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PE-VPS

2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS) engine: faults and reliability

Mazda Skyactiv-G 1.5/2.0/2.5 (P5-VPS, PE-VPS, PY-VPS) version

Buy

According to the sources consulted, the Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3 and both generations of the CX-5 have no relevant engine fault pattern with this block; the ECU and fuel pump software of the CX-5 II and Mazda3 BP was corrected through manufacturer campaigns.[1][2][3]

Years
since 2012
Power
155 hp
Faults that affect it
5
0 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
8
in our database

10 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

This is the middle displacement, present since the CX-5's launch in 2012, with the highest compression ratio on the market for a production petrol engine (up to 14:1 in markets that allow it; 155 hp with the compression ratio reduced to 13:1 that Mazda uses in the US); on the MX-5, the 2019 update of this block reached 181 hp (135 kW). From around 2019, some European versions also include the "M Hybrid" / e-Skyactiv G system, a 48 V motor-generator integrated into the gearbox that adds about 12 kW and 153 Nm and allows smoother stop-start and a small amount of energy recovery under braking.[4][5][6]

Engine codes of this version: PE-VPS.

Faults of the PE-VPS engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsIntake shut-off valve software issue and engine stallingOn 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.
  2. 2Medium 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.
  3. 3Medium 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.
  4. 4Low 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.
  5. 5Low 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.

Cars fitted with the PE-VPS engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Mazda

Frequently asked questions

Is the PE-VPS engine reliable?

Our verdict is “Buy”. According to the sources consulted, the Mazda6, CX-30, CX-3 and both generations of the CX-5 have no relevant engine fault pattern with this block; the ECU and fuel pump software of the CX-5 II and Mazda3 BP was corrected through manufacturer campaigns.[1][2][3]

What faults does the PE-VPS engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: 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 in the intake manifold and injectors (low severity) and higher-than-normal oil consumption (low severity).

Which cars use the PE-VPS engine?

Mazda 3 III (2013–2019), Mazda 3 IV (since 2019), Mazda 6 III (2012–2023), Mazda CX-5 I (2012–2017), Mazda CX-5 II (since 2017), Mazda CX-3 (2016–2021), Mazda CX-30 (since 2019) and Mazda MX-5 IV (since 2015).[1][2][3][4][6][7][8][9][10]

Are you buying a car with the PE-VPS engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Mazda MX-5Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Mazda CX-5 (KE) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. Mazda CX-3 – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. Mazda CX-30 – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German