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e-Skyactiv D 3.3 vs 3.0 Di ZD30: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 carries less risk than the 3.0 Di ZD30: 21/100 (low risk) versus 54/100 (high risk). The e-Skyactiv D 3.3 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Stalling and restart failures due to control unit software»; the 3.0 Di ZD30 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Burnt or perforated pistons from insufficient lubrication».

Risk index

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

21

Low risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

3.0 Di ZD30

54

High risk · 2 serious faults

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

18 sourcesHow we work

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.[1][2][3]

See the 2 of the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 faults

Is the 3.0 Di ZD30 reliable?

The 3.0 Di (ZD30) fitted to the Patrol GR and the Terrano II had, in its first units, a lubrication fault that burned pistons, and Nissan increased the oil capacity in 2000. Australian press still reports burnt pistons on later cars, while the British press of 2005 praises its reliability: it is worth checking the service history.[4][5][6][7]

See the 2 of the 3.0 Di ZD30 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of e-Skyactiv D 3.3 and 3.0 Di ZD30
e-Skyactiv D 3.33.0 Di ZD30
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement3,283 cm³2,953 cm³
Timing—Gears
Power254 hp136–160 hp
Productionsince 2022[8][9]since 1999[10][11][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)21Low risk54High risk
Documented faults22
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  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
  1. Critical severity: Burnt or perforated pistons from insufficient lubrication
  2. High severity: Variable-geometry turbo stuck and overpressure spikes
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 3.3 e-Skyactiv D 254 (T3-VPTS, 2022-present)[1][2][3]
  • 3.0 Di 158 hp (ZD30DDTi, Patrol GR, 2000-2004)[4][5][7]
  • 3.0 Di 160 hp (ZD30DDTi, Patrol GR, 2004-2010)[13][14]
  • 3.0 Di 154 hp (ZD30DDTi, Terrano II, 2002-2006)[15][16]
  • 3.0 dCi 136-156 hp (ZD3, Renault Master II, from 2003)[17][18]
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

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

3.0 Di ZD30

Other comparisons

With the e-Skyactiv D 3.3

With the 3.0 Di ZD30

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. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (Mazda CX-60)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 29 October 2026
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Nissan Patrol GR II (ab 1998)AUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 22 November 2004 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  5. Nissan Patrol 2000: Revised engine oil capacityCarsGuide · Motoring press · published 20 February 2004 · consulted 2 November 2026
  6. Nissan Patrol 2000: Turbo-diesel cracked pistonsCarsGuide · Motoring press · published 28 June 2007 · consulted 2 November 2026
  7. Nissan Patrol (used car test)Auto Express · Motoring press · published 8 February 2005 · consulted 2 November 2026
  8. Skyactiv (apartado Skyactiv-D 3.3)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  9. Mazda CX-60 3.3 e-Skyactiv D MHEV 254ps AWD HomuraPractical Caravan · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026
  10. Nissan ZD engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  11. Nissan PatrolWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  12. Nissan Patrol GR Series (1998 - 2009) used car reviewRAC · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  13. Nissan PatrolWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  14. Nissan Patrol: Do later models also crack cylinder heads?CarsGuide · Motoring press · published 11 September 2009 · consulted 2 November 2026
  15. Nissan Terrano II (1993 - 2006) used car reviewRAC · Motoring press · published 4 August 2004 · consulted 2 November 2026
  16. Nissan Terrano II (ab 1993)AUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 16 December 2002 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  17. Renault MasterWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  18. Renault MasterWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German