Mazda Skyactiv-G 1.5/2.0/2.5 (P5-VPS, PE-VPS, PY-VPS)Electronics
Intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling on the Skyactiv-G
On Mazda3 BM/BN units built up to 4 July 2018, incorrect ECU programming can deposit soot on the intake shut-off valve to the point of suddenly stalling the engine; Mazda fixed it with a software update.[1]
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency occasional: We have only found this fault documented, as a Mazda recall acknowledged by Germany's KBA, on the Mazda3 BM/BN built up to 4 July 2018; as it is a software correction within a limited build window and we found no cases described outside that campaign, we rate it as occasional rather than a widespread problem, following the principle of not calling a defect already corrected by a campaign "very frequent".[1]
Symptoms
- The engine can stall suddenly while driving, without warning, when soot affects the intake shut-off valve.[1]Engine stalls: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
- The ECU irregularity usually turns on the engine warning light before or during the failure.[1]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Incorrect calibration of the ECU software allows soot to build up around the intake shut-off valve, which ends up interfering with engine operation.[1]
If it is not repaired: The engine can stall while driving, forcing you to restart it; Mazda considers the defect correctable with a software update, without replacing parts.[1]
Affected cars and years
The source gives the affected production cut-off as 4 July 2018 for the Mazda3 BM/BN, without specifying from which build date the problem starts or whether it affects a particular displacement.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS) | since 2014 | P5-VPSP5-VP |
| 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS) | since 2012 | PE-VPS |
| 2.5 Skyactiv-G (PY-VPS) | since 2013 | PY-VPS |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Mazda
- Mazda 3 III2013–2019
- Mazda 3 IVsince 2019
- Mazda 6 III2012–2023
- Mazda CX-5 I2012–2017
- Mazda CX-5 IIsince 2017
- Mazda CX-32016–2021
- Mazda CX-30since 2019
- Mazda 2 IIsince 2015
- Mazda MX-5 IVsince 2015
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Engine ECU software update.
How we calculated it: As it is a manufacturer recall, the owner should not pay for this update; we have not found a published price in case it is resolved outside the campaign.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- On a Mazda3 BM/BN built before July 2018, use the VIN to check whether this software campaign has already been carried out.
How to prevent it
- There is no prevention other than checking that the manufacturer's campaign has been carried out.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
Software updateMazda (campaña reconocida por el KBA alemán) · 4 July 2018
Intake shut-off valve software update
Mazda3 BM/BN units built up to 4 July 2018: incorrect ECU programming can deposit soot on the intake shut-off valve and cause the engine to stall suddenly; it is fixed by updating the software.[1]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether my Mazda3 has this campaign outstanding?
With the VIN, a Mazda dealer can check whether the vehicle is affected and whether the software update has already been applied.[1]
Does this fault affect other models besides the Mazda3 BM/BN?
The source consulted only documents it for the Mazda3 BM/BN; we have not found the same defect described for other models with this engine.[1]
Do I need to do anything if the car has already stalled once for this reason?
Yes: take it to the dealer to check whether the software update has already been applied, even if the fault does not recur straight away.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other Skyactiv-G faults
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFuelMicro-cracks in the fuel pump impellerBetween October 2017 and May 2020, Mazda built Mazda3 and CX-5 units with a fuel pump whose impeller can crack, swell and end up cutting off the fuel supply with the engine running; the manufacturer recalled the affected cars.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)On the CX-5 II built between 2017 and 2019, and the 2019 Mazda3 IV, incorrect engine ECU programming can cause loss of power or the engine to stall; Mazda fixes it with a software update acknowledged by Germany's KBA.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up in the intake manifold and injectorsLike almost any direct-injection petrol engine, the Skyactiv-G accumulates carbon on the intake valves over the miles and can foul the injectors, with loss of power and a rough idle; gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents it on the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-3, CX-30 and CX-5.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationHigher-than-normal oil consumptionSome Mazda3 BM/BN with the Skyactiv-G engine use more oil than expected between changes; the manufacturer itself considers up to 0.8 litres per 1,000 km normal, but gebrauchtwagenberater.de recommends not ignoring higher figures and checking the level regularly.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German