Mazda "Low Engine Oil Level" and P250F Code. What's the Reason?

If you own a car with an internal combustion engine, you should know that the engine oil level is a crucial thing. And you should religiously check it at least once every 500 miles or weakly to avoid low levels and low pressure in the system. But what if you suddenly see the "Low Engine Oil Level" message in your Mazda?

Low engine oil level message highlights

• Common reasons:low engine oil, oil level sensor issues
• How to fix:check oil level, add 0.5 quarts of oil, take the car in for inspection
• Possible consequences:low oil can cause fatal engine failure
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$500

Mazda 01-012/21 TSB - explaining the basics

When you get the message about the low engine oil level, it's usually backed up by the P250F error code which may mean a low oil level or low oil pressure. It may actually be because of the engine level falling below the MIN mark on the dipstick.

And you will happily learn that Mazda issues the TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) explaining this problem. In short, the bulletin says that the mechanic should make sure that the engine oil level is actually low, top up the oil to the MAX mark on the dipstick as a temporary solution, and explain to the car owner that it's fine, some oil is getting to the combustion chamber and there is nothing to worry about.

So, Mazda basically confirms that there is a problem with the head that makes oil sip into the combustion chamber. And says in the bulletin to top up some oil and that's all! Sounds quite crazy, to tell you the truth.

Everyone was expecting the following bulletin that would command the dealers to change the defective seals or valves and solve the problem permanently. But Mazda keeps thinking it's OK for car owners to just top up oil and keep driving the cars.

The vehicles affected, according to the bulletin, are as follows:

• 2021 Mazda 3;
• 2021 Mazda 6;
• 2021 Mazda CX-5;
• 2021 Mazda CX-9.

All cars should be made before September 2021 and have a 2.5L Turbo gas engine. There is another service bulletin for the low-engine-oil message in Europe for the diesel engine, so I think the problem should get more investigation.

But Mazda thinks it's OK to just top up oil. I would say they just figured out that there is no severe damage to the engine and it can drive the warranty period. What happens after that doesn't bother the company at all.

Engine oil is OK but Mazda says the level is low

When your Mazda with the 2.5L Turbo engine says "Low Engine Oil Level", your first reaction should be to stop the vehicle, give it several minutes to cool down, and then take the dipstick off the engine and see the actual level. You will surprisingly find that the level is not that low. It should be somewhere near the MIN mark on the dipstick.

It's actually good that Mazda warns you that early and tells you to add some engine oil. Volkswagens, for example, tend to light up the oil pressure warning light when it's too late and the level is super low. The engine may have already got a lot of damage up until that time.

But still, it's weird when you see that the level is about halfway to the MIN mark and the P250F code is already there.

No one can explain this problem and I only have a wild guess about it. Most likely, the "Low Engine Oil Level" error message is triggered by the P250F code which may mean problems with the oil pressure. This may mean that the level is OK, but the pressure is not OK because of some other factors.

Here are some of them:

• low-quality oil;
• improper viscosity of engine oil;
• aftermarket oil filter;
• overheated oil or sensor.

So, the message telling you about the low oil level is not always that bad. It may mean that you have some small issue and may easily fix it.

What are the reasons for the "Low Engine Oil Level" message?

Now, it's time to gather all the information and make a list of reasons why your Mazda may show the message about the low engine oil level. Although it may be connected with the head problem that is the manufacturer's mistake, sometimes, the code may just be telling you about some other things that you shouldn't worry much about.

Let's see the most common reasons:

1. Valve seal leak in the engine

This is the core problem that the Mazda TSB is focused on. Given there is no subsequent TSB, Mazda forgot about the problem and didn't care about the drivers with affected cars. But the defective valve seal is still there and it can leak oil into the combustion chamber. If you see no other leaks but the oil level is going down gradually, this is your problem.

It's really important to replace the valve seal if the oil consumption becomes too noticeable (over 1 quart per 1000 miles). Otherwise, you will have issues with the exhaust system that will be obviously contaminated with the soot and other combustion products.

This is not cheap and that's why Mazda decided to not care about the issue. But if you are going to drive the car for a long time, it's recommended to have the seal replaced.

2. High outside temperature

It's been noticed that many Mazda cars have glitchy sensors that can trigger several types of codes. So, the oil pressure sensor is actually one of them and it can throw the P250F code while the oil is OK.

There have been talks about that in forums and people think that the code is triggered by the oil that becomes thinner in hot temperatures. But I believe it's about the sensor glitch because the 5w30 oil that's recommended for the 2.5T engine in Mazda shouldn't become any thinner even at very high temperatures.

If this is your case, just ignore the problem and it will disappear the next time you start the car or as soon as the temperature goes down.

3. Improper oil or filter

It's extremely important to use only the oil that Mazda recommends for your engine. I've heard about the cases when dealers recommended 0w20 oil for 2.5T and they also sold conventional oil to their customers rather than synthetic. This is ridiculous - not a single modern engine is made to work with conventional oil in it. If you encounter this, immediately call Mazda USA and find another dealer if possible.

Thin oil or just low-quality oil may cause this problem. It's important to use the needed type of oil and you better choose Mazda OEM oil to avoid issues.

Also, it's important for the 2.5L Skyactiv Turbo to use the OEM oil filter. It's specially designed for these engines and will ensure the needed oil pressure in all conditions.

4. Oil leaks or turbo problems

If everything else is good in your engine but you still regularly see low oil levels, you should check the engine for leaks. Maybe, some gasket is not OK and leaks some oil. But the most common reason is the broken turbocharger. If the seals in the turbo aren't feeling well, the oil will leak into the turbocharger and then directly into the combustion chamber.

Inspecting the turbocharger is not that easy, so you better let professionals do this job. If you spot problems with your turbo, it's important to have it repaired by the dealer unless the warranty for your Mazda is over or voided.

Your steps when you see "Low Engine Oil Level" in Mazda

It's important to act quickly and correctly whenever you see this message in your Mazda. No matter if you know the reasons or not, you should stop the car once it's safe to do so. Turn off the engine to avoid issues with low oil pressure and engine damage.

Here's what you should do next:

• let the engine sit for 5-10 minutes to let the oil go down to the pan;
• take the dipstick out and wipe it with a clean tissue;
• insert the dipstick back into the engine and then take it out again;
• check the level at the end of the dipstick;
• it should be between the MAX mark and the middle of the measuring area;
• if there is not enough oil, add oil and then you may keep driving.

Also, if this happens often to your Mazda, don't ignore the problem. Most likely, you have issues with the valves or the turbo and the engine needs urgent repairs. Another important tip - you should have a quart of engine oil with you at all times - just put it in the spare tire compartment.

Final thoughts

It's important to make sure that your Mazda engine gets lubricated well. Otherwise, the powerful and up-to-date machine will just die and require replacement which will obviously leave a scar on your budget.

Be careful with any warnings that take oil into account. You may also go to the dealership. This article was written in September 2023. Maybe, Mazda will come up with another bulletin in the future (which I doubt a lot) and you will get free valve seal replacement or some other cure for free.

If you want to share your experience or ask a question, just write in the comments below!