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Buying guide

Mazda Mazda3 BM (2013 to 2019): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Mazda Mazda3 BM was built from 2013 to 2019 as a sedan or hatchback, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol, diesel or hybrid power. Chassis codes: BM5FP, BMEFS, BM2FS, BYEFP and BM5AP. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2013 to 2019
Chassis codes
BM5FP, BMEFS, BM2FS, BYEFP, BM5AP
Body types
Sedan, Hatchback
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid

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 BM (2013 to 2019). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Manual gearbox (early cars)

    Some owners reported hard shifting into some gears and jumping out of 3rd. Mazda had redesigned the gearbox by late 2014.

    Where to look
    The gear lever, and the build date on the compliance plate
    How to test
    Change through every gear and accelerate firmly in 3rd to check it stays in gear.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost gearbox repair

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

  2. Automatic gearbox (early cars)

    A few early cars needed replacement automatic gearboxes, though the problem was not a big one overall.

    Where to look
    The automatic gearbox, felt from the driver seat
    How to test
    Feel for harsh or slipping shifts and delayed engagement into drive and reverse when warm.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a replacement gearbox

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

  3. 2.2 diesel turbo

    Turbos on the diesel could die young, and a recall checked for carbon deposits inside the turbo that could cause engine damage.

    Where to look
    The turbo on the 2.2 diesel, and the recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Mazda dealer to confirm the turbo recall. Listen for whistling and feel for flat spots under boost.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a new turbo

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

  4. Diesel DPF and oil dilution

    Diesel particulate filters clog on cars used for short trips, and extra fuel used to clean the filter can get past the rings and dilute the oil.

    Where to look
    The dipstick on the 2.2 diesel, and the DPF warning light
    How to test
    Check the oil level is not above the full mark and smells of diesel. Ask how the car has been used.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a DPF clean, or engine damage if ignored

    Sources: newcastleherald.com.au (opens in a new tab), autoexpress.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Paint on black and metallic cars

    Some colours faded and peeled more readily, so black and metallic cars deserve a close look.

    Where to look
    The roof, bonnet and boot lid
    How to test
    Look along the upper panels in good light for faded or peeling paint.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost repaint of the affected panels

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

  6. Recalls

    Recalls covered windscreen wipers that could stop working and wiring that affected the reversing camera, and later BN cars a fuel pump that could stop the engine.

    Where to look
    The wipers, the reversing camera and the recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Run the wipers at every speed and check the camera. Ask a Mazda dealer to confirm all recalls are done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Mazda dealer

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

  7. Infotainment

    The odd minor glitch with the infotainment and sat nav is reported, and the system can lag between menus.

    Where to look
    The MZD Connect screen and controller on the centre console
    How to test
    Pair your phone and work through the menus to check the screen responds.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a software update

    Sources: autoexpress.co.uk (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, 2.5 or 2.2 diesel, and manual or auto?
  • Have all recalls been done, including the turbo check on a diesel?
  • Has it mostly done short trips or open road running?
  • Has any paint been redone?

New Zealand notes

  • The Japanese Axela Hybrid uses a Toyota hybrid system and is not covered here.

A BM suits a buyer who wants a well made, good to drive small car and checks the gearbox on early cars and the DPF on diesels.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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