The most reliable Mazda engines by the numbers
Mazda's Skyactiv engines represent one of the best reliability stories in modern automotive engineering. High compression ratios without turbocharging, lightweight construction, and Japanese build quality — the data confirms what owners already know.
Complete ranking
| Rank | Engine | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skyactiv-X 2.0 | 89/100 | BEST |
| 2 | SkyActiv-G 1.5 | 89/100 | BEST |
| 3 | MZR 1.6 (Z6) | 88/100 | BEST |
| 4 | Skyactiv-G 2.5 | 86/100 | BEST |
| 5 | Skyactiv-G 2.0 (PE-VPS/PE-VPR) | 84/100 | BUY |
| 6 | L3-VE | 84/100 | BUY |
Skyactiv-X 2.0 — 89/100
2.0L SPCCI I4
Found in: 3, CX-30, CX-30 2.0 Skyactiv-X, Mazda3 2.0 Skyactiv-X
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Engine control software - stall risk recall (2019 builds), hesitation — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- SPCCI cylinder pressure sensor failure - rare — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
Full Skyactiv-X 2.0 reliability report →
SkyActiv-G 1.5 — 89/100
P5-VPS 1.5 SkyActiv-G
Found in: 2, 3, CX-3, MX-5, MX-5 1.5 Skyactiv-G
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Accessory belt tensioner wear - belt can snap — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Carbon deposits on injectors and intake (direct injection) — severity minor, typically appears around 100.000 km
- Oil consumption — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
Full SkyActiv-G 1.5 reliability report →
MZR 1.6 (Z6) — 88/100
1.6L NA I4
Found in: 2, 3, Mazda3 1.6
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Engine mount wear — severity minor, typically appears around 80.000 km
- Ignition coil pack failure — severity minor, typically appears around 80.000 km
- VVT solenoid clogging — severity minor, typically appears around 100.000 km
Full MZR 1.6 (Z6) reliability report →
Skyactiv-G 2.5 — 86/100
2.5L NA I4
Found in: 6, CX-5, CX-5 2.5 Skyactiv-G, CX-60, Mazda6 2.5 Skyactiv-G, Mazda6 Wagon 2.5 Skyactiv-G
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Direct-injection deposits — coked injectors and intake carbon — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Engine stall from PCM software error (recall, 2018-2019) — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- Low-pressure fuel pump failure — stall (recall, 2018-2019) — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
Full Skyactiv-G 2.5 reliability report →
Skyactiv-G 2.0 (PE-VPS/PE-VPR) — 84/100
2.0L NA I4
Found in: 2, 3, 6, 626, CX-3, CX-3 2.0 Skyactiv-G, CX-30, CX-30 2.0 Skyactiv-G
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Intake valve and injector carbon deposits (direct injection) — severity minor, typically appears around N/A
- MAF sensor fault codes — severity minor, typically appears around 60.000 km
Full Skyactiv-G 2.0 (PE-VPS/PE-VPR) reliability report →
L3-VE — 84/100
L3-VE 2.3 MZR (naturally aspirated)
Found in: 6
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Increased oil consumption — severity moderate, typically appears around N/A
Full L3-VE reliability report →
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →