100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

KrisWin19

2016 Mazda CX3 Diesel Emitting Black Smoke and Losing Power: Potential DPF Issues

Loss of engine power

|

Check engine light on

|

Black smoke from exhaust on acceleration

|

DPF regeneration failure

|

Strong exhaust smell

Hey! I've got a 2016 Mazda CX3 Diesel, clocking in around 120k KM. Recently, it's been giving off black smoke every time I step on it, and the check engine light's popped on. Feels way less powerful than usual, serious exhaust odor, and the DPF regeneration bits seem to have gone belly-up. I'm suspecting the particulate filter's efficiency has taken a nosedive, but wanted some second opinions before I brave another mechanic appointment. Did anyone have similar issues and how did it go at your mechanic? Appreciate the help!

4 comment(s)


MarHuber

Hey! I reckon you hit the nail on the head about the symptoms. Had something like this going on with my 2013 Mazda CX5 Diesel. Had similar issues where it started giving more black smoke than usual and the engine performance dipped - felt like the car suddenly aged 20 years, no kidding. Took it to the garage and they said it was indeed the DPF failing to regenerate. To my relief, it wasn't a serious engine issue, but it did require some work. Besides the standard DPF cleaning, the garage crew had to reset the ECU to help it adapt to a clean filter, and then they changed the DPF sensor. Since then the ol' Mazda's been up and running with no further complaints. So looks like you're on the right track identifying the problem with your Mazda diesel. And don't stress too much, chances are it'll be sorted more easily than you think. Good luck!

KrisWin19 (Author)

Hey, thanks for the swift reply! Your situation sounds pretty much like mine - no pep in the engine's step and transforming my lovely Mazda into a smoke machine. Glad to hear it's nothing major and possibly just an ornery DPF. By the way, do you remember how much you had to fork over for the fixes? Also, has anything else cropped up since? The last thing I want is to get stuck in a cycle of garage visits. Cheers for the help!

MarHuber

Hey there, happy to be of help! Yeah, dealing with a murky Mazda is no fun. As for the costs, fixing the DPF set me back a cool 1550.00 €. Gives you a bit of a sting, but trust me, it's worth it. We're talking about the Diesel particles being defective because this baby has covered a lot of ground, right? So, it's sort of expected. And your last question - since I saw the mechanic, everything's been running smooth. The particulate filter isn't giving me any more grief, no more pesky 'efficiency too low' warning. So, it seems like my CX5 diesel has gotten its mojo back. I believe it's all sorted for now. Fingers crossed, you have the same luck with your ride. Cheers!

KrisWin19 (Author)

Appreciate the reply! I tell ya, the mention of that cost made my wallet cringe a bit, but I guess it's a small price to pay for making sure my Mazda keeps running smoothly. Cheers for putting my mind at ease that there hasn't been a DPF repeat performance on your end; gives me some hope that once this is done, it's done. I'll get my CX3 Diesel in for the needed fixes and hope for the best. Thank you for the helpful info and crossing my fingers that my visit to the mechanic goes as smoothly as yours. Peace out!

Let our mechanics help you!

Car Brands
carly-logo

© 2025 Carly Solutions GmbH & Co. KG. All rights reserved