Engine Code

AUDI CCLA engine (2015-2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Audi CCLA is a 1,798 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It belongs to the EA888 Gen 3 engine family, featuring direct fuel injection (TSI), variable valve timing (VVT), and an integrated exhaust manifold for enhanced thermal efficiency. In standard tune, it delivered 132 kW (180 PS) with 250 Nm of torque, offering a balance of responsive performance and fuel economy for mainstream applications.

Fitted to models such as the 8V A3, B9 A4, and 8U Q3, the CCLA engine was engineered for dynamic driving and efficient highway cruising. It met Euro 6b emissions standards through precise direct injection, a close-coupled catalytic converter, and dual-loop lambda control. This configuration targeted mixed and motorway driving with strong mid-range pull and reduced turbo lag.

One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load conditions, particularly in early Gen 3 EA888 units. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2015-17-02, can lead to lean mixture faults and misfires if not addressed. From 2017, revised pump materials and updated calibration were implemented to improve durability across the CCLA-powered lineup.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2015–2018 meet Euro 6b standards; 2019–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).

CCLA Technical Specifications

The Audi CCLA is a 1,798 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2015–2020). It combines direct fuel injection with variable valve timing to deliver responsive performance and stable fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6b and later Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances real-world usability with emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,798 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke82.5 mm × 84.5 mm
Power output132 kW (180 PS) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm
Torque250 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6b (2015–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2020)
Compression ratio9.6:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerSingle-scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold
Timing systemChain-driven (HPFP wear risk under high load)
Oil typeAudi Longlife 04 (5W-30 or 5W-40)
Dry weight135 kg
Practical Implications

The CCLA's integrated exhaust manifold enables rapid warm-up and low-end torque, but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals to protect the high-pressure fuel system. Use of Audi Longlife 04 (5W-30) oil is essential to maintain hydraulic tensioner and HPFP function. Extended high-speed driving or towing increases stress on the fuel pump, particularly in pre-2017 builds. Regular fuel injector cleaning and intake decarbonisation are recommended due to direct injection. Early-build engines (pre-2017) should be monitored for lean mixture DTCs per Audi SIB 2015-17-02. Turbocharger reliability remains high provided oil flow and intercooler efficiency are maintained.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 04 specification (Audi SIB 2015-17-02). Compatible with ACEA A5/B5 and VW 502 00/505 00.

Emissions: Euro 6b applies to 2015–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance from 2019 onward varies by market.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output maintained on regular unleaded (RON 95) with proper maintenance.

Primary Sources

Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32001, A32005, A32012, SIB 2015-17-02

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

CCLA Compatible Models

The Audi CCLA was used across Audi's 8V/B9 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated starter-generator in the A3 e-tron and revised cooling paths in the Q3-and from 2017 the facelifted B9 A4 adopted updated emissions calibration, creating software compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Audi
Years:
2015-2020
Models:
A3 (8V)
Variants:
35 TFSI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2016
Make:
Audi
Years:
2015-2018
Models:
A4 (B9)
Variants:
35 TFSI
View Source
Audi TIS Doc. A32101
Make:
Audi
Years:
2015-2020
Models:
Q3 (8U)
Variants:
35 TFSI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2016
Make:
Audi
Years:
2015-2017
Models:
A3 Sportback e-tron
Variants:
2.0 TFSI PHEV
View Source
Audi TIS Doc. A32151
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A32001). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CCLA in 35 TFSI models). Pre-2017 units have a black plastic intake manifold; post-2017 models feature revised runner design. Critical differentiation from EA888 Gen 2: CCLA has integrated exhaust manifold casting and revised turbo placement. Service parts require model year verification – fuel pumps for pre-2017 CCLA engines are superseded by updated kits (Audi SIB 2015-17-02).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Audi TIS Doc. A32001

Location:

Stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A32001).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2017: Black plastic intake manifold
  • Post-2017: Revised runner geometry with updated plenum
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Audi SIB 2015-17-02

Fuel Components:

High-pressure fuel pumps for pre-2017 CCLA engines are prone to wear; updated kits from 2017 onward improve durability.

Software Calibration:

ECU maps for post-2017 B9 A4 require updated emissions calibration; not directly interchangeable with pre-facelift units.
HPFP Upgrade

Issue:

Early EA888 Gen 3 units, including CCLA, experienced HPFP wear due to material fatigue under sustained high load.

Evidence:

Audi SIB 2015-17-02

Recommendation:

Install updated HPFP assembly per Audi SIB 2015-17-02, especially on vehicles used for towing or high-speed driving.

Common Reliability Issues - AUDI CCLA

The CCLA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load operation. Internal Audi quality reports from 2016 indicated a significant share of pre-2017 engines exhibiting lean mixture faults before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a portion of emissions-related failures to turbo actuator faults in high-mileage units. Extended highway use and delayed oil changes increase stress on the HPFP, making adherence to service intervals critical.

High-pressure fuel pump wear
Symptoms: Lean mixture codes, misfires under load, reduced power, fuel pressure warning.
Cause: Early-design HPFP susceptible to wear under sustained high-load conditions and extended oil intervals.
Fix: Replace with updated OEM HPFP kit per service bulletin; inspect fuel lines and injectors for contamination.
Turbocharger actuator sticking
Symptoms: Reduced boost pressure, DTCs for over/under-boost, limp-home mode activation.
Cause: Carbon buildup or mechanical wear in the vacuum-operated wastegate actuator linkage.
Fix: Clean or replace actuator mechanism; verify linkage movement and recalibrate in diagnostics.
Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation under load, reduced fuel economy, increased emissions.
Cause: Direct injection design lacks fuel washing over intake valves, promoting carbon accumulation.
Fix: Perform intake valve decarbonisation; consider walnut blasting or chemical cleaning per technical guidance.
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket
Symptoms: Oil residue on exhaust manifold, burning smell, low oil level warnings.
Cause: Age-related degradation of the valve cover gasket, exacerbated by high underhood temperatures.
Fix: Replace gasket with OEM part and inspect PCV system for blockages contributing to pressure buildup.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about AUDI CCLA

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CCLA.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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