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2.3 MZR DISI Turbo vs Skyactiv-G: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Skyactiv-G carries less risk than the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo: 25/100 (moderate risk) versus 63/100 (high risk). The 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI Turbo»; the Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

25

Moderate 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

11 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo reliable?

Mazda's 2.3 DISI Turbo (L3-VDT, 2005-2013) is powerful but demanding: the timing chain, the turbo and oil sludge are its weak points; only buy one with a good oil service history.[1][2][3]

See the 3 of the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo faults

Is the Skyactiv-G reliable?

The Skyactiv-G is a naturally aspirated petrol engine that the German specialist press consistently describes as reliable, with no documented pattern of serious engine faults in any Mazda model reviewed. Its weak point, shared with almost any direct-injection petrol engine, is carbon build-up in the intake; in addition, 2017-2020 units had recalls for software and for the fuel pump, since fixed by the manufacturer.[4][5][6][7]

See the 5 of the Skyactiv-G faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo and Skyactiv-G
2.3 MZR DISI TurboSkyactiv-G
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement2,261 cm³—
TimingChainChain
Power256–263 hp75–187 hp
Production2005–2013[1][8]since 2011[4][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk25Moderate risk
Documented faults35
Of high or critical severity20
Worst severityCritical severityMedium severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI Turbo
  2. High severity: Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI Turbo
  3. Medium severity: Oil consumption and sludge in the 2.3 DISI Turbo engine
  1. Medium severity: Intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling
  2. Medium severity: Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller
  3. Medium severity: ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)
Most expensive documented repairup to €2,200Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI TurboPublished figure[2]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo 256-260 hp (L3-VDT, 2005-2009)[1][2]
  • 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo (L3-VDT, 2010-2013)[1][2]
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

2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

Skyactiv-G

See the 9 models with the Skyactiv-G

Other comparisons

With the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

With the Skyactiv-G

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. Mazda L engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  2. Problemas Mazda CX-7Totalrenting · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  3. 2009 Mazda CX-7 engine problemsCarComplaints · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026
  4. SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Mazda CX-7Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  9. List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  11. Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German