The 3 Most Common Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.0 Engine Problems. Mazda debuted the 2.0 Skyactiv-G engine in the Mazda3 in 2012. It is still used in a few notable Mazda cars today, most notably the Mazda MX5 Miata. It doesn’t have much power as a little NA engine. Yet, it still provides solid performance for many of Mazda’s compact, light-weight vehicles. The 2.0 Skyactiv-G engines are also exceptionally efficient and dependable. Yet, no engine is perfect, and the Mazda 2.0L engine is no exception. In this post, we’ll go over some of the most prevalent problems with the Mazda 2.0 Skyactiv engine, as well as its general dependability.
What Vehicles Make Use of the Mazda 2.0L Engine?
Mazda 2.0L Skyactiv-G is available in the following models:
- Mazda3 (2012-present)
- Mazda6 (2013-present)
- Mazda CX-5 from 2013 till the present day
- Mazda Biante 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
- 2013-2015 Mazda5
- 2015-present Mazda CX-3
- Mazda MX5 Miata (2016 and later)
Engines in the United States produce 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Later MX-5 Miata models get an improved engine with 181 horsepower and a higher redline of 7,500 RPM. These Mazda 2.0L engine variations feature a wider intake manifold, higher pressure injection, and a performance exhaust.
Power may not appear to be impressive by modern standards. Several vehicles that employ the 2.0 Skyactiv-G weigh less than 3,200 pounds.
The 2.0 Skyactiv-G engines get 30+ mpg in town and 40+ mpg on the highway. Even people with larger feet benefit from the Mazda 2.0’s great fuel economy. Some people with lighter feet may notice improved fuel economy. These are certainly amazing figures, making the Skyactiv engine an excellent alternative for reducing gas consumption and pollutants.
Three Common 2.0 Skyactiv Engine Issues
The following are some of the most prevalent problems with the Mazda 2.0 Skyactiv-G engine:
- Oil pressure is low.
- Carbon accumulation
- Nothing*
We’ll go over the topics mentioned above throughout the rest of this essay. But, now is a good opportunity to make a few quick remarks. So far, the Mazda 2.0L engine appears to be extremely dependable. We name these the MOST frequent issues for a reason. This does not imply that they are widespread and harm a big number of 2.0 Skyactiv engines. Rather, when unusual problems arise, these are a few common places to look for.
*We’ve never actually seen this circumstance previously, but there aren’t many issues to address with the Mazda 2.0. As a result, in the third section, we’ll only go over some general reliability ideas. In any case, the Skyactiv 2.0 engine is among the most dependable engines we’ve ever reviewed.
1) Low Oil Pressure Mazda 2.0 Skyactiv
Low oil pressure is possibly the most common issue with the Mazda 2.0L engine. Even yet, low oil pressure problems are likely to affect only a small number of Skyactiv engines. It also predominantly affects previous Skyactiv-G 2.0 engines from 2012 to 2014. Low oil pressure is mainly caused by the oil pump. Specifically, a particle or debris became lodged on the oil pump pressure relief valve. Mazda published a technical service bulletin to address this issue.
In most circumstances, it appears to be a minor issue because it only creates a slight divergence from typical oil pressures. When this happens, it is unlikely to produce any long-term reliability issues. However, if too much pressure is lost or the problem is not addressed in a timely manner, it may be cause for concern. Operating with low oil pressure for an extended period of time may result in premature wear.
If the 2.0 Skyactiv loses too much oil pressure, the main bearings and rod bearings typically take a lot of abuse. It’s unlikely that any issues will arise in the near future. Bearing wear, on the other hand, may result in premature engine failure. This isn’t designed to terrify anyone because oil pressure problems are uncommon, and serious pressure loss is very rarer.
Symptoms of Skyactiv-G Low Oil Pressure
Symptoms of low oil pressure in the Mazda 2.0L engine include:
- Engine light on (MIL)
- P0015 and/or P0524 codes
Regrettably, the Skyactiv-G engine lacks an oil pressure light on the dashboard. If the oil pressure drops too low, the computer will illuminate the check engine light. MIL is Mazda’s abbreviation for the check engine light (malfunction indicator lamp). DTC P0015 and/or P0524 will accompany this.
Oil Pump Replacement for Mazda 2.0L
When the 2.0 Skyactiv engine experiences low oil pressure, Mazda recommends changing the oil pump. They also recommend that the oil strainer be replaced and the oil pan be cleaned. As any debris should be removed, this should help to eliminate the possibility of future problems.
Depending on the model, work takes between 1.5 and 4 hours. The 2014 Mazda3 models require more labor, but the 2012 and 2013 Mazda3 versions are faster. Parts will also cost an additional several hundred dollars. As a result, 2.0 Skyactiv-G oil pressure issues should cost around $400-800 to rectify at a service facility.
2) Skyactiv-G 2.0L Carbon Build-Up Issues
So, we’re already onto something we don’t consider a true problem. Direct injection (DI) engines, such as the 2.0 Skyactiv-G, are more prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves. Every engine has some degree of oil blow-by that enters the intake ports.
Using port injection, fuel is sprayed into the intake ports, which aids in the removal of deposits. However, DI sprays fuel straight into the Mazda 2.0 cylinders, so no ports or valves are wiped clean. Oil can stay together and form chunks of carbon deposits over time. Direct injection provides numerous advantages, however there is one minor disadvantage to the technology.
Thankfully, current engines have excellent PCV systems that aid in reducing oil blow-by. This does not totally remove carbon buildup, but it does assist to slow it down. Excess carbon buildup is expected to pose problems in the 80,000 to 120,000 mile range.
But, it is not an urgent matter. Certain 2.0L Skyactiv engines can run their whole lives without being cleaned. Unfortunately, carbon deposits can create a variety of symptoms and drivability issues for the Mazda 2.0 Skyactiv engine in some situations.
Signs of Mazda 2.0 Carbon Buildup
Among the indications that may suggest that the 2.0L engine has excessive carbon buildup are:
- Misfires
- Idle time
- Power outage
Carbon deposits begin to limit airflow into the cylinders as they accumulate. This can result in symptoms such as engine misfires, rough idle, hesitation, and so on. Carbon buildup will also reduce the power of the 2.0 Skyactiv engine. Yet, it is unlikely to be noticed because it occurs over time rather than as an abrupt loss of power.
Skyactiv Engine Carbon Buildup Removal
Walnut blasting is still one of the most efficient methods for cleaning intake valves and ports. It entails a powerful shop vac and walnut medium shells. To access the ports, the 2.0L Skyactiv intake manifold must be removed. Once inside, depending on how bad the valves are, the cleaning process can take an hour or two.
However, the job is largely labor-intensive, and most shops will charge between $300 and $600 for Mazda 2.0 walnut blasting. To help prevent deposits from accumulating, some people install an oil catch can and utilize particular chemicals in the intake. However, once considerable carbon buildup has occurred, walnut blasting is the most effective means to thoroughly cleaning the valves.
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3) Mazda 2.0 Skyactiv-G General Thoughts
There isn’t much further to say about known faults or design flaws with the 2.0 liter engines. Several modern engines rely on turbochargers for power or simply make the most of a naturally aspirated design. Mazda 2.0 Skyactiv-G engines employ cutting-edge technology, yet output per liter is quite modest.
That’s not always a terrible thing. It contributes significantly to the 2.0L Skyactiv’s high reliability and fuel economy. The only genuine issue raised in this article is low oil pressure. Although it is still a relatively unusual issue, Mazda did release a Service Bulletin covering low oil pressure difficulties. Nevertheless, carbon build-up is a minor price to pay for direct injection, which is a fantastic technology.
We could have proposed a third issue for the Mazda 2.0 engines, but we haven’t seen a substantial number of owners have the same issues. Having said that, automobiles and engines use thousands of different parts from various manufacturers. Defects occur from time to time, and it’s rare for a car to last 10-15 years and 150,000 miles without encountering at least one minor issue.
The point is that the 2.0 Skyactiv engine isn’t indestructible or faultless. But it’s a fantastic engine all around. Nonetheless, as early models age, more issues are likely to surface owing to natural wear and tear.
Reliability of the Mazda 2.0 Skyactiv Engine
Is Mazda’s 2.0L engine dependable? We’ve certainly made it clear how we feel about this engine thus far. We feel the 2.0 Skyactiv engine earns much above-average reliability ratings. To finish, some of this may be a touch repetitious, so bear with us.
There isn’t a completely ideal mass production engine in the world, but the Mazda 2.0 is certainly among the best. It has no severe design defects or a plethora of common issues. The 2.0 Skyactiv-G engine is very simple to maintain because it is a compact NA engine.
Some Mazda 2.0L Skyactiv engine reliability is essentially a matter of luck. Yet, one crucial component over which owners have control is upkeep. Maintain the 2.0 Skyactive properly by using quality oils, changing fluids on time, and repairing problems as they arise. If you do this, most people will have a pleasurable and dependable experience with the Mazda 2.0 engine.
