The Chevrolet LDA is a 1,364 cc, inline-three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2023. It forms part of General Motors' small-displacement, efficiency-focused engine family, featuring direct fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and continuously variable valve timing. In standard tune, it delivers 107 kW (145 PS), with peak torque of 200 Nm available from 1,800 rpm, enabling responsive urban performance and highway driveability.
Fitted to models including the Chevrolet Trax (2020–2023) and Chevrolet Trailblazer (2021–2023), the LDA engine was engineered for compact SUV applications requiring a balance of fuel economy, low-end torque, and packaging efficiency. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalyst and advanced engine control calibration, allowing Euro 6d and EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 compliance across global markets.
One documented concern involves premature turbocharger bearing wear under sustained high-load operation, highlighted in GM Service Information Bulletin 19-NA-014. This issue is linked to oil coking in the turbocharger center housing under rapid cooldown cycles. From 2021, revised oil drain-back geometry and updated coolant routing were implemented to improve thermal management and extend turbocharger service life.
Production years 2019–2020 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2021–2023 models comply with full Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Chevrolet LDA is a 1,364 cc inline-three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact SUVs (2019–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing to deliver strong low-end torque and responsive throttle characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 6d and EPA Tier 3 Bin 30 standards, it balances urban efficiency with highway performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,364 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 78.8 mm | |
| Power output | 107 kW (145 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,800–4,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d (2021–2023); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Mitsubishi MHK12 turbo (variable turbine geometry) | |
| Timing system | Dual-chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1 Gen 3 (SAE 0W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The inline-three layout with turbocharging delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving, but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos1 Gen 3 (0W-20) to prevent turbocharger coking and timing chain wear. The close-coupled three-way catalyst demands ultra-low sulfur fuel (ULSF) meeting EN 228 standards to prevent catalyst poisoning. Rapid cooldown cycles (e.g., high-speed driving followed by immediate shutdown) increase turbo bearing stress; a 60-second idle cooldown is advised under heavy load. Post-2021 models feature improved oil drain-back design; pre-2021 units should verify turbo coolant flow per GM SIB 19-NA-014. Direct injection necessitates periodic intake valve cleaning to mitigate carbon buildup.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 3 (0W-20) specification (GM SIB 19-NA-014). Supersedes API SP and ILSAC GF-6 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2019–2020 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Full Euro 6d compliance verified for 2021–2023 models.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires 95 RON fuel (GM TIS Doc. A32010).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31095, A31520, SIB 19-NA-014
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Chevrolet LDA was used across Chevrolet's Gamma platform with transverse mounting and shared with Opel for European models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Trax and revised torque mounts in the Trailblazer-and from 2021 the facelifted Trailblazer RS adopted a revised turbocharger housing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front passenger-side cylinder block near the starter motor (GM TIS A31200). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for LDA series). Pre-2021 models have silver valve covers with green turbocharger housings; post-2021 units use black valve covers with blue housings. Critical differentiation from non-turbo variants: LDA engines feature a high-pressure fuel pump on the right side and a VGT turbocharger. Service parts require production date verification—turbocharger assemblies for pre-2021 models are incompatible with post-2021 revisions due to coolant passage redesign (GM SIB 19-NA-014).
The LDA's primary reliability risk is turbocharger bearing wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use. Internal GM quality reports from 2021 noted a significant share of pre-2021 engines requiring turbo service before 100,000 km, while EPA field data links a portion of emissions-related failures to catalyst degradation in high-heat environments. Rapid cooldown cycles and extended idling increase turbo and catalyst stress, making warm-up/cool-down procedures and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2019-2023) and EPA field failure statistics (2020-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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