Mazda Demio Common Problems And Solutions

Mazda Demio, also known as Mazda 2, is a subcompact vehicle that’s highly favored for its reliability. If you plan to buy a used Demio or already have one, then you should be aware of common problems associated with this vehicle and how to address them.

Mazda Demio common problems include:

• Automatic transmission problems
• Electrical problems
• Fuel system troubles
• Suspension system issues
• Steering clunking noise
• Rust and corrosion
• Engine performance issues
• Malfunctioning radio

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the frequently reported problems with Mazda Demio. We’ll also look at solutions to consider for each of these problems and other helpful info like Mazda Demio years to avoid and Mazda Demio reliability.

Mazda Demio common problems

The most common problems reported by Mazda Demio owners are listed below:

Mazda Demio automatic transmission problems

One of the frequently reported issues in Mazda Demio is troubles with the transmission.

Many owners have reported experiencing issues with their tranny system such as slipping between gears and difficulty changing gears. This can make the car lose power and even come to an abrupt stop.

Other owners have reported hearing whining or grinding noises coming from their transmission systems.

Such transmission troubles usually arise from a variety of factors like faulty solenoids, worn-out gears, or even low transmission fluid levels.

If you notice your Mazda Demio experiencing transmission-related issues, we vase you to have it checked by a professional Mazda technician as soon as possible. This will help prevent further damage to your car.

Regularly maintaining your tranny system, including frequent inspection and fluid changes as recommended by the manufacturer can help prevent most of these problems from occurring.

Electrical problems

A handful of Mazda Demio owners have also reported issues with the electrical system.

One of the most common issues is a malfunctioning alternator. This can cause the battery to drain, leaving your car with no power and leading to an engine stall.

Other electrical problems reported by Mazda Demio owners include failing battery sensors, faulty starter motor, and electrical wiring issues.

Note that electrical system-related issues could be frustrating for you to deal with, so you may want to get a professional to handle them for you.

We also advise you to perform regular maintenance of your Demio’s electrical system to keep off potential electric problems.

This includes checking your car battery voltage, inspecting your wiring for tear and wear, checking that all the connections are secure, and so on.

Fuel system troubles

Mazda Demio owners of different model years have also reported their cars experiencing fuel system-related issues.

One of the most common problems involves the fuel pump. Some owners have complained about the pump failing prematurely and thus making the engine stall or fail to start at all.

In some cases, the owners were forced to replace their fuel pump, which isn’t a cheap fix.

Another common problem with Demio’s fuel system is the fuel tank. According to the owners’ complaints, the tank tends to develop leaks that then make fuel leak to the ground.

This can be a serious safety issue and you’ll need to replace your fuel tank immediately.

Some Mazda Demio owners have also reported issues with their vehicle fuel injectors. This can make the engine stall, run rough, or fail to start at all. In some cases, the owners had to replace the injectors, which is also an expensive repair.

Regularly inspecting your Demio fuel system can help identify and prevent most of these issues before they develop into more significant problems.

Problems with the suspension

Mazda Demios also have their fair share of suspension problems. These are usually associated with the rattling noise you may be getting from your Demio.

One of the most common suspension issues in these vehicles is worn-out suspension bushings. These bushings are responsible for absorbing vibration and shocks on the road to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

However, they may crack and wear—resulting in unstable handling and bumpy rides.

Suspension struts or shock absorber failure is another common suspension issue in these vehicles. This usually causes a significant increase in body roll and makes your car difficult to control. It also reduces your overall ride comfort quality.

Failed shock absorbers may also start leaking oil which can lead to further damage to your vehicle suspension components.

Many owners have also complained about suspension ball joint damage. The work of these joints is to connect control arms to the steering knuckles. Thus, if they are damaged, they may make your car feel unstable, especially when making turns. They may also lead to loss of steering control.

Other owners have had issues with the car stabilizer bars or sway bars. These bars are tasked with improving your vehicle’s handling by connecting the suspension on the sides of your car.

When the bars get broken or damaged, they may make your vehicle sway excessively, especially when making turns, leading to loss of control and even accidents.

Steering clunking issues

The steering producing some clunking noise seems to be a widespread problem in these vehicles going by the number of complaints on the Car Problem Zoo page.

Some owners complain that the steering clunks when they turn left or right, or at low speeds. The sound usually comes from the driver’s side, under the dash.

This issue affects different Demio model years including the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 models.

One of the owners took his car to a Mazda dealership who diagnosed it and found the problem to be bad steering gear. The dealer advised him that the car was unsafe to drive.

When we dug more into this issue, we discovered that a recall was issued by Mazda back in 2016. The recall details state that if the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it causes loss of steering control and increases the risk of a crash.

To diagnose the steering clunking issue in your Demio, we advise you to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified Mazda mechanic. They’ll perform a thorough diagnosis of the suspension and steering components.

This will help identify the root cause of steering noise and then recommend the necessary repairs.

Rust issues

Rust is also a common problem in Mazda Demio vehicles, especially the older models. However, this isn’t to say that the recent models are completely rust-free.

The problem is more likely to affect vehicles that are used in rust belts or high-humidity areas with lots of road salts. The issue usually affects the wheel wells, undercarriage, rocker panels, pinch welds, etc.

For instance, this owner of a 2013 Mazda Demio explains that the underneath has a fair amount of surface rust

Rust is a killer in vehicles and Demio isn’t an exception. Besides making your vehicle look unsightly, it can affect your vehicle’s structural integrity, leading to safety risks.

To minimize rust issues in your Mazda Demio, we advise you to put in place various preventive measures in addition to following regular maintenance of your vehicle.

Be sure to wash your vehicle regularly, fix any chips or scratches in your vehicle paint, and apply protective coatings.

We also advise you to store your vehicle in a covered area or garage where it’s safe from elements.

Engine performance issues

Engine problems are also common in Mazda Demios. The most common issues include difficulty starting the engine, stalling, and rough idling.

These problems can arise from a variety of factors such as clogged air filters, faulty ignition systems, or dirty fuel injectors.

If you notice that your engine isn’t running smoothly or is producing excessive noise, you may want to have it checked by a qualified mechanic to avoid further damage.

Many vehicle owners also complain about the engine overheating. The potential causes for this issue include a damaged radiator, malfunctioning thermostat, cooling system leaks, etc.

As you may already know, overheating can lead to significant damage to your engine if not addressed on time, so we advise you to have it checked immediately.

Regularly inspecting and flushing the cooling system can help prevent overheating problems in your Demio.

Some Mazda Demio owners have also reported oil leaks in their vehicles. Unfortunately, these can also lead to significant engine damage if not addressed.

Potential culprits behind oil leaks include damaged oil pan, worn-out gaskets or seals, or cracked engine block.

We advise you to perform regular maintenance and oil changes. This can help prevent oil leaks in your vehicle and help you detect them as early as possible and fix them before they occur.

Malfunctioning radio

Mazda Demio radios are notorious for cutting out. From the complaints of the vehicle owners, this problem tends to catch up with vehicles when they hit the 100k miles mark.

The reason behind the radio dying could be due to a blown fuse in the wiring harness or a short circuit.

If your radio goes out, you can use a voltmeter to check for odd readings along the wiring harness. This will help you determine which areas require new wires.

If you have a blown fuse, then you will need to replace it with a new one having the same rating as the old one.

If you’re interested in exploring common problems in Mazda vehicles, you may also want to check out our articles on Mazda RX-8 common problems and Mazda Protege common problems. These resources provide valuable insights into issues faced by Mazda vehicle owners.

Conclusion

While the Mazda Demio is regarded as a reliable car, it’s not without its list of common issues. As the owner of this vehicle, you should be aware of potential issues like rust concerns, engine performance problems, suspension and steering issues, malfunctioning radio, fuel system problems, transmission troubles, and electrical system issues.

When faced with any of these issues in your Demio, we advise you to consider addressing them on time to avoid further damage to your vehicle. This will ensure your vehicle serves you reliably for years to come. Remember, proper care and regular maintenance of your vehicle can help prevent most of these issues from occurring in your vehicle.