Mazda 3 Transmissions: Overview, Problems, Fluids

Mazda 3 is an exciting combination of affordability, feel-good interior, fun-to-drive, and versatility. At the same time, it offers sporty handling. Probably for the given reasons, we can say that a driving enthusiast and Mazda 3 go with each other like peanut butter and jelly. Today we will share our extensive research with you on transmissions that go inside Mazda 3. So, let’s kick off our brief journey.

Between 2004 and 2009, the Mazda 3 has a 4- or 5-speed automatic and 5- or 6-speed manual transmission. The 2009-2013 Mazda 3 has 4-, 5-, 6-speed automatic, 5- or 6-speed manual, and CVT. Meanwhile, the 2013-2018 generation has a 4- or 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual, and E-CVT. The fourth-generation has a 6-speed automatic and manual transmission.

Nevertheless, it is vital to highlight that things are not as simple as elaborated above. It is essential to understand that Mazda 3 has evolved throughout its four generations. Curiously enough, it has included several different models of automatic and manual transmissions. Along the line, we will discuss them in light of how long these transmissions last and the eventual cost to replace them. Moreover, we will see common problems that drivers face with each type of transmission. So, here we get going.

Also read: What’s The Towing Capacity Of A Mazda 3?

What Transmissions Has The Mazda 3 Used?

Here we define different transmissions that went inside Mazda 3 throughout its four generations.

First Generation (2004-2009)

• 5-speed manual
• 6-speed B2C2-B / RF7J manual
• 4-speed Ford 4F27E / Mazda FN4A-EL automatic
• 5-speed automatic

Second Generation (2009-2013)

• 5-speed G35M-R manual
• 6-speed G66M-R manual
• 4-speed Ford 4F27E / Mazda FN4A-EL automatic
• 5-speed Ford FNR5 / Mazda FS5A-EL automatic
• 6-speed Aisin AWTF-80 SC automatic
• CVT

Third Generation (2013-2018)

• 4-speed automatic
• 6-speed Skyactiv-MT manual
• 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic
• E-CVT

Fourth Generation (2019-Present)

• 6-speed Skyactiv-MT manual
• 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic

How Long Does A Mazda 3 Transmission Last?

The transmission would most likely last up to 200,000 – 230,000 miles, provided that you regularly service your Mazda 3. However, it is not the end of the story. It largely depends on the kind of transmission that goes inside your car. Ultimately, it determines the fate of the lifetime. For at least 10 to 15 years, your transmission should go well, provided that you drive 15,000 miles annually.

How Much Does A Mazda 3 Transmission Cost?

It is natural to worry about the transmission cost, given that you are making up your mind to change the transmission of your Mazda 3. For your ease, we have provided prices for different transmissions that the vehicle has incorporated during its evolution so far.

• 6-speed B2C2-B / RF7J manual: $136 (eBay)
• 4-speed Ford 4F27E / Mazda FN4A-EL automatic: $1,375 (eBay)
• 5-speed G35M-R manual: $200 (PicClick)
• 6-speed G66M-R manual: $2,317.99 (GoPowerTrain)
• 5-speed Ford FNR5 / Mazda FS5A-EL automatic: $1,595 (SPPrecision)
• 6-speed Aisin AWTF-80 SC automatic: $2,195 (SPPrecision)

Also read: The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Mazda 3

Common Mazda 3 Transmission Problems

Here we outline a few common problems concerning transmissions that Mazda 3 drivers face during driving.

B2C2-B / RF7J

• Drivers of Mazda 3 B2C2-B / RF7J transmissionoccasionally face trouble shifting gear from firth to six.
• There is also a complaint of unusual squishing sound when gear shifts into or out of second gear. Strangely, the sound does not seem like gear scrapping. Instead, it sounds more fluid.

4F27E / Mazda FN4A-EL

• Friction components of reverse packages and overdrive rapidly burn.
• Swiftly burning of these elements is concerned with the design peculiarities of these kinds of gearboxes.
• Burning of these friction elements happens because oil leaks from the Teflon ring and drum seating position on the rear cover support deteriorates.

G35M-R

• Drivers of Mazda 3 with G35M-R transmission go through transmission oil leaking on some occasions.
• Moreover, they sometimes confront transmission, jump out of gear into neutral.
• The drivers have also experienced hearing odd sounds, such as whirring, squealing, thumping, bumping.

G66M-R

• Mazda 3 drivers with G66M-R transmission on rare occasions face difficulty shifting gears.
• There are also complaints from some drivers of a car getting stuck in one gear.
• A vehicle sometimes makes odd noises, such as whirring and thumping.

Ford FNR5 / Mazda FS5A-EL

• Drivers feel shaking, grinding, or slipping sensations as the car switches gears when the transmission begins to have problems.
• The transmission of a car does not entirely engage when a driver puts it in drive or reverse.
• The transmission signals trouble when it produces sounds like whining, humming, or clunking.

Aisin AWTF-80 SC

• When there is something to be worried about transmission, drivers can sense a burning smell.
• Cars with the given transmission, on some occasions, slip out of gear.
• Drivers also face a leak problem. When they see that they are low on transmission fluid, it is usually indicative of it.

CVT

• When the Mazda 3 shifts gears, transmission slipping, jerking, grinding, or jumping happens during acceleration.
• When driving, drivers face noise issues with a rattling or clanging sound.
• Some drivers also complain of overheating.
• Contaminated or low transmission fluid.
• Gears change at high RPM.

Also read: The Complete Cost Of Maintaining A Mazda

Differences Between Transmissions

The B2C2-B / RF7J is a 6-speed manual. The vehicle transmission system requires the driver to select the gears manually by operating a clutch and gear stick. The given transmission primarily went inside the first generation of Mazda 3.

4F27E / Mazda FN4A-EL is a 4-speed automatic. The vehicle does not need the drive input to change forward gears under usual driving conditions. It also went inside the first generation and second generation of Mazda 3. It is intended to deal with a maximum of 270 ft⋅lbf of torque.

G35M-R is a 5-speed manual in which the vehicle transmission system requires the driver to select the gears manually by operating a clutch and gear stick. The given transmission primarily went inside the second generation of Mazda 3.

G66M-R is a 6-speed manual in which the vehicle transmission system requires the driver to select the gears manually by operating a clutch and gear stick. The given transmission primarily went inside the second generation of Mazda 3.

Ford FNR5 / Mazda FS5A-EL is a 5-speed automatic. The vehicle does not need the drive input to change forward gears under usual driving conditions. It went inside the second-generation Mazda 3. It is intended to deal with a maximum of 250 ft⋅lbf of torque.

Aisin AWTF-80 SC is a 6-speed automatic. The vehicle does not need the drive input to change forward gears under usual driving conditions. It went inside the second-generation Mazda 3. It is intended to deal with a maximum of 331.9 ft⋅lbf of torque.

Also read: The Absolute Best Year Of The Mazda 3

Transmission Fluids And The Mazda 3

It is fundamental to significant consideration of your car when you want it to function smoothly and last long. When it comes to transmission fluid, different car manufacturers recommend changing it every 45,000 miles. That said, separate transmissions require different types of transmission fluid. Here we give you an overview of transmission fluids that go well with various transmissions of Mazda 3.

• Ford 4F27E / Mazda FN4A-EL, Ford FNR5 / Mazda FS5A-EL, Aisin AWTF-80 SC: Dexron VI
• B2C2-B / RF7J, G35M-R, G66M-R: RedLine

Also read: Types Of Gas A Mazda 3 Takes (Explained)

References

• Wikipedia.com
• Autoevolution.com
• Motortrend.com
• Motorask.com
• Go4trans.com
• Go-powertrain.com
• Mistertransmission.com
• Mazdaforum.com