Skyactiv-G vs 1.5 K15B (Jimny): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.5 K15B (Jimny) carries less risk than the Skyactiv-G: 14/100 (low risk) versus 25/100 (moderate risk). The Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults; the 1.5 K15B (Jimny) has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Risk index

1.5 K15B (Jimny)

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 30 October 202613 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 1.5 K15B (Jimny) reliable?

The 1.5 K15B in the Suzuki Jimny is a 102 hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder with a timing chain, simple and with no documented faults of its own. The only thing recorded in Europe is a 2018-2020 recall for the fuel pump, precautionary and with a definitive remedy.^[5][6][7]

See the of the 1.5 K15B (Jimny) fault

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Skyactiv-G and 1.5 K15B (Jimny)
Item	Skyactiv-G	1.5 K15B (Jimny)
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	—	1,462 cm³
Timing	Chain	Chain
Power	75–187 hp	102 hp
Production	since 2011^[1][8]	since 2018^[9][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	25Moderate risk	14Low risk
Documented faults	5	1
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: Fuel pump with resin impeller that swells (recall)
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)^[2][12] 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)^[3][4][13] 2.5 Skyactiv-G (PY-VPS)^[3]	1.5 K15B 102 hp (Jimny IV, 2018-present)^[5][6][7]
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

1.5 K15B (Jimny)

Suzuki Jimny IV

Other comparisons

With the Skyactiv-G

With the 1.5 K15B (Jimny)

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
Problemas Suzuki JimnyTotalrenting · General press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
Suzuki Jimny: problemas comunes y llamadas a revisióncar-recalls.eu · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
Suzuki Jimny Problemecarwiki.de · General press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Suzuki K engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
Suzuki motor KWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
Suzuki JimnyWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 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