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e-Skyactiv D 3.3 vs 1.4 TDI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 carries less risk than the 1.4 TDI: 21/100 (low risk) versus 38/100 (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 1.4 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump».

Risk index

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

21

Low risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.4 TDI

38

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

12 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 1.4 TDI reliable?

It depends on the generation. The unit-injector one (1999-2010) calls for watching the timing belt - which also drives the unit injector pumps - the water pump, the turbo and the EGR, with a DPF only on the last BlueMotion/Ecomotive versions. The later EA288 (2014-2019) is not singled out by dieselgate, which according to the sources consulted was limited to the EA189, but it shares the need to watch the belt, turbo, EGR and DPF.[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the 1.4 TDI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of e-Skyactiv D 3.3 and 1.4 TDI
e-Skyactiv D 3.31.4 TDI
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement3,283 cm³1,422 cm³
Timing—Timing belt (dry)
Power254 hp69–90 hp
Productionsince 2022[7][8]1999–2019[5][6]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)21Low risk38Moderate risk
Documented faults24
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. High severity: Timing belt and water pump
  2. High severity: Failing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smoke
  3. Medium severity: Clogged particulate filter (DPF)
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €2,000Clogged particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[9]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 1.4 TDI common rail EA288 (2014-2019)[4][5]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 3.3 e-Skyactiv D 254 (T3-VPTS, 2022-present)[1][2][3]
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

1.4 TDI

See the 10 models with the 1.4 TDI

Other comparisons

With the e-Skyactiv D 3.3

With the 1.4 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. VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Skyactiv (apartado Skyactiv-D 3.3)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  8. Mazda CX-60 3.3 e-Skyactiv D MHEV 254ps AWD HomuraPractical Caravan · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026
  9. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. 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
  11. Cuánto cuesta válvula EGRDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Cómo saber si el turbo está roto o a punto de romperseMotor.es · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish