1.8 TDCi vs e-Skyactiv D 3.3: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 carries less risk than the 1.8 TDCi: 21/100 (low risk) versus 48/100 (moderate risk). The 1.8 TDCi has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Breakage of the timing belt or of the high-pressure pump's belt (running in oil)»; the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Stalling and restart failures due to control unit software».

Risk index

1.8 TDCi

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

Low risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

Reviewed on 30 October 202614 sources How we work

Is the 1.8 TDCi reliable?

The 1.8 TDCi (codename Lynx) was Ford's standard diesel between 2001 and 2014, with Delphi common-rail injection and a variable-geometry turbo. It is an engine with well-documented faults: the dual-mass flywheel and clutch are by far its weakest point, followed by the injectors, the EGR valve and, to a lesser extent, the turbo hoses and the timing drive itself.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.8 TDCi faults

Is the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 reliable?

The e-Skyactiv D 3.3 is an inline-six diesel with mild-hybrid assistance that Mazda debuted in the CX-60. It is a very recent engine: there is no in-service reliability data, and what is documented are software recalls (stalling, restarting, clutch) fixed at the official dealer.^[5][6][7]

See the 2 of the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.8 TDCi and e-Skyactiv D 3.3
Item	1.8 TDCi	e-Skyactiv D 3.3
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	1,753 cm³	3,283 cm³
Timing	Timing belt (dry)	—
Power	75–125 hp	254 hp
Production	2001–2014^[1][8][9]	since 2022^[10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	48Moderate risk	21Low risk
Documented faults	5	2
Of high or critical severity	1	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	High severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Breakage of the timing belt or of the high-pressure pump's belt (running in oil) Medium severity: Premature wear of the dual-mass flywheel and clutch Medium severity: Delphi injector failure (leaks, cracks or poor spray pattern)	High severity: Stalling and restart failures due to control unit software High severity: Clutch between engine and electric motor that does not re-engage after braking
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.8 TDCi 75/90/100 (entry-level tunes: Focus I and Transit Connect)^[2][3] 1.8 TDCi 110/115/125 (Focus II, C-Max, Mondeo, Galaxy, S-Max and Transit Connect)^{[2][3][4][12][13][14]}	3.3 e-Skyactiv D 254 (T3-VPTS, 2022-present)^[5][6][7]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.8 TDCi

See the 8 models with the 1.8 TDCi

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

Mazda CX-60

Other comparisons

With the 1.8 TDCi

With the e-Skyactiv D 3.3

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

Ford Duratorq engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Mondeo 3 (1.8 TDCi 125ch)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Focus 2 (1.8 TDCi 115ch)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Ford S-MaxFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (Mazda CX-60)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 29 October 2026
Mazda CX-60 (2022 – 2024): engine stall (Safety Gate SR/01913/25)Car-Recalls.eu · Official body · published 23 May 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026
Mazda CX-60: The engine not responding to the accelerator after stopping (KBA 14131R)Car-Recalls.eu · Official body · published 11 August 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026
Ford FocusWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Ford Transit ConnectWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Skyactiv (apartado Skyactiv-D 3.3)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
Mazda CX-60 3.3 e-Skyactiv D MHEV 254ps AWD HomuraPractical Caravan · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026
Ford Focus Mk2: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Ford Mondeo Mk4: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Ford S-Max: Probleme und KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German