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-G 2.0 | 88/100 | BEST |
| 2 | MZR 1.6 (Z6) | 88/100 | BEST |
| 3 | Skyactiv-G 2.5 | 86/100 | BEST |
| 4 | PE-VPS 2.0 | 85/100 | BEST |
| 5 | SkyActiv-G 1.5 | 84/100 | BUY |
| 6 | LF-VE/DE | 80/100 | BUY |
| 7 | Skyactiv-D 2.2 | 78/100 | BUY |
Skyactiv-G 2.0 — 88/100
2.0L NA I4
Found in: 2, 3, 626, CX-3 2.0 Skyactiv-G, CX-30 2.0 Skyactiv-G, CX-5 2.0 Skyactiv-G, MX-5 1.5 Skyactiv-G, MX-5 2.0 Skyactiv-G
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Carbon buildup (DI — only real concern) — severity minor, typically appears around 80.000 km
- MAF sensor fault codes — severity minor, typically appears around 60.000 km
Full Skyactiv-G 2.0 reliability report →
MZR 1.6 (Z6) — 88/100
1.6L NA I4
Found in: 2, Mazda3 1.6
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Ignition coil pack failure — severity minor, typically appears around 80.000 km
- Engine mount wear — severity minor, typically appears around 100.000 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: 3, 6, CX-5, CX-5 2.5 Skyactiv-G, CX-60, CX-7, Mazda6 2.5 Skyactiv-G, Mazda6 Wagon 2.5 Skyactiv-G
No significant reliability issues reported.
Full Skyactiv-G 2.5 reliability report →
PE-VPS 2.0 — 85/100
2.0L NA I4
Found in: 2, 3, 5, 6, 626, CX-3, CX-30, CX-5
No significant reliability issues reported.
Full PE-VPS 2.0 reliability report →
SkyActiv-G 1.5 — 84/100
P5-VPS 1.5 SkyActiv-G
Found in: 2, 3, CX-3, MX-5
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Carbon buildup (minimal) — severity minor, typically appears around 100.000 km
Full SkyActiv-G 1.5 reliability report →
LF-VE/DE — 80/100
LF 2.0 MZR
Found in: CR-V, Civic, ZR-V
Even the best engines have some issues to watch:
- Coil pack failure — severity minor, typically appears around 40.000 km
Full LF-VE/DE reliability report →
Generated from EngineScope's reliability database. Reviewed by the editorial team. Methodology →