e-Skyactiv D 3.3 vs 1.7 CDTI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 carries less risk than the 1.7 CDTI: 21/100 (low risk) versus 36/100 (moderate 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 1.7 CDTI has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear».

Risk index

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

Low risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.7 CDTI

Moderate risk · 3 serious faults

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 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 1.7 CDTI reliable?

The 1.7 CDTI (Isuzu, 2003-2015) is a simple, widely used diesel, but it has built up accounts of soot-fouled EGR valves and injectors, a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) with oil dilution, wear of the dual-mass flywheel and clutch, and of the Hitachi-brand alternator; it also requires the timing belt to be changed every 150,000 km or 6 years to avoid a serious failure.^{[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]}

See the 5 of the 1.7 CDTI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of e-Skyactiv D 3.3 and 1.7 CDTI
Item	e-Skyactiv D 3.3	1.7 CDTI
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	3,283 cm³	1,686 cm³
Timing	—	Timing belt (dry)
Power	254 hp	100–130 hp
Production	since 2022^[11][12]	2003–2015^[4][13][14]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	21Low risk	36Moderate risk
Documented faults	2	5
Of high or critical severity	2	3
Worst severity	High severity	Critical severity
Main faults	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	High severity: Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear High severity: Clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) and oil dilution Critical severity: Timing belt: risk of serious failure if not changed on time
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	3.3 e-Skyactiv D 254 (T3-VPTS, 2022-present)^[1][2][3]	1.7 CDTI 100-101 hp (Z17DTH, 2003-2007)^[9][10] 1.7 CDTI 110 hp (Z17DTJ/A17DTJ/A17DTC/A17DTE, 2007-2014)^[9][10] 1.7 CDTI 125 hp (Z17DTR/A17DTR, 2006-2013)^[5][6] 1.7 CDTI 130 hp (A17DTS, 2010-2015)^[9][10]
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

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

Mazda CX-60

1.7 CDTI

See the 9 models with the 1.7 CDTI

Other comparisons

With the e-Skyactiv D 3.3

With the 1.7 CDTI

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.

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
Circle L engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Essai complet Opel Astra (H) : fiabilité et avisFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Essai complet Opel Zafira 2 : fiabilité et avisFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Essai complet Opel Meriva : fiabilité et avisFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Opel Astra H (A04): Probleme & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel Meriva A: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel Meriva B: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
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
Opel Corsa DWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel MerivaWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German