Skyactiv-G vs 2.0 FSI: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Skyactiv-G carries less risk than the 2.0 FSI: 25/100 versus 34/100 (both moderate risk). The Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults; the 2.0 FSI has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

2.0 FSI

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

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

Reviewed on 30 October 202615 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 FSI reliable?

The 2.0 FSI is the naturally aspirated version with which the Volkswagen Group introduced petrol direct injection in a two-litre engine, before moving on to the turbocharged 2.0 TSI. Two faults recur across several models: carbon build-up on the intake valves, inherent to direct injection, and ignition coil failure, documented from 5,000 km in one case. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de nevertheless counts it among the most reliable petrol engines in the Audi A4 B7.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 3 of the 2.0 FSI faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Skyactiv-G and 2.0 FSI
Item	Skyactiv-G	2.0 FSI
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	—	1,984 cm³
Timing	Chain	Timing belt (dry)
Power	75–187 hp	150 hp
Production	since 2011^[1][9]	2003–2009^[10][11][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	25Moderate risk	34Moderate risk
Documented faults	5	3
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: Carbon build-up on the intake valves Medium severity: Ignition coil failure Low severity: Blocked EGR valve
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)^[2][13] 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)^[3][4][14] 2.5 Skyactiv-G (PY-VPS)^[3]	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	None	2.0 FSI (EA113, 150 hp, 2003-2009)^{[5][6][7][8][15]}
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 FSI

See the 10 models with the 2.0 FSI

Other comparisons

With the Skyactiv-G

With the 2.0 FSI

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
Audi A3 8P: Typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
VW Passat B6 – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Audi A4 B7 (8E) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Volkswagen Golf V - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Volkswagen Golf Mk5Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Volkswagen TouranWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
VW Passat B6Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
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
Fiabilité Volkswagen Passat - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French