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As the owner of a 2009 2.2 Diesel Mazda 6, I have to say that in my experience these cars are a world of trouble. My car has spent more time at the dealers and I've spent more time having to sort out problems with it, and I've called the AA out more times - than the sum total of all my previous cars over my 20 year driving career (including some real bangers in my younger days!)
The Mazda 2.2 engine is affected by DPF issues - though it's certainly better than the previous 2.0, which many owners feel was simply unfit for purpose. The DPF seems to go into self regenerate mode an awful lot, which injects extra fuel to raise the temp in the filter. It does this even if you're on a fast motorway journey. The only sign it's doing it, is if you watch the instant economy on the fuel computer info display - every 20 miles or so it will drop from (say) 50mpg to 20 mpg for a good 5 minutes - even if you're on cruise control at a steady speed. It's quite infuriating because the amount of fuel wasted is astonishing and brings the overall economy down to Petrol engine levels!!
But it has far more significant issues than the DPF. The timing chain stretched at 30,000 miles and required replacement. It was off the road for over 2 months because the parts were on back order. According to the dealer it's a very common fault - not a case of "IF" but "WHEN".... to the extent that a recall was issued to check the chain tension - and it's now also checked at every service - and if it's deemed to have stretched beyond tolerance, you're prevented from driving the car again until fixed. If you insist, they make you sign a disclaimer which basically voids your warranty because you are going against their advice. So you're caught between a rock and a hard place.
When I finally got it back it spewed filthy black engine oil out from the timing cover - causing extensive damage to my driveway. Mazda's response? Complete and utter disinterest and flat refusal to pay for the damage it had caused. Not even an apology.
Mine is now approaching 50,000 and makes a rattling noise at tickover which I suspect means the timing chain is stretched again and will need another replacement soon. I'm dreading that - in fact I will probably cut my losses and get rid rather than go through that hell again.
It's been off the road on two other occasions due to parts failing.
From day one, Mazda have treated me as an inconvenience to them and seem to imply they are doing me a huge favour by repairing failed parts under warranty. After several years driving VAG cars, I am staggered at the attitude from Mazda.
On the plus side, the 2.2 engine has good performance (it's the 160-something hp version I have) and it's more refined than VAG TDI engines. But reliability, economy and poor customer service from Mazda mean I can't wait to get rid of this car & will never touch a Mazda again in my life.
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