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Buying guide

Mazda Demio DJ (2014 to 2019): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Mazda Demio DJ was built from 2014 to 2019 as a hatchback, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis codes: DJ3FS, DJ5FS and DJLFS. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2014 to 2019
Chassis codes
DJ3FS, DJ5FS, DJLFS
Body types
Hatchback
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Mazda2 and Demio DJ (2014 to present). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Fuel pump recall

    Faulty fuel pumps with a cracking impeller could not deliver enough fuel, which triggered a national recall of several Mazda models.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Mazda dealer to confirm the fuel pump recall work is done. Feel for hesitation or stalling on the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Mazda dealer

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. Clutch shudder

    Clutch shudder is reported on manuals, most obvious moving away on a hill or when cold.

    Where to look
    The clutch, felt through the pedal
    How to test
    Do a hill start from cold and feel for shudder as the clutch bites.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a clutch kit and labour

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. Stop start engine cut

    Check the stop start system does not cut the engine until the car has stopped, because steering and brake assistance can be lost.

    Where to look
    The stop start system, felt as you slow to a stop
    How to test
    Slow gently to a stop at lights and check the engine only cuts once the car is still.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a Mazda workshop can adjust or disable it

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Headlamp covers

    Headlamp covers frost and cut the light output. Cleaning may help, but the only permanent fix is new light units.

    Where to look
    The plastic headlamp lenses
    How to test
    Look at the lenses for a milky haze and check the beam at dusk if you can.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost new headlamp units

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. Bumpers and clips

    Misaligned bumpers and broken clips from minor impacts are a common fault found by an Australian inspection service.

    Where to look
    The front and rear bumpers and their mounting clips
    How to test
    Check the bumper gaps are even on both sides and the bumpers do not move when pressed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost clips and refitting

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Under car shrouds and wheel arch liners

    Loose under car shrouding and dislodged wheel arch liners cause noise.

    Where to look
    The plastic undertray and the liners inside each wheel arch
    How to test
    Look under the front and inside the arches for loose or hanging plastic, and listen for flapping on the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost clips and refitting

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Has the fuel pump recall been done?
  • Is it the 1.3, 1.5 petrol or 1.5 diesel, and manual or auto?
  • Does it have a spare wheel or only a sealant kit?
  • Have the headlamps been replaced?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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