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Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi 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 Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi: 21/100 (low risk) versus 43/100 (moderate risk). The Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Broken teeth on the camshaft gear (2017 campaign)»; 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

Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

43

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

21

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

13 sourcesHow we work

Is the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi reliable?

These are the diesels of the Isuzu D-Max: the 2.5 twin-turbo (4JK1) and the 1.9 Ddi (RZ4E) of the European range, and the 2.5 and 3.0 of the Latin American Chevrolet D-Max. Auto Express speaks of enviable reliability; what is documented is diesel in the oil of the 2.5 on short journeys, soot in the EGR and a 2017 campaign for the camshaft gear.[1][2][3][4]

See the 3 of the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi 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 Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi and e-Skyactiv D 3.3
Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddie-Skyactiv D 3.3
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement—3,283 cm³
TimingGears—
Power117–177 hp254 hp
Productionsince 2012[4][8][9][10]since 2022[11][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)43Moderate risk21Low risk
Documented faults32
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Broken teeth on the camshaft gear (2017 campaign)
  2. High severity: Diesel in the oil and clogged particulate filter on short journeys
  3. Medium severity: EGR valve blocked by soot
  1. High severity: Stalling and restart failures due to control unit software
  2. High severity: Clutch between engine and electric motor that does not re-engage after braking
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.9 Ddi 163 hp (RZ4E, European D-Max from 2017)[1][4]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.5 TD twin-turbo 163 hp (4JK1, European D-Max 2012-2017)[2][4]
  • 2.5 and 3.0 TD (4JK1 and 4JJ1, Latin American Chevrolet D-Max 2012-2020)[3][13]
  • 3.3 e-Skyactiv D 254 (T3-VPTS, 2022-present)[5][6][7]
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

Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

Other comparisons

With the Isuzu 2.5 / 3.0 / 1.9 Ddi

With the e-Skyactiv D 3.3

Compare other engines

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Sources

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

  1. Isuzu D-Max reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 16 October 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026
  2. Tips for buying a second-hand pickup: Isuzu D-MaxFarmers Weekly · Motoring press · published 17 December 2020 · consulted 2 November 2026
  3. Isuzu MU-X & D-Max common problems and solutionsUnsealed 4X4 · Motoring press · published 12 June 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. Isuzu D-Max: Camshaft Gear Teeth May Break (R/2017/194)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · published 10 July 2017 · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (Mazda CX-60)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 29 October 2026
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Isuzu D-MaxWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Isuzu D-MAX 2. Generation (2012-2017): Modelle, Technische DatenADAC Autokatalog · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  10. Isuzu D-MAX 2. Generation, 1. Facelift (2017-2020): Modelle, Technische DatenADAC Autokatalog · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  11. Skyactiv (apartado Skyactiv-D 3.3)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  12. Mazda CX-60 3.3 e-Skyactiv D MHEV 254ps AWD HomuraPractical Caravan · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026
  13. Isuzu D-Max ProblemsCarsGuide · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026