Skyactiv-G vs 1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16v: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16v carries less risk than the Skyactiv-G: 23/100 (low risk) versus 25/100 (moderate risk). The Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults; the 1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16v has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Risk index

1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16v

Low 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

Reviewed on 27 September 202616 sources How we work

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.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the Skyactiv-G faults

Is the 1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16v reliable?

The 1.6 and 1.8 16v Ecotec (Z16XER/A16XER, Z18XER/A18XER) that Opel fitted between 2005 and 2015 to the Astra H and J, Zafira B, Vectra C and Insignia A have a reputation as reliable naturally aspirated engines: the sources consulted document no serious faults or failure patterns, only minor problems such as ignition coils and, on the 1.8, leaks from the oil cooler or thermostat.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 3 of the 1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16v faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Skyactiv-G and 1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16v
Item	Skyactiv-G	1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16v
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	—	—
Timing	Chain	Timing belt (dry)
Power	75–187 hp	115–140 hp
Production	since 2011^[1][9]	2005–2015^{[10][11][12][13]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	25Moderate risk	23Low risk
Documented faults	5	3
Of high or critical severity	0	0
Worst severity	Medium severity	Medium severity
Main faults	Medium severity: Intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling Medium severity: Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller Medium severity: ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)	Medium severity: Oil and coolant leak or mixing via the oil cooler (1.8) Medium severity: Coolant loss through the thermostat or water pump Low severity: Ignition coil failures
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)^[2][14] 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)^[3][4][15] 2.5 Skyactiv-G (PY-VPS)^[3]	1.6 16V Ecotec 115 hp (Z16XER/A16XER, 2006-2015)^[5][6][7] 1.8 16V Ecotec 140 hp (Z18XER/A18XER, 2005-2014)^[5][8][16]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	None	None
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

Skyactiv-G

See the 9 models with the Skyactiv-G

1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16v

Other comparisons

With the Skyactiv-G

With the 1.6 and 1.8 Ecotec 16v

Compare other engines

First engine

Second engine

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel Insignia A – Typische Probleme & KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Opel Astra (H): pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Opel Zafira 2 (B): pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Opel Insignia (A): pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Opel Astra HWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel ZafiraWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel Astra JWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel Astra J – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Opel Vectra C: ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German