Skyactiv-G vs 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT: which engine is more reliable?

The Skyactiv-G and the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT tie on our risk index: 25/100 (moderate risk). The Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults; the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance».

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Risk index

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

Reviewed on 5 October 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 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT reliable?

In the sources we consulted, the 2.0-litre F4R and F4RT show no engine-destroying design faults, but the timing belt must be changed on time, and the coils (RS) and the variable valve timing pulley appear as weak points. We have found no reliable sources on oil consumption or big-end bearings.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 3 of the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Skyactiv-G and 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
Item	Skyactiv-G	2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	—	1,998 cm³
Timing	Chain	Timing belt (dry)
Power	75–187 hp	135–250 hp
Production	since 2011^[1][9]	since 2000^[10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	25Moderate risk	25Moderate risk
Documented faults	5	3
Of high or critical severity	0	1
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)	Critical severity: Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance Medium severity: Faulty camshaft variable valve timing pulley Medium severity: F4RT ignition coil 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	2.0 16v naturally aspirated 135-197 hp (F4R)^[5][6] 2.0 turbo 165-250 hp (F4RT)^[7][8]
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

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

Other comparisons

With the Skyactiv-G

With the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

Compare other engines

First engine

Second engine

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

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
Pannes Renault Mégane 2 (testimonios por motorización)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Fiabilité occasion Renault Mégane II (2002-2009)CarVerif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
Renaultsport Megane checkpointsevo · Motoring press · published 20 November 2008 · consulted 5 October 2026
RenaultSport Megane 225 buying guide, history and reviewOctane · Motoring press · published 7 February 2025 · consulted 5 October 2026
List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Moteur F Renault (F4R y F4RT)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
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