Skyactiv-G vs 1.0 SCe (B4D): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.0 SCe (B4D) 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 1.0 SCe (B4D) has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Risk index

1.0 SCe (B4D)

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 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 1.0 SCe (B4D) reliable?

The 1.0 SCe (B4D) is a simple, low-power (70-75 hp) naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, with no serious or systemic faults documented. Its most cited issues are a clutch that can slip or judder when cold and, more occasionally on the Dacia Sandero II, higher-than-normal oil consumption; there is no pattern of faults in the chain-driven timing.^[5][6][7]

See the 4 of the 1.0 SCe (B4D) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Skyactiv-G and 1.0 SCe (B4D)
Item	Skyactiv-G	1.0 SCe (B4D)
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	—	999 cm³
Timing	Chain	Chain
Power	75–187 hp	70–75 hp
Production	since 2011^[1][8]	2014–2024^[9][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	25Moderate risk	23Low risk
Documented faults	5	4
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: Clutch that slips or judders, especially when cold Medium severity: Jerking, rough idle or warning light from sensors and ignition coils Low severity: Higher-than-normal oil consumption (especially on the Dacia Sandero II)
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	1.0 SCe 70/75 (B4D, 2014-2024)^[5][6][7]
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

1.0 SCe (B4D)

Other comparisons

With the Skyactiv-G

With the 1.0 SCe (B4D)

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 et pannes de la Dacia Sandero 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Logan 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Twingo 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
List of Renault enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Renault TwingoWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
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