While driving down the interstate, vehicle lost much of it's acceleration, and began making a loud whining noise. Pulled off the highway and investigated the noise. It was a loud whining that only occurred in neutral and park over 2500 RPM and with any acceleration while in gear. Also noted yellow foamy oil on the dipstick which was 4.5 quarts low being very close to time to get a change. Towed to the shop to discover that the vehicle is burning oil and the turbo had gone bad. Mechanic suspects that the turbo going bad is what was most likely burning oil and retaining water in the crankcase.

- Weaverville, NC, USA

Apparently the design of the turbo and the engine creates hot spots in the engine, especially in the turbo. These hot spot create sludge build up which eventually effects the performance and reliability of the engine. Research on the internet shows this to be a problem for a considerable amount of owners of this vehicle. Mazda has refused to correct these problems under their warranty. Also lacking by Mazda, since it is apparently a major cause of large build-ups of sludge, is the necessity to idle the engine for three minutes prior to turning off. This was never explained to us when the vehicle was purchased.

- Newport Beach, CA, USA