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Top issues
3 known problems · 2 high
high
EGR cooler internal coolant leak
high
6-speed auto torque converter shudder
medium
Turbo VGT vane sticking
Recalls
2 on recordREC-000883
2018-11-21
Defect: A locating tab inside one or more side door latches may break.
Hazard: The door may not close properly, or may unlatch while driving, which could cause an accident or injury.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Mazda dealer for revised door latches to be installed, free of charge.
Affected: 47,990 units, BT-50 2011-2016
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29
REC-000869
2017-02-21
Defect: An intermittent Output Shaft Speed Sensor failure may result in an unintended downshift into first gear.
Remedy: Contact your preferred Mazda dealer for inspection and repair, free of charge.
Affected: 5,204 units, BT-50 2011-2012
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29
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Generations
Best and worst years for the Mazda BT-50 →
Before: Mazda BT-50 UN (2006-2011) →
After: Mazda BT-50 TF (2020-2026) →
Price (AUD)
$18-35k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Australia
Built in
Thailand
Overview
Twin of the Ford Ranger PX with identical mechanicals — same 3.2L P5AT Duratorq, same ZF 6R80 6-speed auto, same EGR cooler issues. The polarising "smiley" front end on the early UR hurt resale and kept used prices well below the equivalent Ranger. Less popular = less worn = potentially better-condition examples for the money if you can live with the styling. Slightly nicer interior trim than the contemporary Ranger.
Engines & variants
3.2L P5AT (5-cylinder Duratorq turbo diesel)
Engine
Ford-shared
Engine code
Config
I5 turbo
Displacement
3.2L
Power
147kW
Torque
470Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.4s
Economy
~9.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 6AT (ZF 6R80)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 150,000km
Pros
- Identical mechanicals to Ranger PX - cheaper
- Slightly nicer interior trim
- Same parts supply
- Less popular = less worn examples
Cons
- Same Ford 3.2 faults as Ranger
- Polarising "smiley" grille on early UR
- Weaker resale than Ranger
Known problems
high
EGR cooler internal coolant leak
Identical to Ranger PX. EGR cooler will fail.
Fix: EGR cooler replacement or bypass.
high
6-speed auto torque converter shudder
Same ZF 6R80 issues. Transmission overheating when towing without aux cooler.
Fix: Mandatory external trans cooler. Fresh fluid every 60k.
medium
Turbo VGT vane sticking
Same as Ranger.
Fix: VGT clean or replacement.