Skyactiv-G vs 0.9 TCe: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Skyactiv-G carries less risk than the 0.9 TCe: 25/100 versus 49/100 (both moderate risk). The Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults; the 0.9 TCe has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Coolant leak at the thermostat housing».

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

0.9 TCe

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 27 September 202612 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 0.9 TCe reliable?

The 0.9 TCe (H4Bt) is a three-cylinder turbo with a good reliability reputation, better than that of its sibling the 1.2 TCe: it does not share the same oil consumption or the same rate of chain problems. Its most-cited weak point is a coolant leak at the thermostat housing, which if ignored can end up damaging the head gasket; chain, turbo and lambda sensor cases appear less often.^[5][6]

See the 5 of the 0.9 TCe faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Skyactiv-G and 0.9 TCe
Item	Skyactiv-G	0.9 TCe
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	—	898 cm³
Timing	Chain	Chain
Power	75–187 hp	90 hp
Production	since 2011^[1][7]	2012–2024^{[5][6][8][9][10]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	25Moderate risk	49Moderate risk
Documented faults	5	5
Of high or critical severity	0	3
Worst severity	Medium severity	Critical 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)	High severity: Coolant leak at the thermostat housing Critical severity: Timing chain or tensioner failure High severity: Turbocharger wear or failure
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)^[2][11] 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)^[3][4][12] 2.5 Skyactiv-G (PY-VPS)^[3]	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	None	0.9 TCe 90 (H4Bt, 2012-2024)^[5][6]
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

0.9 TCe

See the 8 models with the 0.9 TCe

Other comparisons

With the Skyactiv-G

With the 0.9 TCe

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
Fiabilité des 0.9 TCeFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Moteur H Renault-NissanWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Mercedes-Benz M281 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Renault ClioWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
Dacia SanderoWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
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