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0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC vs 1.5 K15B (Jimny): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.5 K15B (Jimny) carries less risk than the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC: 14/100 versus 18/100 (both low risk). The 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC has no documented serious faults; the 1.5 K15B (Jimny) has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC

18

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Risk index

1.5 K15B (Jimny)

14

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

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

19 sourcesHow we work

Is the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC reliable?

The GM Daewoo S-TEC engines (0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 naturally aspirated, low power) power the Matiz, Spark, Aveo 1.2, Beat and Sail. The sources consulted document only minor and cheap faults, such as oil leaks and ignition faults on the Matiz, and we have found no structural engine fault.[1][2][3]

See the 2 of the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC faults

Is the 1.5 K15B (Jimny) reliable?

The 1.5 K15B in the Suzuki Jimny is a 102 hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder with a timing chain, simple and with no documented faults of its own. The only thing recorded in Europe is a 2018-2020 recall for the fuel pump, precautionary and with a definitive remedy.[4][5][6]

See the of the 1.5 K15B (Jimny) fault

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC and 1.5 K15B (Jimny)
0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC1.5 K15B (Jimny)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,462 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power52–84 hp102 hp
Production2002–2022[7][8][9][10][11]since 2018[12][13][14]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)18Low risk14Low risk
Documented faults21
Of high or critical severity00
Worst severityMedium severityMedium severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Ignition system faults (high-tension leads and modules)
  2. Low severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover and sump
  1. Medium severity: Fuel pump with resin impeller that swells (recall)
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.2 S-TEC and S-TEC II 72-84 hp (Aveo T200/T250, 2005-2011)[15][16]
  • 1.0 and 1.2 S-TEC II DOHC 16v (Spark M300, Beat and Sail, 2010-2022)[2][3]
  • 1.5 K15B 102 hp (Jimny IV, 2018-present)[4][5][6]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 0.8 and 1.0 S-TEC SOHC (Matiz/Spark M200, 2005-2009)[1][11]
  • 1.4 S-TEC DOHC 16v 102 hp (LCU, Sail, 2010-2015)[17][18][19]
None
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

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

Cars that each one is fitted to

Other comparisons

With the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC

With the 1.5 K15B (Jimny)

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

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

  1. Czy warto kupić: używany Daewoo / FSO Matiz (od 1998 do 2008)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 22 August 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  2. Chevrolet Spark hatchback reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published October 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026
  3. Fiabilité Chevrolet Spark (2009-2015): pannes, rappels et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  4. Problemas Suzuki JimnyTotalrenting · General press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Suzuki Jimny: problemas comunes y llamadas a revisióncar-recalls.eu · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Suzuki Jimny Problemecarwiki.de · General press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  7. Daewoo S-TEC engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  8. Chevrolet SparkWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Chevrolet Aveo (T200)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Chevrolet AveoWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  11. Chevrolet MatizWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  12. Suzuki K engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  13. Suzuki motor KWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Suzuki JimnyWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  15. Czy warto kupić: używany Chevrolet Aveo (od 2002 do 2011)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 5 March 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  16. Używany Chevrolet Aveo T200/T250 - typowe awarie i problemyWP Autokult · Motoring press · published 28 January 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  17. Chevrolet SailWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  18. Chevrolet Sail: conócelo en detalleAutocosmos Chile · Motoring press · published 3 November 2010 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  19. Lanzamiento Chevrolet SailAutoblog Uruguay · Motoring press · published May 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish