The Audi DFVA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2019 and 2023. It belongs to the EA288 evo engine family, designed for transverse applications in compact and mid-size Audi models. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, with enhanced thermal efficiency and reduced particulate emissions.
Fitted to models such as the A4 (B9), A5 (F5), A6 (C8), and Q5 (FY), the DFVA was engineered for responsive urban performance and efficient highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and integrated selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling full Euro 6d compliance across its production run.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive shaft wear, highlighted in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2020-11-02. Premature wear occurs due to torsional vibrations in the camshaft drive system under high-load conditions. From 2021, revised HPFP coupling design and updated camshaft phaser calibration were introduced to improve durability.

All production years (2019–2023) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).
The Audi DFVA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for transverse-mounted applications in compact and mid-size models (2019–2023). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and improved fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances performance with environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with dual-circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Roller chain (two-stage tensioner) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 149 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM response ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent EGR and turbo degradation. VW 504 00/507 00 oil is critical due to its low-ash formulation protecting DPF and SCR systems. Extended idling and short trips increase soot loading, necessitating regular highway runs for passive DPF regeneration. The direct injection system is prone to coking; walnut blasting every 60,000 km helps maintain airflow. Post-2021 models feature improved HPFP coupling; pre-2021 units should be inspected for drive shaft wear per Audi SIB 2020-11-02. SCR-equipped models require AdBlue top-ups every 12,000 km to maintain emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2020-11-02). Low-ash oil essential for aftertreatment longevity.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all 2019–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 590 (Audi TIS Doc. A36026).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34725, A35106, SIB 2020-11-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9012)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DFVA was used across Audi's B9/FY platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A4 and revised EGR routing in the Q5-and from 2021, updated camshaft phaser calibration in A6 and A5 variants created interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A34725). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 2.0 TDI EA288 series). All units feature SCR with AdBlue system. Critical differentiation: DFVA has a Bosch EDC17CP55 ECU with 80-pin connector, while similar EA189 engines use EDC17CP14. Service parts require model-year verification—HPFP units before 2021 are incompatible with post-2021 camshaft phaser revisions (Audi SIB 2020-11-02).
The DFVA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive shaft wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent towing or high-speed motorway driving. Internal Audi quality reports from 2021 noted a significant number of pre-2021 units requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA data links fuel system faults to a notable share of emissions test failures. High-load operation and poor maintenance increase torsional stress, making regular inspection and software updates critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2019-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DFVA.
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