2.2D TS2

Another DPF failure

My Mazda 6 was 8 months old with 18k on the clock when I bought in March 2010. It had been driven by a main dealer's sales manager since new. I previously had an 03 plate 2.0D Mazda 6 TS2 from new and loved it. In fact my wife still drives it with 160k on the clock and it is going great guns. Having read the horror stories about the 2.0D DPF problems I waited until a used 2.2D in my price range was available. Mazda claimed that the DPF problems had been cured on the 2.2D and I believed them.

For 2 years and 40k I had no problems. The car was a joy to drive. Excellent handling and acceleration. I was averaging 48mpg (52 if you believe the trip computer!!) on open roads and motorways.

In February 2012 the oil pressure light started coming on intermittently. I took it to my local independent garage who have serviced all my cars for a number of years and they checked the levels, the cable and put it on the diagnostic computer. They replaced the pressure switch just to be on the safe side. A couple of months later the light came on again. As the car was almost due for a service they serviced it early, replacing the oil (in case it had become contaminated by the DPF regeneration). 2 weeks later the turbo failed and I had to be towed back to the garage.

When they took the sump plate off the oil strainer on the bottom of the engine was caked up with carbon deposits which had formed from the diesel in the engine. The turbo was badly worn and had to be replaced at a cost of £2k. At 67k and with no dealer service history I didn't even bother contacting Mazda for a contribution towards the cost.

All was well for a month or so, then the oil pressure warning light came on again for a short time. I took the car straight back to the garage and they were perplexed over the cause. Rather than spend more money investigating I took the car straight to a dealer and part exchanged it for a diesel Mondeo.

The Mazda is a great car to drive but it has cost me dear and I have no confidence in Mazda's DPF. With the miles I drive I need an economical diesel and until they resolve this problem I will not be buying another Mazda.

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