The fourth-generation Mazda 3 is available with two engine options for both hatch and sedan versions. While the turbo engine is pretty expensive, the base 2.5L non-turbocharged option seems quite reasonable to buy. It goes really well and doesn’t burn loads of fuel.
Today, I will tell you more about the 2.5L base non-turbo engine for the Mazda 3 available new. I will cover its longevity and show you some common problems of the unit. I should say that the 2.5L Skyactiv is one of the most reliable engines you can find in all compact sedans available now new in the US.
Here are some topics I will cover in the article:
- Key features of the 2.5L Skyactiv engine in the Mazda 3.
- What’s the average longevity of base engines in the new Mazda 3?
- What are the common problems with the 2.5L non-turbo engine in the Mazda 3?
- Can you prolong the lifespan of these engines?
What should you know about the Mazda 3 2.5L base engine?
The new Mazda 3 is available as a hatchback or sedan and it offers two engine options. The first is a non-turbocharged 2.5L Skyactiv engine and the second is basically the same engine but with a turbocharger. Today, I will focus on the non-turbo option and will try to describe it in easy words without too many technical terms.
The 2.5L engine is the Skyactiv-G PY-VPS. The engine has been here for over a decade now, the company started using it in 2013. Although it seems to be quite a reliable engine, it comes with its drawbacks that you should know about. I still believe this Skyactiv non-turbo unit is one of the best options among all compact sedans and hatchbacks on the market if you don’t take luxury cars like BMW and Mercedes.
Here’s what you may want to know about it:
- this is the quite simple 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with an aluminum head and block, it’s not turbocharged as I’ve already mentioned;
- the engine offers 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque which is not bad at all for the engine without the turbocharger;
- the engine has direct injection with no port injectors, so the carbon buildup is going to bother you sometimes;
- the Dual S-VT phaser changes the work of valves, both intake and exhaust, to make the engine more efficient;
- the timing system is driven by the chain – but don’t celebrate this because the chain is not going to live forever;
- the Mazda 3 2.5L Skyactiv engine comes with a decent 6-speed automatic transmission that offers durability and reliability;
- wonderful efficiency ensures that you will get 28 MPG in the city and up to 37 MPG on highways.
Don’t think that those gas mileage ratings are easily achievable. You will need to adjust your driving style and speed to see those wonderful figures on your dash but it’s still not impossible. It’s interesting that the base engine comes standard with front-wheel drive but you can pay and get the all-wheel drive feature that is not often offered in such vehicles at all.
Overall, the engine looks perfect. It’s not small, doesn’t have really bad and unverified technologies, it’s cool to drive, and it’s very fuel efficient. That’s why I told you before that I thought this engine to be one of the most advantageous in its class. But we slowly approach the problems section and I wouldn’t make any immediate conclusions now.
What about the durability of the 2.5L base engine in the Mazda 3?
Well, it’s hard to say for sure how many miles this engine will go. But according to what I know about it and what experts say, I believe the average lifespan should be considered about 220,000 miles. That’s a lot and not many other affordable engines can compete with such a lifespan.
I still think that you will have to deal with some minor issues in this engine along the way. And the way you address these issues will identify the eventual longevity. I even heard from one Mazda owner from Europe who drove another vehicle powered by the PY-VPS engine and managed to get it to 600,000 kilometers or approximately 400,000 miles without major repairs. Miracle!
But to get the engine at least to 200,000 miles in normal condition, you will need to maintain it and keep an eye on any possible problems. For this, please read the next section of this article which will tell you more about the common issues with the 2.5L Skyactiv engine.
By the way, the transmission is not likely to last 220,000 miles. Although it’s a very reliable and non-problematic automatic transmission, it will most likely need a repair at about 120,000 miles or a little later. The repair will not cost you a fortune, but you should still get ready to invest about $1500 or $2000 to get it back on the road.
What are the common problems with the 2.5L base engine in the Mazda 3?
So, when it comes to common problems with Mazda engines, you may remember those bulletproof old machines that were made by Mazda two decades ago and think that now it should be even better than that. But no. Things are much worse and modern engines have much more problems to be aware of.
Here are some common issues you can expect to encounter in the PY-VPS engine in the Mazda 3:
1. Sudden oil consumption
Like many modern engines, this one suffers from oil consumption because of the weak valve seals. The seals may start leaking at about 50,000 miles and at 70K miles you will obviously notice the engine oil level drop. It’s important to keep an eye on the oil level because when it drops to the minimum, the Skyactiv engine starts suffering before you notice the oil warning light on the dash.
It’s important to keep the oil level high enough. Also, the oil consumption will affect the exhaust valves and the catalytic converter which will get some unwanted soot. So, valve seals may need replacement at about 70-90 thousand miles.
2. Ignition coils may be a problem
You should use high-quality fuel with these engines, otherwise, the ignition coils may go bad and the worst part is that they cost really much. Installing aftermarket ignition coils is not something you will want to do in the PY-VPS engine, so better stick to OEM parts.
I recommend premium fuel for this vehicle and better buy the fuel from big chains of gas stations that guarantee you will not regret your purchase.
3. Drive belt issues
The tensioner pulley for the drive belt system is made of plastic. After about 30,000 miles of driving, this pulley most likely gets damages and cracks. This may lead to the failure of the drive belt. Unfortunately, driving your car without the functioning serpentine belt is close to impossible, so you will have to call a tow truck.
Well, you may avoid this by inspecting the tensioner pulley every other time your car is on regular maintenance. Also, have the belt inspected for cracks and damages every year to avoid issues.
4. Timing chain problems
Although Mazda says that the timing chain is made to last forever, it doesn’t last 220,000 miles. At about 150K miles, you will hear the engine rattling and it will become worse after some time. This is a clear sign that the timing belt needs replacement. Be careful – Mazda timing chains don’t really tend to sound loud even when stretched, so even some slight rattling may be the reason to go and have the timing system inspected.
If the timing belt fails and jumps, the engine may get fatal problems with valves and pistons.
What should you do to prolong the life of this engine?
According to the common problems with the 2.5L non-turbocharged engine in the Mazda 3, you can make certain conclusions on what you should and shouldn’t do with this engine so that it could live a long and happy life.
Here are some recommendations from me:
- regular maintenance is as important as the quality of oil and fuel for your vehicle;
- make sure you use OEM fluids and parts when maintaining and repairing your Mazda 3 engine;
- be ready to replace the timing chain at about 150,000 miles;
- be ready to pay for intake valve cleaning due to carbon buildup approximately every 30K miles;
- remember to regularly check the oil level in the engine using the dipstick;
- whenever you hear the engine rattle or notice some other issues, have the engine inspected by professionals.
Although Mazda dealerships are not the cheapest companies that can maintain and repair your Mazda 3, I still recommend going to them when your vehicle needs engine inspection and repair. This engine is not really complicated, but some of its features are very specific and require expertise and certain tools to solve problems.
Final thoughts
Even though the 2.5L non-turbo engine in the Mazda 3 has some common problems, it’s not the most problematic engine in the class. I see it as one of the most durable simple 4-cylinder engines on the market now. And it’s going to provide you with great durability and wonderful driving unless your driving habits catalyze its problems and kill the machine.
Be careful and remember that this is just a simple engine not ready for high-performance use. If you maintain it and use the Mazda 3 wisely, this is going to be one of the best choices of cars in your life. But some bad surprises are possible, too.