The Audi DFHA is a 2,967 cc, V6 turbo-diesel engine produced between 2019 and 2023. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA898 engine family, designed for high torque output and refined performance in premium SUVs and executive sedans. Featuring common rail direct injection, a twin-turbocharger system (sequential setup), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 170 kW (231 PS) and 500 Nm of torque, with strong low-end pull and smooth power delivery across the rev range.
Fitted to models such as the A6 (C8), A7 (C8), A8 (D5), and Q7 (4M), the DFHA engine was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of effortless cruising, towing capability, and emissions compliance. Emissions control is achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling full Euro 6d compliance depending on model year and market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive shaft, particularly in vehicles with frequent cold starts. This issue, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2020-12-01, stems from delayed lubrication during initial engine startup. From 2021 onward, Audi implemented revised drive gear design and updated cold-start oil pressure calibration to mitigate risk, aligning with long-term reliability improvements in the EA898 diesel engine series.
All production years (2019–2023) comply with Euro 6d standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi DFHA is a 2,967 cc V6 turbo-diesel engineered for executive and luxury SUV models (2019–2023). It combines common-rail direct injection with a sequential twin-turbocharger system to deliver strong low-RPM torque and refined high-speed performance. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances power, refinement, and environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,967 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged (sequential) | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 91.4 mm | |
| Power output | 170 kW (231 PS) @ 3,250–4,250 rpm | |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 3-25 common-rail (up to 2,500 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d (2019–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with dual-circuit thermal management | |
| Turbocharger | Sequential twin-turbo (Garrett GT1749V + GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Triple-row chain (front-mounted; updated drive gear) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-18 (SAE 0W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The sequential twin-turbo system provides strong low-end torque ideal for towing and highway cruising but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Audi Longlife-18 (0W-30) to prevent high-pressure fuel pump drive wear. Cold-start idling should be minimized to ensure rapid oil pressure build-up at the fuel pump drive gear. The Bosch CP4 pump is sensitive to fuel quality and requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards to avoid internal damage. Post-2021 models feature revised drive gear; pre-2021 units should be inspected per Audi TSB 2020-12-01. SCR and DPF systems require regular highway runs to maintain regeneration cycles and prevent clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-18 (0W-30) specification (Audi TSB 2020-12-01). Supersedes VW 504 00 and 507 00.
Emissions: Euro 6d compliance applies to all model years 2019–2023 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). No Euro 6c or earlier variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output remains consistent across markets with ULSD fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A32600).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32050, A32510, A32600, TSB 2020-12-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DFHA was used across Audi's C8/D5/4M platforms with longitudinal mounting in quattro variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised cooling layouts in the Q7 and enhanced thermal shielding in the A8-and from 2021 the facelifted A6 C8.5 adopted the updated EA898 evo variant with improved SCR dosing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Audi TIS A32075). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for DFHA in C8 A6, 'F' for earlier D5 A8 variants). Pre-2021 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2021 units use all-black covers. Critical differentiation from EA898 evo: Original DFHA uses Bosch EDC17CP74 ECU with rectangular diagnostic connector, while evo models use EDC17CP75 with updated software mapping. Service parts require production date verification—fuel pump drive gears for engines before 06/2021 are incompatible with later units due to gear redesign (Audi TSB 2020-12-01).
The DFHA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in cold climates and short-trip driving. Internal Audi quality reports from 2020 indicated a notable number of pre-2021 engines requiring fuel pump replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a significant share of emissions-related MOT failures to EGR and DPF clogging in city-driven vehicles. Frequent cold starts and extended idling increase stress on fuel system components, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2019–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DFHA.
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