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Buying guide

Mazda Mazda3 BL (2009 to 2013): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Mazda Mazda3 BL was built from 2009 to 2013 as a sedan or hatchback, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis codes: BL5FP, BLEFP and BL3FW. Redline has a curated guide to its 8 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2009 to 2013
Chassis codes
BL5FP, BLEFP, BL3FW
Body types
Sedan, Hatchback
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front 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 Mazda3 and Axela BL (2009 to 2013). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. 2.0 oil use and bore wear

    Early 2.0 petrol engines may burn oil or show bore wear, or have a blocked crankcase breather.

    Where to look
    The oil filler cap on top of the engine, and the dipstick
    How to test
    With the engine warm and idling, loosen the oil cap and rest it over the hole. If it rattles, bounces or smoke comes out, ask for a crankcase pressure test. Check the oil level too.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost engine work if the bores are worn

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  2. Intake manifold shutter

    The shutter inside the plastic variable length intake manifold on the 1.6 and 2.0 petrol can stick or rattle, causing cold misfires and a lumpy idle.

    Where to look
    The plastic intake manifold on the front of the engine
    How to test
    Start from cold and feel for a lumpy idle or misfire, and listen for a rattle from the manifold. Ask for a fault code scan.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a new manifold

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  3. Front suspension bushes and engine mounts

    Thumps and rattles from the front end, sometimes from just 40,000 km, come from worn suspension bushes or early engine mount failure.

    Where to look
    The front lower arm bushes and the engine mounts
    How to test
    Drive over speed bumps and rough road and listen for thumps from the front. Watch the engine rock as you shift between drive and reverse.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost bushes or mounts and labour

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

  4. Rear multi link bushes and front ball joints

    Worn rear multi link bushes cause a twitchy feel, misalignment and clonks over speed bumps, and front ball joints occasionally fail.

    Where to look
    The rear suspension arms, the inside edges of the tyres, and the steering knuckle below each front strut
    How to test
    Look at the inside edges of all 4 tyres for uneven wear. Listen for clonks over speed bumps and rattles from the anti roll bar.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost bushes, arms and an alignment

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Brakes and ABS

    Sticking calipers are common, the discs can squeal and pulse under light braking, and ABS pumps are expensive to replace.

    Where to look
    The calipers and discs behind each wheel, the brake pipes and hoses, and the ABS light on the dash
    How to test
    Check the ABS light comes on and goes out at start up. After the drive, carefully feel each wheel centre for one much hotter than the others, and feel for pulsing through the pedal.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost calipers and discs; an ABS pump costs more

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Underbody rust

    Mazda rust proofing of this era is weak, so underbody corrosion is worth checking.

    Where to look
    The underbody, brake pipes, sills and rear subframe
    How to test
    Look underneath with a torch for flaking metal and rusty brake pipes.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost rust repair and new pipes

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  7. Bumpers, clips and underside

    The long nose and the rear bumper get damaged by parking, bumper clips break, and sills and exhausts get crushed on speed bumps.

    Where to look
    The front and rear bumpers and their clips, the sills and the exhaust under the centre of the car
    How to test
    Check the bumpers sit square with even gaps and the clips hold. Look under the middle of the car for crushed sills and a dented exhaust.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost bumper repairs and paint

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

  8. Hatch strut recall

    Poorly painted hatch struts on the hatchback had to be replaced because corrosion could make them fail.

    Where to look
    The 2 gas struts that hold up the hatch, and the recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Open the hatch and check it stays up on its own. Ask a Mazda dealer to confirm the recall work is done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Mazda dealer

    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

  • Is it the 2.0 or 2.5, and manual or auto?
  • Has the hatch strut recall been done?
  • Have the front bushes or engine mounts been replaced?
  • Does it use oil between services?
  • Is it NZ new or a Japanese import Axela?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ has both NZ new Mazda3s and Japanese import Axelas. Compare the odometer on the export certificate with the dash on imports.

A BL suits a buyer who wants an affordable hatch or sedan that is nice to drive, and checks the front suspension and brakes.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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