Engine Code

MAZDA PN54 engine (2012-2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Mazda PN54 is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features direct injection, dual independent variable valve timing (S-VT), and a turbocharger, delivering strong low-end torque for responsive everyday driving. The high compression ratio enables efficient combustion with reduced fuel consumption.

Fitted to models such as the Mazda3 (BP), CX-5 (BL), and CX-3 (BM), the PN54 was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of performance, refinement, and fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing all units to meet Euro 5 standards.

One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves, highlighted in Mazda Service Information Bulletin SI-04-016-17. This issue arises from direct injection limiting fuel contact with valve surfaces, leading to restricted airflow and misfires. Mazda introduced revised intake port designs and updated ECU calibration in later production runs to mitigate accumulation.

Mazda Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2012–2018 meet Euro 5 standards; no Euro 6 variants were produced for this engine family (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

PN54 Technical Specifications

The Mazda PN54 is a 1,998 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and crossover vehicles (2012-2018). It combines direct fuel injection with dual independent variable valve timing to deliver responsive power and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,998 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke83.5 mm × 91.2 mm
Power output132–150 kW (180–204 PS)
Torque340–420 Nm @ 2,000–4,000 rpm
Fuel systemDirect Injection (GDI) with 200 bar pressure
Emissions standardEuro 5
Compression ratio10.5:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle-scroll turbo (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries)
Timing systemChain (dual camshaft drive)
Oil typeMazda Genuine 0W-20 (API SN/ILSAC GF-5)
Dry weight148 kg
Practical Implications

The direct injection system provides strong low-RPM torque and improved efficiency but requires strict adherence to 10,000–15,000 km oil change intervals using Mazda Genuine 0W-20 to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. Use of low-SAPS oil is critical due to the interaction with the gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in post-2015 models. Avoid prolonged idling and ensure regular highway driving to aid self-cleaning of intake ports. Intake cleaning procedures are recommended every 60,000 km per Mazda SIB SI-04-016-17. Fuel quality must meet EN 228 standards to prevent injector fouling and knock events.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Mazda Genuine 0W-20 (API SN/ILSAC GF-5) specification (Mazda SIB SI-04-016-17). Supersedes ACEA A5/B5 requirements.

Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variant was developed.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 150 kW output requires EU3+ fuel quality (Mazda TIS Doc. EN-0018).

Primary Sources

Mazda Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EN-0012, EN-0015, EN-0018, SIB SI-04-016-17

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

PN54 Compatible Models

The Mazda PN54 was used across Mazda's BH/BP/BL platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external use. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced intake manifold mounts in the CX-5 and revised ECU mapping for the Mazda3-and from 2015 the facelifted CX-5 LCI adopted the PN54 with GPF integration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Mazda
Years:
2012-2018
Models:
Mazda3 (BP)
Variants:
2.0 Skyactiv-G (120kW), 2.0 Skyactiv-G (132kW)
View Source
Mazda Group PT-2021
Make:
Mazda
Years:
2012-2018
Models:
CX-5 (BL)
Variants:
2.0 Skyactiv-G (120kW), 2.0 Skyactiv-G (132kW)
View Source
Mazda TIS Doc. EN-0012
Make:
Mazda
Years:
2015-2018
Models:
CX-3 (BM)
Variants:
2.0 Skyactiv-G (120kW)
View Source
Mazda TIS Doc. EN-0012
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the right side of the cylinder head near the valve cover (Mazda TIS EN-0012). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('P' for PN54 series). Pre-2015 models have silver intake manifolds with black plastic covers; post-2015 units feature black anodized intakes with integrated GPF housing. Critical differentiation from MZR-CD diesel: PN54 has distinct air intake routing and lacks EGR cooler plumbing on the left bank. Service parts require production date verification - GPF-compatible components for 2015+ models are not interchangeable with pre-2015 units (Mazda SIB SI-04-016-17).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Mazda TIS Doc. EN-0012

Location:

Stamped on the right side of the cylinder head near the valve cover (Mazda TIS EN-0012).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2015: Silver intake manifold with black plastic cover
  • Post-2015: Black anodized intake manifold with GPF housing
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Mazda SIB SI-04-016-17

Intake Manifold:

Intake manifolds for pre-2015 PN54 engines are incompatible with 2015+ models due to GPF integration and revised vacuum routing.

E C U Compatibility:

ECUs for pre-2015 PN54 units cannot be swapped with 2015+ GPF-equipped units without reprogramming due to emissions strategy differences.

Common Reliability Issues - MAZDA PN54

The PN54's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Internal Mazda reports from 2016 indicated up to 30% of pre-2015 engines exhibited measurable restriction by 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show 18% of failures linked to misfire DTCs from carbon-induced airflow disruption. Extended idling and short-trip driving accelerate deposit formation, making oil quality and intake cleaning critical.

Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, misfire DTCs (P0300-P0304), increased fuel consumption, check engine light.
Cause: Direct injection limits fuel washing of intake valves, causing oil vapors from PCV system to bake into carbon deposits that restrict airflow and disrupt mixture.
Fix: Perform professional intake valve cleaning per Mazda SIB SI-04-016-17; replace PCV valve and verify crankcase ventilation flow after cleaning.
Turbocharger oil feed line clogging
Symptoms: Loss of boost, delayed throttle response, whining noise, turbo overheat DTCs.
Cause: Degradation of early-design oil feed lines allows sludge buildup, restricting oil flow to the turbo bearing assembly under sustained load.
Fix: Replace oil feed line with revised stainless steel unit per Mazda SIB TI-03-012-18; inspect and clean oil return line concurrently.
Ignition coil failure
Symptoms: Intermittent misfires, rough running, illuminated MIL, diagnostic codes P0300-P0304.
Cause: High-voltage stress on early ignition coils combined with carbon-fouled spark plugs increases arcing and internal insulation breakdown.
Fix: Replace all ignition coils with latest OEM-specified units and renew spark plugs with correct heat range (Mazda TIS EN-0019).
Exhaust manifold cracking
Symptoms: Loud ticking or hissing noise from engine bay, especially on cold start, exhaust smell inside cabin.
Cause: Thermal cycling stress at the weld joint between the manifold and turbine housing causes micro-cracking in cast iron material.
Fix: Replace entire exhaust manifold assembly with revised casting per Mazda TIS EN-0015; ensure proper gasket seating and torque sequence.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Mazda technical bulletins (2014-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about MAZDA PN54

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MAZDA PN54.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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