Mazda BT 50 Common Problems
So you’re thinking of buying a used Mazda BT-50? But you’re not sure what to look for or what common problems are associated with this vehicle? If that’s you, we’re going to help you out in this guide. We have researched this Mazda pickup’s most frequently reported issues and found helpful insights that we’re going to share with you below.
Mazda BT-50 common problems include:
- Clutch problems
- suspension problems
- Steering wheel issues
- Brake system problems
- Gearbox issues
- Electrical problems
- Faulty seats
- Engine problems
This article will take a more in-depth look at each of these BT50 common faults. We will discuss the key symptoms and potential culprits as well as the best solution to consider in each case.
Mazda BT-50 common problems
Below is our list of the most common problems reported by Mazda BT-50 owners. Keep in mind that these problems aren’t standard across all BT50s and depend on the vehicle model year and generation.
Clutch problems
The BT50 models with automatic transmission have many reported cases of clutch problems. This is due to their dual mass flywheel, which results in accelerated clutch wear.
Some of the common signs of clutch wear symptoms to look out for include difficulty shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, shuddering when trying to accelerate from rest, and a pulsating effect through your clutch pedal.
Some drivers also experience whining noise caused by the transmission as a result of worn clutch release bearing.
In some cases, the drivers experience the clutch slipping and causing poor acceleration and reduced power.
When the clutch develops issues, the best solution is to replace it with a new one. You may want to have a professional mechanic examine your clutch system to find out what issues it’s facing and then recommend the best fix.
Mazda BT-50 suspension problems
Mazda BT50 also experiences suspension problems as reported by the vehicle owners. The problem involves the suspension components such as struts, springs, and shocks.
These can lead to rough rides, uneven tire wear, and poor handling.
Some drivers have also reported having problems with the shock absorbers, which usually lead to reduced stability during driving and bumpy rides.
You should address suspension problems in your Mazda pickup as soon as possible to ensure continued quality ride experience, handling, and road safety.
Have your vehicle diagnosed by a professional so they can easily find the specific issue with your suspension and recommend the appropriate repairs/replacements.
Steering wheel issues
The BT50 intermediate steering wheel shaft weld may be defective and the steering column has a tendency to detach from the steering gear. These are serious issues that could make you easily lose control of your vehicle and even cause a collision.
Some vehicle owners have also complained about the steering wheel vibration when driving at high speeds. This has been attributed to faulty steering wheel damper or issues with the steering components.
Brake system problems
The Mazda BT50 pickup trucks are also prone to brake-related issues involving the rotors, pads, and calipers. These tend to cause noise when you apply brakes and affect the braking performance.
The model years 2016 to 2018 in particular have been reported to experience issues with their front brake calipers and hoses –an issue that affects over 30,505 vehicles.
Front brake caliper cracking or the front brake hose failure could cause brake fluid loss. Tus will then cause increased brake pedal travel and increase the stopping distance.
Many drivers have also complained about the brake pedal going all the way down to the floor. This issue is usually caused by a bad master cylinder, bad horseshoes (for brakes equipped with rear drums), leaking brakes, bad brake fluid, or faulty wheel bearings.
Gearbox issues
The BT50s transmission system is also not without its fair share of problems. One such common issue involves intermittent failure of the out shaft speed sensor which results in unintended shifting into the first gear.
If this issue catches up with your vehicle when driving, it may cause an instant reduction of the wheel speed. The result would be rear tires sliding or locking up until your vehicle slows down. This will result in loss of control of your vehicle.
Other BT50 owners have also complained about encountering other automatic transmission system issues such as delayed shifting, slipping, harsh shifting, and encountering difficulties while engaging the gears.
For manual transmission vehicles, most owners complain about the gearshift cable failing to fully engage or the gearshift cables moving out of position and contacting the propeller.
The continued contact between these two components may lead to damage to both of them and give you a hard time trying to change gears.
You can help mitigate clutch-related issues in your truck by following the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule.
Besides, avoid aggressive driving habits that may cause clutch wear, and having any clutch system issues fixed by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Electrical problems
The Mazda BT-50 may also develop electrical issues over time. The problems can be quite frustrating and may even affect the vehicle’s performance, so we advise you to diagnose and fix them promptly.
Some of the commonly reported electrical issues in these pickup trucks include bad battery, faulty alternator, malfunctioning starter motor, faulty ignition switch, electrical wiring issues, and even blown fuses.
Regular maintenance that includes electrical system inspections and promptly addressing any electrical issues in your truck can help prevent significant issues in your vehicle.
If your vehicle is having electrical issues, have it inspected and repaired by an experienced auto technician.
Faulty Seats
Many drivers also reported having problems with the rear seatback. The issue is that the setback won’t fit correctly and this would cause it to fall forward, putting the vehicle occupants in danger.
Mazda made a recall for some of their BT-50 models due to this issue. The recall statement read that the return spring for the rear folding seatback latch has a tendency to break and make the seatback mechanism malfunction.
Engine problems
The Mazda BT-50 pickup truck engine is faced with a variety of engine issues as is evident from frequent complaints from the vehicle owners.
One such issue involves the engine stalling or hesitating during acceleration. This may be attributed to different factors such as a faulty battery, bad fuel injector, or damaged engine control module.
Another common problem involves knocking, vibration, or whining noise coming from the engine. According to most of the vehicle owners, the root cause behind this issue turned out to be worn-out transmission or engine mounts.
Worn-out wheel bearings or faulty timing tensioners may also be to blame for the knocking noise from the engine.
Lack of power was also a common problem in some BT50 model years. This could be caused by issues with the fuel system or air intake.
The issue could be a faulty fuel pump, clogged air or fuel filter, or a faulty oxygen sensor. Inspecting and replacing the filters and sensors as necessary can help solve this problem.
Mazda BT-50 problems by the engine type:
Vehicle owners whose pickups had the Mazda BT-50 2.2L engine complained about the turbocharger failing or malfunctioning. This causes reduced power and affects acceleration. It also leads to poor fuel efficiency.
Many BT50 owners also complained about fuel injector-related issues, cooling system malfunctioning due to a faulty radiator leading to overheating engine and even engine failure, and issues with the water pump which resulted in coolant leaks.
Many drivers whose trucks have the Mazda BT-50 3.2L 5-cylinder diesel engine complained about a problematic EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve.
This valve is tasked with circulating some of the engine’s exhaust gasses back into the combustion chamber as a way of controlling emissions.
Over time, this EGR valve may become clogged due to carbon buildup. This results in increased emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, and poor engine performance.
This engine is also prone to timing chain-related problems. To be specific, the timing chain tends to stretch over time, leading to poor performance and even engine damage in some cases.
The Mazda BT-50 2.5L Petrol engine was plagued by poor fuel economy. Many vehicle owners’ reports seem to agree with the fact that this engine consumes plenty of fuel compared to other petrol engines of the same size.
The engine is also prone to power loss and engine hesitation. This is attributed to issues like clogged fuel injectors, faulty ignition system, or malfunctioning engine sensor.
Other reported issues with this engine include oil leaks and cooling system issues.
Mazda BT-50 2.2 & 3.2-liter turbo diesel engines came with their EGR cooler situated at the rear part of the engine. The cooler consists of two lines entering it to help cool the exhaust gasses inside the EGR system.
Unfortunately, this cooler tends to split. In doing so, it allows the coolant to leak out and causes engine overheating as well as head gasket failure.
Some vehicle owners reported the coolant finding its way into the exhaust manifold or the cylinders combustion chambers and causing cracked cylinder heads or bent connecting rods.
If you’re a Mazda BT-50 owner dealing with common problems, you might also want to explore the prevalent issues faced by other Mazda models. Our articles on Mazda MPV common problems and Mazda MX5 common problems can provide you with valuable insights into the challenges experienced by fellow Mazda enthusiasts.Conclusion
Despite being a durable and versatile pickup, the Mazda BT50 isn’t 100% perfect. Just like any other vehicle, it has its fair share of problems. The most frequently reported issues by pickup truck owners include engine problems, brake issues, steering wheel problems, suspension problems, and heater malfunctioning. However, these problems may vary depending on the vehicle model year and generation.
When buying a used BT50, you should have a qualified mechanic carry out an inspection for these issues to ensure you get a problem-free vehicle. Now that you’ve read this guide, you should be able to tell when your Mazda truck is facing any of these problems and what steps to take to solve the problem. Regular maintenance and check-ups of your Mazda BT50 can go a long way in preventing most of these problems.
