Skyactiv-G vs VW 2.0 TFSI EA113: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Skyactiv-G carries less risk than the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113: 25/100 versus 41/100 (both moderate risk). The Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults; the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower».

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

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 202611 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 VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 reliable?

The 2.0 TFSI EA113 (2004-2013) is a direct-injection turbo engine with one widely cited weak point: the high-pressure pump cam follower, which should be checked or replaced as a preventive measure. With the timing belt up to date, it is considered worth buying.^[5][6][7]

See the 4 of the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Skyactiv-G and VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
Item	Skyactiv-G	VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	—	1,984 cm³
Timing	Chain	Timing belt (dry)
Power	75–187 hp	200–265 hp
Production	since 2011^[1][8]	2004–2013^[6][7][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	25Moderate risk	41Moderate risk
Documented faults	5	4
Of high or critical severity	0	1
Worst severity	Medium severity	High 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)	High severity: Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves from direct injection Medium severity: PCV crankcase ventilation valve and oil consumption
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	up to €900Wear of the high-pressure pump cam followerPublished figure^[7]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)^[2][10] 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)^[3][4][11] 2.5 Skyactiv-G (PY-VPS)^[3]	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	None	2.0 TFSI 200 hp (AXX, BWA, BWE, BPY)^[6][9] 2.0 TFSI 230 hp (BYD, Golf GTI Edition 30)^[7][9] 2.0 TFSI 265 hp (BHZ, Audi S3 8P)^[7][9]
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

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

See the 8 models with the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

Other comparisons

With the Skyactiv-G

With the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

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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
2.0 TFSI EA113 upgrade bomba de alta presión BAR-TEK (seguidor de levas)BAR-TEK · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
Audi A3 8P: puntos débiles y guía de compra (Schwachstellen)Gebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
2.0 TFSI (EA113): problemas conocidosAutoscore · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (2.0 TFSI EA113)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 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