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MotorFiable

Skyactiv-G vs E-Tech Híbrido: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Skyactiv-G carries less risk than the E-Tech Híbrido: 25/100 versus 32/100 (both moderate risk). The Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults; the E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)».

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

25

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

E-Tech Híbrido

32

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

15 sourcesHow 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 E-Tech Híbrido reliable?

The E-Tech combines a combustion engine (1.6 H4M naturally aspirated or 1.2 HR12 turbo) with electric motors and a multi-mode gearbox with no clutch or torque converter. Its best-documented weak point is the gearbox itself: reports from the Clio, Captur, Arkana, Austral, Duster and Jogger describe warnings of a risk of breakage, and Renault has launched two campaigns since 2020 (an electrical fault and a primary shaft seal). The 12 V battery also fails fairly often.[5][6][7]

See the 4 of the E-Tech Híbrido faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Skyactiv-G and E-Tech Híbrido
Skyactiv-GE-Tech Híbrido
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,598 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power75–187 hp140–200 hp
Productionsince 2011[1][8]since 2020[5][9][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)25Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults54
Of high or critical severity02
Worst severityMedium severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling
  2. Medium severity: Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller
  3. Medium severity: ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)
  1. High severity: Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)
  2. High severity: Stalling and injection warnings on the 1.2 E-Tech 200 (HR12)
  3. Medium severity: Hybrid system electrical fault with "DANGER" warning and car won't start
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious aboutNone
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[6][13]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[14]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[7][15]
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

Skyactiv-G

See the 9 models with the Skyactiv-G

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Other comparisons

With the Skyactiv-G

With the E-Tech Híbrido

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. SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  12. Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  13. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French