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e-Skyactiv D 3.3 vs 1.2 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 carries less risk than the 1.2 TDI: 21/100 (low risk) versus 45/100 (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 1.2 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump».

Risk index

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

21

Low risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.2 TDI

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

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 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 1.2 TDI reliable?

A three-cylinder diesel with a single homologated output (75 hp) that Volkswagen fitted to the low-consumption versions of its smallest models between 2009 and 2014. It belongs to the EA189 family and was added to the list of engines in the emissions scandal a few days later. Its timing belt also drives the water pump and the high-pressure pump, so do not put off replacing it; also keep an eye on the turbo, the EGR and the particulate filter.[4][5][6][7]

See the 5 of the 1.2 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of e-Skyactiv D 3.3 and 1.2 TDI
e-Skyactiv D 3.31.2 TDI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement3,283 cm³1,199 cm³
Timing—Timing belt (dry)
Power254 hp75 hp
Productionsince 2022[8][9]2009–2014[6][7]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)21Low risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults25
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityHigh 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. Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and the subsequent update
  2. High severity: Timing belt, water pump and high-pressure pump
  3. High severity: Failing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smoke
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €2,000Blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[10]
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]
  • 1.2 TDI common rail 75 hp (CFWA, 2009-2014)[4][11]
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

1.2 TDI

Other comparisons

With the e-Skyactiv D 3.3

With the 1.2 TDI

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. Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Volkswagen emissions scandalWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 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. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Bomba de agua del coche: la avería de más de 1.500 euros que arrastra la correa de distribuciónMotor16 · Motoring press · published 21 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish