2006–2013Ford Focus C-Max 2003–2010Toyota Proace I 2013–2016Citroën Jumpy II 2007–2016
Other Mazda models
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