Mazda 2.5 Turbo Engine Problems – Failing Turbocharger Symptoms

Very rarely do single cars combine finesse, high performance, speed, and cost-efficiency. You most likely have to settle for some of these qualities and forego the rest. Mazda 2.5 Turbo engine-equipped cars/SUVs offer you all of these and more on a platter of gold. 

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years: 2013-now
• Average lifespan of PY-VPS (VPTS):210,000-240,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:185-250 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:oil consumption, complicated fuel-supply system, drive belt problems, electronic thermostat issues.

Mazda 2.5 Turbo Engine Specs Uniqueness

Mazda 2.5 Turbo engine is Mazda's response to most of the problems associated with turbo engines. Since its introduction in the 2016 Mazda CX-9, this Skyactiv-G engine has never looked back. Unlike the other turbo engines on the market, this turbocharged engine is not seeking the highest possible power. Thus, the legion of side effects found in other turbocharged cars is absent.

Below is a table that captures the most outstanding features of this engine.

Mazda Turbo Engine Failing Turbocharger Symptoms

A couple of mechanical and electronic problems may have similar symptoms. Most of the symptoms of a failing turbocharger fall in this category, and that's why we must get more specific about Mazda 2.5 Turbo engine failing turbocharger symptoms. 

• Reduced Performance in Acceleration

The most outstanding performance expectancy of the Mazda 2.5 Turbo engine is extra accelerated speed. After all, that's what a turbocharger is all about. Thus, once you notice that it takes your car longer than before to attain top speeds, suspect a failing turbocharger. 

Of course, other problems can cause this, but most of those will manifest differently. Your car either starts to jerk or refuses to move, even when already at the top gears. However, a blown turbocharger takes away the swiftness of a change in packs.

The result is that your car suddenly loses its turbo capabilities, and it becomes impossible for it to move from the low gears to the high gears within seconds in what has become its distinctive trademark.   

• Greyish Blue Exhaust Smoke

A broken turbocharger may not present any other symptoms other than the emission of smoke, and this is because oil is getting into the turbo through a broken seal or valve. Besides this thick smoke from the exhaust pipe, you will also notice that your car starts consuming more oil than usual. Sorry, it is your oil burning within the turbocharger that is producing the thick smoke you see. 

It is better to take action at this point to save the engine from developing severe complications. Some of these complications can wreck the engine. 

• Check Engine Light

When your car's 'check engine light comes on, it does because of a problem with the engine. It could be anything from extreme mechanical situations to mild ones. Therefore, it could also be a failing turbo that triggers this light. 

While this is not straightforward, it is a possible indication of a faulty turbo. Car designers built this light to give you a heads-up to detect faults in good and arrest the situation before it gets out of hand.  

• Boost Gauge Failure

Mazda 2.5 Turbo Engine is built to put out torque as much as 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm. That's nothing less than 17.4 psi of extra boost per RPM. 

However, there are no cut-and-dry performance indicators to know if your turbo is performing up to standard. Thus, some car owners install a boost gauge to monitor how the engine is doing.

When a healthy boost gauge fails to read, it indicates the turbo has lost its prowess. If you act fast and get the car to the mechanics in time, you may still be able to rescue the turbo.    

• Oil in the Turbo

As is the case when you have greyish smoke from the engine, a broken valve or seal means the oil can easily find its way into where it should not be. One of those places is inside the turbocharger.

Sighting oil inside the turbo should be a severe concern for you. And it is not just because the engine will start consuming excessive oil alone; it can also lead to severe complications. 

So, even when it appears the turbocharger is still performing maximally, you should take the presence of oil in the turbo as a sign of a failing turbocharger.

Other Mazda Turbo Engine Problems

Does Mazda Turbo engine have other known problems besides failing turbocharger? The correct response is: 'there is nothing out of the ordinary.' Even its failing turbocharger problem is primarily due to wear and tear. 

Yet, we'll let you into a few complaints we got from owners of cars that run Mazda 2.5 Turbo engine. 

• Visible Vibration/Failing Coils When Hot

Some drivers have reported a visibly vibrating engine when it is scorching, and this is likely directly connected to the over 15% more torque the engine generates. With an increased pressure ratio, the temperature and pressure rise within the cylinder as the pistons do extra work. 

Failed coils may be responsible for this vibration. The high voltage coils in the turbo should absorb any fall out of high temperature if they work fine. 

So, you may want to replace these coils and see whether the problem persists or is solved.     

• Persistent Power loss that causes increased fuel consumption

Another likely problem is increased fuel consumption stemming from power loss. In most cases, the fuel injectors are the culprit here, and you might have brought it upon yourself if you have been using low-quality fuel.

Mazda 2.5 Turbo Engine performs best when you use 93-octane gas. Aside from its 250 horsepower and 320 lb torque, the engine also processes the gas without residuals. Low-quality gas can cause clogs and an inconsistent fuel supply to the cylinders. This usually results in persistent loss of power due to the engine being starved of the fuel-air mixture. Ironically, it also means your engine uses more fuel than it needs.  

• Insufficient oil pressure 

There is also the problem of insufficient oil. The engine's short oil pressure alarm suddenly goes on while the car is in motion. 

This is a scenario that can appear scary, but the truth is you don't have to panic. Just stop the car and check the oil level. If the oil is acutely low, add more oil. Remember, you need to know what causes the oil to be short, but that's a later concern. 

If you are lucky, the alarm will stop immediately after you have topped the oil. Otherwise, you will need to visit a certified technician. 

• Perceivable Background Noise from the Engine

An extended timing chain can cause strange sounds from the engine. If you are sensitive enough, you can tell when there is a rustling or whining sound. If extended, it means this chain can break or jump at any time. Also, it means it may be rubbing some other parts and wearing off those parts. 

Neither of these is a welcomed development. Therefore, replacing a faulty timing chain should be a top priority.

Conclusion

Mazda 2.5 Turbo engine failing turbocharger may present a few different symptoms, but those mentioned above are the most likely ones for now.

Being relatively new on the market, this engine is still being observed. But in the meantime, it's enjoying praise from most users. Though we hope this continues forever, we are compelled by duty to keep an open mind as the observations continue.

It is not a must that the problem, if any, is turbocharger-related. It could well be some other components of the engine.