Suzuki K15B 1.5L engine Specs, Problems & Reliability

The K15B is a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder, naturally aspirated gasoline engine that debuted in 2018. The Suzuki K15B engine is the biggest version of the K-series inline-fours. The 1.5L engine became a standard option for Suzuki's popular models, such as the fourth-generation mini SUV Suzuki Jimny (Sierra/Global), Suzuki Ciaz, and seven-seat compact MPV Suzuki Ertiga. The new engine replaced the M13A and M15A out of the previous small-displacement engine series.

The K15B is an all-aluminum engine. It has an aluminum open-deck design cylinder block with cast-in cylinder liners. The crankshaft is placed inside the block with an offset to the line of the cylinders. The engine is equipped with lightweight pistons with low-tension rings and nut-less split-type connecting rods. On top of the engine block, there is an aluminum alloy cylinder head with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts. The engine uses a strong, reliable timing chain - it is a silent timing chain to improve noise, vibration, and harshness. Both intake and exhaust camshafts come with variable valve timing (VVT). The valves are actuated by camshafts through bucket-type hydraulic lifters. The valve cover is made of plastic.

The Suzuki 1.5L K-engine has a Smart Distributor Less Ignition (SDLI) system that features electronic control and a coil-on-plug design. The engine is also equipped with an electronically controlled multi-point fuel injection system and a high-pressure semi-return fuel system. The intake manifold is made of composite material for a lightweight configuration. It is fitted with an electronic throttle body (drive-by-wire). The stainless steel 4-1 exhaust manifold has an integrated catalytic converter.

The K15B engine follows global design trends: it is lightweight, compact, and fuel-efficient. Despite a small displacement, the K15B delivers for the Suzuki Jimny strong low- and mid-range torque while maintaining excellent off-road driving capability.

K15B 1.5L Smart Hybrid

The all-new K15B engine also comes with the Progressive Smart Hybrid Technology developed by Suzuki. This technology features an advanced dual-battery setup and an integrated starter-generator mounted in place of a conventional alternator. The starter-generator unit provides brake energy regeneration during deceleration, torque assist functionality during acceleration, and engine start-stop function.

Engine Specs

Suzuki 1.5 K15B Engine Problems and Reliability

The new 1.5L K-series engine appeared on the market relatively recently, and it is too early to speak about its common problems due to a lack of data. However, the new owners have complained about increased oil consumption from the beginning, which is probably the norm for this engine. Also worth noting is that, despite conventional fuel injection, modern advanced injectors used for superior atomization are sensitive to fuel quality.