Mazda BT-50 Problems

Right now, with the HiLux set for a total replacement in the first half of next year, the Ford and Mazda are the better choices and get The Tick. Ford developed the car but shoppers report better deals on the BT-50.

The claimed fuel consumption for urban driving, which would seem to be what you are doing is 11.8 L/100 km. On that basis your consumption would seem to be too high, but your car is still very new and I would be giving it more time to settle in. You could go for a run out on the highway and see what that produces.

There are plenty of reports of the BT50 gearbox jumping out of fifth gear, but we haven’t seen one of it jumping out of first. It could be wear, although it’s very low kays for wear to be showing up. Take it to a gearbox specialist and have it checked.

The fuel consumption figures you have supplied don't seem to be too far off what Mazda claims it should do. Mazda claims an urban fuel consumption of 11.76 L/100 km, which would appear to be in line with your 11.0 L/100 km, and a combined figure of 8.9 L/100 km, which would seem to be in line with your 8.8 L/100 km. The type of driving has an enormous impact on fuel consumption and I suspect that's the main factor in what you are seeing. If you want to have the vehicle checked take it to a diesel mechanic.

I wouldn't bother contacting Mazda, the car is seven years old and there's no proof that anything was amiss with it from new.

It's a grey area. Mazda is clearly playing hardball with you and it has a way out in that you fitted a non-approved part. The best approach is to go direct to Mazda and plead your case for compensation.

It seems to be a problem with modern common-rail diesels and is related to the injectors. Replacing the injectors is the favoured fix.

No, it only applies to the manual gearbox, which is a completely different 'box to the one in your car.

We have seen a number of reports of the tub cracking on the BT-50 and the Ford Ranger, but we haven't had any reports from owners ourselves. Take a close look at the design of the ARB canopy and then get your Mazda dealer to show you what Mazda does on its approved canopy to avoid the tub cracking issue. Also check to see who actually makes the Mazda canopy, it's likely to be one of the local manufacturers anyway.

Jumping out of fifth gear is a common problem on early BT50s, but a fix was supposed to have been introduced in late 2007. I agree that Mazda should bear at least some of the cost of the repairs so take it to a Mazda dealer and submit a claim.